Brownlee update 4/8

Crappie Chaser · 04-10-2009, 03:38 PM

The crappie bite is staying strong .We haven't had a lot of cold runoff or drastic water fluctuations typical of most early springs. Wednesday the water temp was 52 and even with a pretty strong wind building we caught crappie all day. We fished out in front of Hewitt Park. It was about a 50/50 mix of 2 & 3 yr old fish, no slabs but the 3yr olds are getting nice and thick. Board member "Snake River "was fishing off the shore and it looked like he was doing really well also. The level has rose to where the loading dock is usable, much better than dealing with that steep, rocky shoreline.

BrushApe · 04-10-2009, 08:05 PM

So how long (inches?) are those "three year olds". We never liked to keep them until they reached 10", return just was not worth it on the smaller fish.

Thanks

BA

Crappie Chaser · 04-11-2009, 06:25 AM

They're almost 10 but not quite. They got thicker over the winter but didn't gain much length. By late summer/fall they will be 10 or better. The way I fillet them 3 or 4 fish will make a meal for most people.
BrushApe could you use another 20/20? I put a newer unit on over the winter.

BrushApe · 04-11-2009, 12:21 PM

Almost missed the 20/20 part. Don't know where I would put it. Really like my old unit, sure it will go belly up one of these days, its older than dirt. Died once from salt water exposure, company was supposed to rebuild it, actually sent me different unit back but still working. So what are you asking for yours??

Sure want to get over there and try to get some of those bigger crappie. Can't affort to travel much right now, hoping McKay turns on soon. Always got walleye, bass, springers etc real close to home so hard to justify the 3 hours drive.

Keep up the reports, love to see pictures to.

LOL, 3-4 to make a meal, guess you have never seen me eat, more than one reason for my moniker.

BA

snake river · 04-11-2009, 01:00 PM

Crappie Chaser yes we did fairly good 04/08/09 lots of fish(8 1/2 in. to 10 in.) need to get a little bigger.But you can tell they are growing fast this year by how thick they are. The fall fishing I think will be great. There is nothing wrong with 9 to 10 in. crappies. I think they are about the right size to eat.
I went out yesterday in the after noon to try out some new jig hooks I just pored (MATZUO red) they have a funny looking bend in them but they worked just fine. I was not at the park ,down river more ???? I have seen you fishing there before. I found a sharp dropoff with crappies stacked all over it.
It was a very small area but the fishing was great ! All white crappies 11in. 12in. up to 14 1/2 in. very few small ones . I didn't get to fish long before the wind and rain blew me off the water, but in the short time I fished I got 40 or so fish. I let them all go because, I keep enough for a good meal the day I saw you at the park. I ate so many that day I need to take a break from eating crappie. And I don't like to freeze them I like them fresh.

Crappie Hunter · 04-11-2009, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snake river

Crappie Chaser yes we did fairly good 04/08/09 lots of fish(8 1/2 in. to 10 in.) need to get a little bigger.But you can tell they are growing fast this year by how thick they are. The fall fishing I think will be great. There is nothing wrong with 9 to 10 in. crappies. I think they are about the right size to eat.
I went out yesterday in the after noon to try out some new jig hooks I just pored (MATZUO red) they have a funny looking bend in them but they worked just fine. I was not at the park ,down river more ???? I have seen you fishing there before. I found a sharp dropoff with crappies stacked all over it.
It was a very small area but the fishing was great ! All white crappies 11in. 12in. up to 14 1/2 in. very few small ones . I didn't get to fish long before the wind and rain blew me off the water, but in the short time I fished I got 40 or so fish. I let them all go because, I keep enough for a good meal the day I saw you at the park. I ate so many that day I need to take a break from eating crappie. And I don't like to freeze them I like them fresh.

You guys are "KILLING" me!!! I live to fish for Crappie, have never fished Brownlee, but am diffinitely going to get over there real soon. Have a trip booked with Crappie Chaser mid May....don't think I can wait that long!!!! I live in LaPine (300 miles), so just can't jump in the truck and cruise over there on a whim.
Good fishing all.!!!

Crappie Hunter · 04-11-2009, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crappie Chaser

The crappie bite is staying strong .We haven't had a lot of cold runoff or drastic water fluctuations typical of most early springs. Wednesday the water temp was 52 and even with a pretty strong wind building we caught crappie all day. We fished out in front of Hewitt Park. It was about a 50/50 mix of 2 & 3 yr old fish, no slabs but the 3yr olds are getting nice and thick. Board member "Snake River "was fishing off the shore and it looked like he was doing really well also. The level has rose to where the loading dock is usable, much better than dealing with that steep, rocky shoreline.

Crappie Chaser; love your reports!!! Please keep them coming, even though its killing me to not be there!!!!

snake river · 04-11-2009, 10:57 PM

Crappie Hunter you can't go wrong booking a trip with Crappie Chaser in May

Dodie · 04-12-2009, 01:12 PM

Well, all I can say about Brownlee is, I am gonna go. I am soooooooo excited I could just spit.

Am going the end of first week next month. And I plan to catch me a fish

. I am always the lucky one that catches the Northern Pike Minnow first tho so am

it will be different there.
Happy Easter everyone and be safe out there.
Dodie

raptorschild · 04-12-2009, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dodie

Well, all I can say about Brownlee is, I am gonna go. I am soooooooo excited I could just spit.

Am going the end of first week next month. And I plan to catch me a fish

. I am always the lucky one that catches the Northern Pike Minnow first tho so am

it will be different there.
Happy Easter everyone and be safe out there.
Dodie

I caught a Northern Pikeminnow my first time to Brownlee last year on a piece of cut bait. Sorry to burst your bubble

, but they are out there!

Not nearly as many as the columbia though!

Crappie Chaser · 04-12-2009, 05:55 PM

BrushApe, I meant 3or4 dozen for you!! My nephew wants the 20/20 so that takes care of that. Snake River, that's the best catch of big ones I've heard about in a long while. I hope it's a sign of things to come. I really like those sickle hooks, really sticky. Crappie Hunter & Dodie, looking forward to fishing with you. See you in May. Dodie, if you catch a pike minnow we'll use it for catfish bait.

snake river · 04-12-2009, 10:04 PM

Crappie Chaser I went out today only one fish over 12 in. most of them was in the 9 to 9 1/2 in. class a lot of them but the big ones went someplace . But no place I fished today . But that why they call it fishing. Two boys came over from the westside to turkey hunt with us today both of them got their turkey . They were 9 and 13 and this was there first ever turkey hunt! Shot one at 5 yards and one at 10 yards. THEN I WENT FISHING!

1bigfish · 04-13-2009, 05:17 AM

Thanks for the reports guys. I can't wait to get over there.

Soon, very soon.

baltz526 · 04-13-2009, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crappie Hunter

You guys are "KILLING" me!!! I live to fish for Crappie, have never fished Brownlee, but am diffinitely going to get over there real soon. Have a trip booked with Crappie Chaser mid May....don't think I can wait that long!!!! I live in LaPine (300 miles), so just can't jump in the truck and cruise over there on a whim.
Good fishing all.!!!

you never know who you will run into around lapine

Crappie Chaser · 04-13-2009, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snake river

Crappie Chaser I went out today only one fish over 12 in. most of them was in the 9 to 9 1/2 in. class a lot of them but the big ones went someplace . But no place I fished today . But that why they call it fishing. Two boys came over from the westside to turkey hunt with us today both of them got their turkey . They were 9 and 13 and this was there first ever turkey hunt! Shot one at 5 yards and one at 10 yards. THEN I WENT FISHING!

Did your granddaughter do the calling? Do you use the feathers? Wild turkey marabou makes a killer jig for smallies,trout and panfish. If you give me some feathers I can tie you up some.

retaliate · 04-13-2009, 07:15 AM

Thanks Crappie Chaser, were getting anxious...espically my Wife, I've been working on the Boat, making it more operator friendly, so I can compete with her this year, as she out fished me last year, we are still a few weeks away, cant wait.

bassnbass · 04-13-2009, 08:31 AM

CP, how are the water level @ huntington?

Crappie Chaser · 04-13-2009, 08:51 PM

The level has dropped the last few days. The dock we were using last week is barely afloat. Not sure what is going on ?

snake river · 04-14-2009, 07:46 AM

C. C. No my granddaughter didn't do the calling . She went on the hunt with the 9 year old and watch him get his turkey. Her dad did the calling he thinks he is better. But I ?????? that.
Went out fishing for a little while yesterday late in the afternoon to get some fish to fry up today. Real windy but we did Ok at the upper end of the park Fishing from the bank. Not big fish but all around 9 to 10 in. As you can see from the pics just good eater size . I don't know what is up with the water levels do you ? The fish she is holding is the one in the center of the top pic I think it was our biggest one of the day . I think I got it but she said she did.

1bigfish · 04-16-2009, 06:26 AM

Gary, have you heard anything on why they are dropping the water level? I thought they were going to be raising it. Sure looks like they are going to be keeping it low at least for now. Today it is at 2051 but here is the forecast.

Forecast:
As of:
04/15

Fri 04/17
Elevation*
2049
Feet From Full
28

Sat
04/18
Elevation*
2049
Feet From Full
28

Sun
04/19
Elevation*
2049
Feet From Full
28

Mon
04/20
Elevation*
2050
Feet From Full
27

EZOP · 04-16-2009, 12:11 PM

I know we are dropping all our reservoirs for up coming runoffs, and we are above Brownlee, so I would think they may just be making room.

1bigfish · 04-16-2009, 12:32 PM

EZOP,

PM sent.

Crappie Chaser · 04-17-2009, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EZOP

I know we are dropping all our reservoirs for up coming runoffs, and we are above Brownlee, so I would think they may just be making room.

I hope that's all it's about. A month ago there was some talk floating around town about a possible late-April drawdown to do some dam work.
I'm always looking for Team Quill out there. One of these days I'll run into you & DeeDee out there.

Dodie · 04-19-2009, 09:27 AM

Went to Brownlee on Friday 4/17 and found it to be down from what we expected to find but did have a great time. Fished Hewitt Park area for awhile and caught a few off the bank near boat docks that were on the bank. Then decided to go to Swedes Landing and had a ball. First fishing was slow then it picked up. We were using 1/32 yellow wiggle eye, with Black and Char. shirt with bobber about 5-6 foot up. About every cast there was a fish on! Not much length to them but the crappie were fat and sassy. We didn't keep any that evening as they were a bit small for us but went back the following day and fished until 12:30. Crappie Hunter was only one that caught Crappie. Left there without any fish to bring home but had a great time.
Will be back there in 2 weeks and hope the water level is up by then.
Take care out there.
Dodie

EZOP · 04-19-2009, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dodie

Went to Brownlee on Friday 4/17 and found it to be down from what we expected to find but did have a great time. Fished Hewitt Park area for awhile and caught a few off the bank near boat docks that were on the bank. Then decided to go to Swedes Landing and had a ball. First fishing was slow then it picked up. We were using 1/32 yellow wiggle eye, with Black and Char. shirt with bobber about 5-6 foot up. About every cast there was a fish on! Not much length to them but the crappie were fat and sassy. We didn't keep any that evening as they were a bit small for us but went back the following day and fished until 12:30. Crappie Hunter was only one that caught Crappie. Left there without any fish to bring home but had a great time.
Will be back there in 2 weeks and hope the water level is up by then.
Take care out there.
Dodie

Well be there next week for a great time. Wood head bound,

sucker · 04-26-2009, 04:05 PM

Fished the Powder river arm on 4/23-4/25. Water temp changing from morning to night and day to day. Hot spot one day would be nothing the next. Water temp ranged from 47 to 55 deg. Just cruised over likely spots until the fish finder started sounding like a auto alarm; stopped and the bite was on. Seems water was warmer the closer you got to the Snake. Many small fish but still got enough keepers for our needs and went home early. Did not count how many we actually caught but my arms ar sore. Green triple tail grubs and white tubes 1.5" did the trick for us. The wife and I kept about 50 nice fish; guess we kept about 2 in 10. Did not measure or weigh fish; just looked at them to see if there would be enough left after cleaning.

arkansasbasser · 04-26-2009, 05:44 PM

Hey Sucker! Welcome to IFish. Bill

retaliate · 04-27-2009, 07:02 AM

Thanks for the report sucker, looks like we are starting at Brownlee after all, might try Woodhead first, since we will be comming from Lewiston Id, should pull in late Sat, or Sun, for a couple days, than off to Owyhee..can't wait.

sucker · 04-27-2009, 09:03 AM

Suppose I should have stated : we were fishing for crappie but most could figure that out from the numbers. Might add some friends that were with us only fish for bass and they told me bass fishing was still very slow.

Hunt'nFish · 04-27-2009, 01:31 PM

Water temp through Oxbow has reached 51F

Brownlee level is at 2051ft. Hewitt ramp is 2041ft. Maybe Gary can post up a fresh pic of Hewitt Pk.
Hunt'nFish

Dodie · 04-29-2009, 06:30 AM

Thanks for the report Sucker. There are 4 of us going to Brownlee on the 6th of May and will be staying at Hewitt and going out fishing with CrappieChaser on the 8th. We are so looking forward to it and figure if the weather doesn't follow our plans for fishing other days, we will sit and play Pinochle... NOT. We are going to fish come H___ or high water. That is what it is all about. Right?
Thanks again. Appreciate the update.
Be safe out there and have fun!
Dodie

the_admeral · 04-29-2009, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dodie

Thanks for the report Sucker. There are 4 of us going to Brownlee on the 6th of May and will be staying at Hewitt and going out fishing with CrappieChaser on the 8th. We are so looking forward to it and figure if the weather doesn't follow ouer plans for fishing other days, we will sit and play Pinochle... NOT. We are going to fish come H___ or high water. That is what it is all about. Right?
Thanks again. Appreciate the update.
Be safe out there and have fun!
Dodie

I have a Trip planned the last weekend of May. Can't wait!!!

My uncle wants to catch some Catfish. Thats means we need to go crappie fishing first, for bait+dinner.
I love the reports. Keep them coming.

nrcastro213 · 04-30-2009, 09:33 AM

I am planning on being at Hewitt park from May 9-17. me and a couple coworkers are heading over from portland to take a bunch of kids fishing for crappie. We have two boats , I will be driving a black 20' Thunderjet Outboard. Any kind of help would be great to make sure these kids have a good time. I have fished there a few times,but we just seem to hit and miss on luck. Like I said any kind of help would be great.

Crappie Hunter · 04-30-2009, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nrcastro213

I am planning on being at Hewitt park from May 9-17. me and a couple coworkers are heading over from portland to take a bunch of kids fishing for crappie. We have two boats , I will be driving a black 20' Thunderjet Outboard. Any kind of help would be great to make sure these kids have a good time. I have fished there a few times,but we just seem to hit and miss on luck. Like I said any kind of help would be great.

Will be fishing with Dodie from the 6th - 11th. Will be in an 18ft Silver Metalflake Deep V Bass Tracker. Will be glad to share any info we can on the Crappie bite. Hopefully we will have some good info to share!!! Definitely want the kids to have a great time fishing so they will want to come back again and again. Look forward to seeing you there. Can't wait, hopefully the weather will be alittle better than it has been this week!!
Tight lines..........Let's slay some Crappie.

nrcastro213 · 04-30-2009, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crappie Hunter

Will be fishing with Dodie from the 6th - 11th. Will be in an 18ft Silver Metalflake Deep V Bass Tracker. Will be glad to share any info we can on the Crappie bite. Hopefully we will have some good info to share!!! Definitely want the kids to have a great time fishing so they will want to come back again and again. Look forward to seeing you there. Can't wait, hopefully the weather will be alittle better than it has been this week!!
Tight lines..........Let's slay some Crappie.

Is there any special kind of tackle I need to pick up before we go?

1bigfish · 04-30-2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nrcastro213

Is there any special kind of tackle I need to pick up before we go?

See link below.

http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?t=242777

PM sent.

Dodie · 05-01-2009, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nrcastro213

Is there any special kind of tackle I need to pick up before we go?

The best advice I can give you about tackle is to send message to Crappie Chaser and he will get back to you as what is working. We have a fishing trip booked with him on the 8th. We all will be camping at the lower Gazabos, near the kids play ground, showers and fish cleaning. We will have 2 tents set up there. Come on by and say HEY.
Really hope the kids have a great time. So important for kids to get out and do things like this. Nothing like a kid that likes to fish. The look on the face tells it all when they catch one. No matter what size.
Be safe out there and hope to see you.
Dodie

nrcastro213 · 05-01-2009, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dodie

The best advice I can give you about tackle is to send message to Crappie Chaser and he will get back to you as what is working. We have a fishing trip booked with him on the 8th. We all will be camping at the lower Gazabos, near the kids play ground, showers and fish cleaning. We will have 2 tents set up there. Come on by and say HEY.
Really hope the kids have a great time. So important for kids to get out and do things like this. Nothing like a kid that likes to fish. The look on the face tells it all when they catch one. No matter what size.
Be safe out there and hope to see you.
Dodie

Hey,
We will be at the upper one I think they call it yogi's den we will be there Saturday 9th with my hunting partners disabled kid. part of our group will be staying but I will have to head back to Portland to pick up some more kids. Even though fishing is important some of the kids have reports to turn in for school so I will have to go back to pick them up. If you guys are still there I will make it a point to come and say Hi.

Jon (nrcastro213 is my wifes username)

Crappie Chaser · 05-01-2009, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nrcastro213

I am planning on being at Hewitt park from May 9-17. me and a couple coworkers are heading over from portland to take a bunch of kids fishing for crappie. We have two boats , I will be driving a black 20' Thunderjet Outboard. Any kind of help would be great to make sure these kids have a good time. I have fished there a few times,but we just seem to hit and miss on luck. Like I said any kind of help would be great.

Don't worry, this year they will all catch fish. Your timing is good. They are getting more active with each warm day and there are LOTS of them. By the time you get here they should be wide open. Even yesterday with wind,rain & hail we did well but today with warm weather was super. Set them up with 5-6' ultralites with 4-6lb test. 1/16 oz jigheads, unpainted is fine. Get an assortment of 1 1/2" tube bodies. It's harder to find a color they won't hit than one they will. If you need any help look me up. I'll be on the water every day your here and usually at the fish cleaning station in the evening. Just ask for Gary.

Crappie Hunter · 05-01-2009, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nrcastro213

Is there any special kind of tackle I need to pick up before we go?

Can't go wrong with what Crappie Chaser has suggested!!! Only thing I might add, is to bring some small bobbers also in case the bite is more shallow. I have a ton of them and would be glad to give you some if need be. See you there............Can't wait!!!!
Gary, looks like the water level forecast is calling for the level to be in the low 2060's by next Wednesday???? Do you think that is accurrate??? Keep the reports coming, really appreciate the reliable info from someone who really knows what they're doing!!!!! Tight lines, and take care!!!

Crappie Chaser · 05-02-2009, 07:53 AM

Something else that helps the real young kids catch them is to tip their jigs with bait. The fish will hold on longer and sometimes take the jig deeper giving them more time to react to the bite. Wax worms, small pieces of crawler and Crappie Nibbles all work. Also increases the chance of an incidental catch like a bass, catfish or bluegill.The word I got on the water was it will be raising 2' a day for 16 more days but I have learned to just wait and see and try to deal with what they do. To many chiefs running the show and recreation is last on the list if it's even on there. I just wish more consideration was given to improving the launching and docking facilities with the fluctuating water levels. Getting people safely off and on the boat without docks or even stable ground is always a concern.

sturgnman · 05-04-2009, 07:59 PM

I'm a little late with my report but here it is.....
Fished out of Hewitt last week and had an INCREDIBLE time. Dad freshly retired, me on an involuntary, unscheduled, unpaid vacation, what the hey lets go fishing. 5+ hours later (from portland) we pull into town, check in the hotel(btw the folks in Richland are AWESOME) hit the water and in about 6 hours we had enough nice crappie ( 10"-11" avg) to totally justify the trip. Were gonna fish the next day but weather took a dump on us. Will be back on the 15th. Would like to camp but the way the weather 180'd on us before so don't know. We'll see. Will def be back though.

Sturg

retaliate · 05-11-2009, 09:47 AM

We made it to Woodhead Sat night 5-2 after picking the Boat up at Lewiston, got a good camp spot where we could park the Boat by camp, put the boat in the water, she started right up, put her in reverse, tried to turn but darn a stuck steering cable, oh well, ended up fishing from shore Sun, & Mon the weather was cool, & rainy but we had a good time anyway, caught a few small Bass around camp, & lot's of 8" to 9" Crappie from the dock, a couple guy's were working on their second cooler Sat night when we got there, & another cooler full Sun, another couple took a cooler full Mon

, met Team Quill Mon morning at the dock before we left for Owyhee, & much needed steering cable repair, found a cable in Fruitland, & a helm in Ontario, much thanks to the guy at the Boat Shop in Ontario(Dennis I think) as he stayed past quiting time, & let me use a few tools to get the job done

leman · 05-12-2009, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crappie Chaser

Don't worry, this year they will all catch fish. Your timing is good. They are getting more active with each warm day and there are LOTS of them. By the time you get here they should be wide open. Even yesterday with wind,rain & hail we did well but today with warm weather was super. Set them up with 5-6' ultralites with 4-6lb test. 1/16 oz jigheads, unpainted is fine. Get an assortment of 1 1/2" tube bodies. It's harder to find a color they won't hit than one they will. If you need any help look me up. I'll be on the water every day your here and usually at the fish cleaning station in the evening. Just ask for Gary.

Gary,
When crappies are in spawning mode I know how they come in to the shallows, but I have observed daily cycles going on such as no hits in the shallows an hour before sunrise, and nothing at night, but at 30 min. before sunrise they would come charging in to this 1 to 3" deep muddy cove (at Cherry Creek Res. in Denver). I would usually catch 20 in a half hour until sunrise, after which things would slow down to say a fish every 10 minutes during the day. But where do they go at night or when they get pushed out by cold weather ? Does there seem to be a pattern ? I assume they follow some trail out to deeper water or maybe suspend. Have you observed any pattern worth trying to predict ?

Marc