Big Daddy took a smelt ... and 1/2 a rod

[Pilar]

Went to the Fishery for the afternoon. There were a lot of boats just below the launch. So we went up by Tanner creek.

It was slow. Just before dark the 7th or so fish in 2 hours buried it to the water. There was no way we planned to catch an oversize on smelt but there he was. Of course he picked the 932c Loomis rod with 20# mono line.

Down the river we went. My partner got her first taste of giant fish on. Her eyes got real big when the monster started peeling line. She tightened the drag and 'pop' went the rod. The tip slid down the line and disappeared. I tried to fight him with the stump but it was no use. About 10 minutes later the line parted and the fun was over.

We will be back.

[Wernergonefishin]

Sounds like you had a good day.Now were the heck is he fishery and what boat launch do i use. Ive been hearing everyone else catch fish but me. Congrats on your day. :grin:

[Ken Drifter]

" Smelt " is king ! o.k. some facts on smelt
Sturgeon love em.....Ive taken my wife out
(close to the Fishery) and on her second trip out she caught her first keeper, next trip she caught a 7 footer. My oldest son on his first trip out caught a 55 incher. Easily catch 15-20
shakers a day. "Smelt " if rigged properly its the best bait Ive used for Sturgeon (except when the shad are running)...
Happy Fishing

[Pilar]

Wernergonefishin, drive up the Columbia River gorge on highway 84 towards Hood River. After you pass the Multnomah Falls wayside (its on the left or middle of the freeway) look for the Ainsworth exit. I believe its the next one. Curve around to the right and go under the freeway. At the next intersection turn left and follow the road to the Fishery ( big wooden sign ) on your left.

Bring $7 for the launch, $2 to park, big bumpers for the horror show dock and a good attitude cause its crowded. The water is very low and the boat ramp eats props and trailers.

Once you get past all that look down river and see the fleet of boats. Pick a spot and fish.

Good luck.

[Ken Drifter]

Wernergonefishin, heres a little friendly input.
When you go there ( yes its a zoo at the ramp)
if you dont like the crowds and have a depth finder drive around until you see the bottom drop off at least 5ft. sort of like a valley. Then motor up a bit and bounce your bait into the deeper water where the drop is. This has always worked for me, reason is all the food flowing down or up,,river gets hung up right at the edge before the rise and Sturgeon like to hang in these valleys. Its a snack shack basically for em. Usually I try to start out at least 20ft deep and go on up. Good Luck