No crowds here

[Green Eyes]

Took an old friend up the gorge and we launched at the mouth of the John Day river. Fished the Columbia upriver a ways and managed about 60 bass between the two of us for 4 hours of fishing. Like others have said the bite is real soft, with lots picking it up on the fall. 3" Katlans grub in electric blue on a lead head jig seemed to be hottest for us. Buddie said one was his largest smallmouth ever but sorry to say it was only about 2 lbs. Most in the 1.5 lb range but still lots of fun and no waiting at the ramp. Next time I am gonna get him into a new largest bass, this is to much fun for one person to handle.

[portlandstatekid]

The Gorge out that way really seems
hot...!

[outonalimb]

I fished out that way on saturday evening andsunday, and after a nasty trailer tire blow out we managed about 50 fish. Spinnerbaits evening, topwater most of the morning and and 3" white senkos all day. Better fish came on the spinnerbaits.

[Bat-Ray]

Is anyone catching fish in the John Day arm? or just out in the Columbia? I have only fished up there in the spring when the JD water is warm and the big c is cold. I plan to fish up there next week and wonder if the JD or Columbia would be the better choice. Also, how about catching steelhead this time of year?

[Green Eyes]

Seems like we always catch more in the big C than the lower JD. Did see some people trolling for steelhead didn't ask if they were catching any. The lower JD has a lot less stucture and a lot more rec. boaters and tubers and skiers, you get the point.