Steelhead and Ramps

[Ed]

I have never fished for steelhead on the Columbia. I have, however, spent many days fishing for sturgeon on the Columbia in the Rooster Rock to Bonneville area. I would like some pointers (hints on location) on where to fish for steelhead. I have a boat so I need to know what ramps are open. I fished for sturg a few weeks back out of the Fishery. The Fishery's ramp was almost unusable and Rooster Rock was closed. Am I looking at putting in at Chinook Landing? I would like to fish tomorrow so I would appreciate any info. Thanks.

[FEAR NO FISH!]

Hi Ed,
Come over to the Washington side and launch on Hamilton Island. It is about 6 blocks down from the dam. Anywhere along the Wa. side from above the Oak Tree hole on down past the shad rack. Be careful not to anchor to close below ******! He has some newfangled torpedo he is dying to try out. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] 8-15 feet of water should do it.

[Ed]

Thanks FNF. A couple more questions: What is the best way to get Hamilton ramp and I don't recall what the regs say about OR vs WA license/tag?

[Vinny]

Either license, Oregon or Washington, is good on the Columbia (where the river coincides with the state boundary) if you're fishing from a boat. You only need a license from the respective state if you're fishing from their shore.
See WA regs pg 106, Columbia River for the exact verbage.
Also, see OR regs pg 78, regs for Columbia river zone. Some of this stuff is ambiguous. Pg 78, 1a, "License and tags of either state are valid except when the other state's season is closed."
What does that mean?! [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

[ 07-29-2001: Message edited by: Vinny ]

[Ed]

Thanks everyone. Through thick and thin, this website is great!

[Thumper]

Fear No Fish --- did you ever get to the Lewis???

[whitewaterbill]

Drive to Cascade Locks and cross the bridge to Washington. Turn left on Hwy 14 heading back to the west and after you pass Bonneville dam take the first left and then a right for 3/4 to 1 mile and first left. Easy to find.

Bill

[FEAR NO FISH!]

Ed,
Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner but I had to tie in to a huge steak. I followed that with some of that Costco cheesecake. I probably had close to a lifetime dose of fats. The good thing is I don't bleed, just ooze. It is primarily a spinner fishery but with the flows the way they are, the skys the limit as far as other techniques go. I would have to think a jet diver and shrimp would hammer em. Hot shots and wiggle warts would do the trick also. I am looking forward to trying out glojigs on the steelies.
I'll be down at buoy 10 from August 10-19th chasing salmon. Good fishing to ya! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]