gorge salmon?

[zigzag]

I've been busy restoring a 61 valco with a jet pump and only had it out a couple times - only owning an outboard, the jet pump has definately created a fairly steep learning curve (nother story). Anyway, assuming that the Columbia is now closed, I saw that ODFW is opening it back up next week (for 4 days - how generous!) and their catch stats show the gorge with the best results. Anyone have a suggestion where a "jet pump rookie" could safely have success in the gorge? My achor should hold OK, but I've never been a fan of hog lines or combat fishing..... any thoughts? [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

[Andy]

26,400 yesterday

[Rubber Robin]

I would not recommend the upper River if your experience level is that of a beginner with a jet pump.

The current runs faster there than any other portion of the river. The margin for error is small and the other fisherman are not very forgiving or helpful if you need assistance.

That, combined with an anchor that is not tested could give you a lot of headaches and create some unsafe conditions.

I would practice in the Willamette or down in Multnomah channel.

[AngleThis]

It is true, the water below Boneville is relatively challening and very unforgiving... definitely not a place to nurse your learning curve, especially with a dense fleet out there. On the other hand, if you can get your boat out M-W, with far fewer boats out, that's another story. Forget about anchoring there until you have some hours with your boat, but the constant fast moving water with some space around you, should provide a good place for you to learn to handle your boat. Maintaining position in the fow and backtrolling under power, will give U a week's experience in a day. If your power trane is sound, and you can get out on a weekday, I say go to Bonneville and catch some fish!