Wind Fishing Report from the banks?

Hooked_on_fishing · 04-23-2001, 07:06 PM

Any success stories from the banks of the Wind for Salmon? I anticipate taking my young boys out tomorrow and possibly Saturday. We're new at this bank fishing, we usually go out with a guide but $$ tight. Are you plunking or using wiggle warts?

Jennie@ifish · 04-24-2001, 06:17 AM

I would love to try this too! How do you fish the Wind from the banks? I've never even fished the wind!
Jen

TheRogue · 04-24-2001, 06:48 AM

The "Point" at the Wind is the place to be. It's accessed from HWY 14, about 3/8 mile west of the bridge over the Wind. You'll have to cross the railroad tracks on a corner, so pay close attention when you do. The path is well worn, just follow it on out.

This place is quite "clannish". Be prepared for it, and realize that you may be crowded around. If you're friendly and willing to listen, most of the locals are pretty good.

Almost always, the lure of choice is the Magnum Wiggle Wart, in various shades of orange or red. The Vortex lighted lure can work quite well in that first hour of fishing.

When fishing on the upstream side, it's pretty deep, you can crank your plug right up to the rock wall. Fish often take as your plug begins climbing back up towards you. If you're fishing on the Columbia side, be careful when your lure gets closer to the bank, there's a ledge which can grab a plug quite nicely.

If the east wind is blowing, it's nearly impossible to throw Warts on the upstream side of the point, into the wind.

When the west wind is howling, and the rain is sideways, it can be the most miserable place in the world. But, wow, you can throw a Wart about 2 miles with the wind!! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Good luck (and beware of the poison oak on the sides of the trail coming and going, if it's something that gets ya!!)

[ 04-24-2001: Message edited by: TheRogue ]

Hooked_on_fishing · 04-24-2001, 07:22 AM

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately I have to work this morning but my husband and boys are out there with some friends. They left about 5:15 to get there early. I'm going to have a hard time working while I know they are out fishing - a bad day fishing is better than a good day at work. I sent them with lots of orange wiggle warts and a few other items. I'll write you later tonight with the fishing report out there. Thanks for the input.

BillH · 04-24-2001, 10:00 AM

I've observed bank fishers clustered at the "point" mentioned in that earlier reply to this thread. They pitch plugs and perhaps some spinners but I suspect that there are plunking opportunities that may be productive downstream from the point, especially with the new lower deadline. You might try spin 'n glows enhanced with sand shrimp for plunking but since it is very snaggy, I'd rig my dropper line with old spark plugs on light leader. I've never seen so many "sheep" as at Wind River. People seem to think that those silly orange magnum wiggle warts are the only thing that catches fish. The truth is that they are popular because they see so many people using them so obviously, a lot of the fish will be caught on them. I think they became the lure of choice because they are a floating lure thus are legal to use with treble hooks whereas I've found that (whil;e trolling) a spinner rigged with a Gamakatsu siwash hook catches more fish!!!

Hooked_on_fishing · 04-24-2001, 03:27 PM

Not a fish for the bunch [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] . They didn't see much action either bank or boats. They bank fished with mag warts, wiggle warts, herring, sand shrimp - they tried all sorts of stuff with no action [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] .

My boys didn't come home empty handed though they managed to find 3 lizards.

Thanks again for all your info. Every bit counts. We count it a learning experience.

Thumper · 04-24-2001, 08:03 PM

Hey Hooked --- sometimes I am up there without a partner looking for someone to ride along in the boat. Would love to take you and/or the kids. E-mail me if you are interested at jamattice@aol.com

TheRogue · 04-24-2001, 11:09 PM

What's that old saying??? When in Rome, do as the Romans do???

There's some perfect slots for bobber and shrimp/eggs, especially when the fish stack in there. But, I wouldn't want to be the first one to do it.

T.R.

Nuttinbutnet · 04-24-2001, 11:33 PM

Hey Rogue, Never be afraid to try something first. Five years ago, my partner and I pulled into the Dog Creek hole on the Clack. Three boats anchored at the top and three boats anchored in the bottom! What to do, what to do? Bobber fish the frog water!!! Guys in the other boats point and laugh. Forty minutes, 6 takes and 4 fish in the boat later, everybody scrambling to see if they brought any bobbers!!!!!!! [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

TheRogue · 04-24-2001, 11:41 PM

NBN....

Oh, I agree with you completely. We all know that sometimes having a different bait or lure is the key!

But, I wouldn't want to wade into the middle and lob a bobber, a spinner, spin glow, etc., surrounded by a bunch of people who have been there since 3 am and are absolutely POSITIVE that the only thing to use is a Wart.

T.R.

Jim · 04-24-2001, 11:45 PM

The Wind has been slow from the bank or boat [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] Wish I could have seen this before to warn your gang...but they picked a nice day [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] Will be heading back down tomorrow morning, had to get home today to coach my sons baseball game.

Have Fun!

Jim

Jim · 04-25-2001, 12:00 AM

Hello to anyone....I just found out I will be on the Wind tomorrow (wednesday)without anyone. I will be experimenting a little of gear, but if anyone wants to jump in for a ride call me on my cell any time after 3am...360-520-1175

Any reports from the lower river would be great also! call, I won't be near a computer.

Jim