combo sturgeon/smelt trip?

[brshooter]

Ok, rookie question time again.

I was wondering about a combo sturgeon/smelt trip. I only have Sunday for fishing this weekend. Could a person launch at Kalama and fish gators around the nuke plant, then run down river to the Cowlitz and dip some smelt from the boat? Sure, I could go fish Kelley Point til noon, take the boat home to Aloha, and then drive to Longview for smelt. I was just wondering if a combo trip could be done. I have a couple of questions for you experts.

I have heard of people fishing for gators around the nuke plant, but have never fished that area except for salmon. Could someone suggest some areas to start? I don’t expect anyone to reveal their zipper lip hole (although I would accept gps coordinates to it), just get me to a general area.

How long of a run is it to the nuke plant to the mouth of the Cowlitz?

How far up the Cowlitz does a person have to go to find good smelt dipping?

Would you launch somewhere else for a trip like this?

Any feedback on this would be appreciated.

Thanks,

[Beer Waggin]

When I go from Hillsboro, I put in at Goble and then run down. It's only about a 10 minute run or so down to the Cowlitz. Goble doesn't have the best ramp on the river, but it works fine and only cost two bucks if I remember right.
I haven't fished down there this year, but we used to anchor right next to the cooling tower in about 60-70 feet of water. There is usually a big hog line right next to the island, but the water is generally really moving through there and it's much deeper if I remember right. The area I'm talking about is a couple hundred yards down from the hog line. I've always thought the fishing was better below the hog line, and you don't have to put up with the couple of a-holes that always seem to be there. Just look for the hole with your sounder, it's not hard to find.

[Jim]

Come on guys....think like a sturgeon on this one....

Jim

[Screaminreelron]

NorRivDave; that hog line I think are usually guys fishin steelhead/salmon at the mouth of the Kalama.

[Ramstrong]

Don't know distances, but I'd recommend launching at gearhart gardens. Dipping your smelt first. Then head to the nuke plant with your quivering bait. I did the run from gearhart to the nuke plant last year, it wasn't that bad.