Plunking The Columbia Yet?

Thumper · 06-19-2001, 02:14 PM

Is anybody plunking along the Columbia yet for steelies?

Trick · 06-19-2001, 03:27 PM

Yeah, I've been out a couple times since the opening in May. I'm going to head out for an overnighter along the lower river. I'll let you know how we did when I get back Thursday P.M..

Trick · 06-21-2001, 04:07 PM

Well Thump, it's pretty good fishing. We plunked the last few hours of the outgoing tide last night while setting camp and missed one take down, but the tide this morning was great towards the lower end. 8 rods out on the stretch we could see. Total fish: 5 steelhead range 5-14lb's. 7 springers around 15lb-30+lb. 1 snapped off steelhead. 5 missed takedowns (that we could see).

My 8 year old boy caught his first steelhead and happy dad was able to net it for him. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] He also missed another takedown. I caught a 20lb clipped springer, released. My buddy caught a 20 and 25lb springer, one clipped and one wild, all released.

One great morning. We had fun. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Thumper · 06-21-2001, 05:23 PM

Wow, looks like another great run. Yippee!

SandyRiverFisher · 06-21-2001, 06:11 PM

I was up at the dam the other day and saw a guy land a 16lb. hatchery chromer! I talked to him briefly, he seemed to be using a green spin'n'glow, but was pretty tight lipped about how to fish or what to use. I dont suppose anyone in here would be willing to give out a few tips. Ive heard guys talking about plunking spinners too, does anyone know how to rig this up? I was hoping to get out and fish Saturday, thought maybe Id give the big river a try. Thanks for any info, its greatly appriciated!

Trick · 06-21-2001, 09:23 PM

I haven't fished anywhere near the dam, so I don't know if there is a special technic they use in that area? Maybe someone will chime in. I generally plunk in the lower 20-30 miles of the river, just because I know the islands and channels pretty well. It's a good "family way" of fishing. It allows you the chance to fish and pay close attention to the young ones.

Basically you can plunk about anything you would normally use out of a boat, but being on the beach allows for entertainment and less confinement for the kids. We use number 2 and 4 Spin-n-glos in most colors, everyone has their favorites. Will run flatfish, kwickfish, wobblers, spinners, plugs, etc...for variety. Legally you can fish upto three lures per rod and I usually run two and sometimes three, but it can get a little messy if your using a shorter rod. We generally fish the outgoing tide (for lure movement) and use a minimum of 6-8 oz pyramid lead sinkers to prevent weight roll. I know this subject has been covered before, so use the search engine on this page to pull up more detailed info.

If you can't find it, repost on this thread and I'll break it down further for you.

Good luck. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Take a kid fishing!

KarenLee · 06-22-2001, 08:15 AM

useful info [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]