Columbia this week?

rags · 04-22-2001, 12:50 PM

I just got a new (used) 19ft. sled this week and have only fished the Columbia once ( below Bonneville at the Oak tree). Now, I don't want to know your secret hole but I would like to hear any suggestion from you experienced fisherman on where would you put in? Should I fish the Bonneville area? I know it will be a zoo. Or, should I fish around Rainer? Any suggestions will be appreciated. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] If you want to meet somewhere and show me those good holes I'd be up for that too. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Maybe be willing to give a driftboat trip on the Clack for Springers [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Pete · 04-22-2001, 01:29 PM

I've been watching the fish counts over Bonnie...it looks like the nets are really taking their toll: only 7100 on Saturday after more than twice that every day for the last week or more. I'd vote for safety and stay away from what will undoubtedly be a zoo. You're probably better off finding a spot near Bachelor Island or Warrior Rock where you don't have heavy competition and where you can get yourself in a good slot. Spend some time finding where the fish are. They seem to be running up specific slots and they don't move very far to either side.

Thumper · 04-22-2001, 01:48 PM

Put in at St. Helens and head upstream a bit to Batchelor Island. Anchor in one of the three hoglines --- there's usually lots of room to maneuver. Sometimes it's good in 35-40 ft., other times in 20-30 feet. Try one of those and watch where the action develops. Use bait-wrapped Kwikfish (14-15 size, silver with chartreuse) on 5 feet or so of leader to a 3-way swivel or a spreader, and a dropper of about 2 feet for your lead. Depending on the tide, you'll need a couple of ounces to 6 or more. I don't know when the tide is. If it's not running, troll in the same area with the same gear. And do let us know how you did.

rags · 04-22-2001, 09:05 PM

Thank you for the info. I think I will take your advice and go to St.Helens. Could you give me directions to the boat put-in in St.Helens? Thanks again.

Capin' Dan · 04-23-2001, 01:49 AM

Rag, St helens has a nice launch in Scapposse bay. You cn seeit from the road is about 3 to 4 miles out of scapposse on the right look for the sign. if oyu get to st helens turn around you've gone a couple of miles to far.

Dan!