Mouth of the Deschutes

ChuckDog · 09-03-2001, 10:24 AM

Well, this report isn't coming from me, but a buddy of mine headed up and fished the mouth of the Deschutes last Saturday and Sunday. He landed a 30 lb. chinook and his brother landed two in the 35 lb. range -- all snagged (fishing in 20-30 ft. of water). It appears that 90% of the fishermen are 'jigging' vs. trolling. This guy reported seeing around 10 fish 'kept' on Sunday. Just to give you an idea of how many chinook are concentrated in that area (this was out in the middle of the shipping channel), this guy reported that on several occasions he would tweek salmon while jigging resulting in scales on the hook. My question is this: Why are most people jigging when it's apparent they are not taking the jig? [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] O.k., that was a stupid question... Next question: Is bait illegal in the mainstem Columbia? If not, wouldn't wrapped Kwikfish or eggs be the ticket up there?

FishinMission · 09-03-2001, 12:31 PM

Fish will take jigs in the mouth...but its usually while the jig is fluttering downward. If a fish is hooked on the "upswing" of the rod...chances are it's gonna be snagged.

NEUTRON · 09-03-2001, 03:43 PM

CD, first thing is that now Nordics by Lure Jensen come with siwash hooks. Second thing is technique when using jigs. I fished for a few years near some nice folks from Walla Walla, they raise their rod tips maybe 5 inches keeping their jigs near the bottom. If you watch their boat close, you'll get an idea if the fishing is good cause I guarantee they'll be in the action. Kwick fish are a good idea as well, a couple years ago STS had a great article on URBs with Info
from from a couple guides (garrett) that fish the columbia into late october back bouncing eggs and kwickfish.

Backlash2 · 09-04-2001, 03:24 AM

I have seen many, many fish caught using this method that were legit. However, if you went by intent, 90+% of these guys are snaggers. They are many places that this takes place along the river, but no enforcement= no one playin' buy the rules. I have stood on the road at the mouth of the Big White and watched snagged fish after snagged fish netted. Phone calls to the tips hotline, nothing. Welcome to fall everybody!!