Boats in Bonneville area

Twoshottom · 05-31-2001, 08:57 PM

I've been a lurker for the past 2-3 months on this site and this is my first post. First, thank you to everyone who has shared information. I keep reading about the shad fishing and oversize fishery in the Bonneville area and would really like to take my boat up there to try it out. I hate to face the embarrassment of admitting this on this site but I don't have an aluminum jet boat....yet. Is it appropriate for me to take my 19' bayliner to that area. I've stopped by the Fishery a couple times and I seem to remember similiar boats in the area. I fish the Longview and Astoria area, have a kicker motor, 300' of rope, anchor, anchor puller, depth finder, gps, etc, and feel pretty comfortable on the water in my boat. Thanks for the help!!

David Johnson · 05-31-2001, 09:00 PM

Sounds like you'll do fine.

WaterDog · 05-31-2001, 09:05 PM

Twoshot,
It doesnt matter what gets you there as long as it runs, floats, and catches fish. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Sounds like you got the equipment.

Welcome aboard! [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Hookset · 05-31-2001, 09:22 PM

Welcome aboard Twoshottom, you'll never really experience IFish by just lurking, you've got to mix it up by posting. Welcome!

Just looking at the areas you fish, why do you need a aluminum sled? Sounds like you got a great Columbia river boat.

Have fun,

hook

Mr. Fisherman · 06-01-2001, 10:05 AM

Twoshottom,

Welcome to the board. Do yourself a favor and review anchor techniques on this board. There is a search function that you can use.

Bonniville is no place to learn how to pull and anchor [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]. It gets crowded there too and I have seen several close calls by either newbies or idiots both setting and pulling anchor out there [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img].

Don't anchor in the channel! This years low water conditions are forcing the barges into a tighter line. I wouldn't recomend playing big boat little boat with those guys [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img], you will loose and it is just not worth it.

Beware of the pilings at the Shad Rack. There are several pilings just under the surface on the North shore [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]. Don't ask me how I know but rest assured [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img], I am certain.

Fishing is great but expect more and more crowded conditions after Memorial day.

The Fishery charges more than any ramp that I've been to and the docks, ramps, road is in poor condition. A friend of mine had to replace two tires after being forced off the side of the train track crossing [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img]. I have also heard of several reports of hull damage from nails and general poor dock conditions. Watch that glass of yours.

Other than that it is a great fishery and lots of fun when things go right and the idiots keep their distance. Good luck and be safe [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img].

Mr. Fisherman

Pilar · 06-01-2001, 12:24 PM

Hi Twoshottom! When you try out your anchor rig, do it in some of the slower water you'll find just downstream of the Fishery boat ramp. The faster water will amplify your inexperience into possibly life threatening situations.

As stated above there is a lot of tech, advice and horror stories about anchoring on the mighty Columbia on this board. Reed and heed. If you've been lurking for a while you already know that most of the information posted by members is straight up and done in a spirit of cooperation.

One last thing, let us know how it goes. You will probably learn a thing or two and you can pass it on and teach others. That's what makes this forum what it is.

Welcome aboard, we'll be seeing you at the church of the bent rod soon.

Bait O' Eggs · 06-01-2001, 12:53 PM

Two Shot Tom, I hope it is your wife that gave you the nickname and not your hunting partner [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Welcome and good luck fishing. You mentioned both shad and oversized fishing. Dont be afraid to go to the Willamette and chase the shad for some of those early anchor set ups. There is some easy water in the OC area just above the 205 bridge, not to crowded, relatively shallow and good sand bottom for an anchor to stick in. The water down towards the tailout of the garbage hole is faster and the gravel/rock is harder to get an anchor to stick in. I have seen lots of slippage when anchored in that area, which is not good with the number of boats crowding into the tight areas.

Start easy and work out a system. It doesnt usually go like you would expect.

Welcome

Twoshottom · 06-01-2001, 08:42 PM

Thanks for all the input! I do check the board at least 2 or 3 times a day (its very addicting) and found the post on anchoring very interesting. In fact I passed on the information to some of my fishing partners. We were tying to the back cleat when pulling the anchor but while fishing last weekend we started pulling from the front. I live in Washington but had planned on launching at the Fishery but another post has changed my mind and I guess I will try the launch at the dam on the washington side. Is this the best place? I have been fishing for sturgeon for the last 4-5 years and am aware of the channel and know to stay out of it. I will be looking for less crowded areas even if the catching isn't as good until I'm comfortable with the situation. I usually take the hang back and watch first approach.
Thanks for the welcome! I should head to Bonneville this weekend but have a trip planned for Deep River on Sunday.
Bait O'Eggs - Unfortunately it is a hunting nickname. [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

CAGEY · 06-01-2001, 11:35 PM

Hey Twoshottom, welcome to the board. I used to own a 19 ft. Bayliner Trophy offshore model. Fished that critter in every drop of water i could find, high lakes, columbia, siletz,ocean, bouy 10, didn't matter it was perfect and very comfortable. Sounds like you have everything you need. Just watch what your doing, thats a dangerous river if you become careless. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

sinker · 06-01-2001, 11:56 PM

You'll do a lot better than I will with my boat. Oh wait.... I don't have one. [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Wife said I could buy one after we bought a house. That was a couple years ago, Where's my danged boat at?!?!?!?! [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img]

fish-n-alot · 06-04-2001, 07:23 PM

Twoshottom - I agree, the ramp on Hamilton Island below the dam, Washington side is by far the best place to launch and use. Sorry to see the fishery on our side of the river so,,,, in need of repair/ upgrade. I've fished mainly for salmon and steelhead below the ramp. It's a great place to fish (not to mention the fantastic scenery!

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