Sturgeon Sunday... From The Bank?????

Big TULE · 01-09-2004, 05:29 PM

Need some help. There is to much snow and ice up the gorge to fish bonneville on sunday but i was wondering if anybody fishes for them from the bank on the washington side of the river... I am taking a newbie out and would like to get him into a fish. But will not risk the dam... I know people fish county line park but i do not know any where else... All help would be appreciated...

Fshklr · 01-09-2004, 06:02 PM

Big Tule,
I often fish the bank areas from longview to county line. Here is a link from the 4th just a few days ago with some pics(you want to fish low slack and the incomming here or weight and bait will never hold.
http://www.ifish.net/cgi-local/ultim...c;f=1;t=032429
I have also taken a few from the kalama bar(1/4 mile up river of totem poles} above the port of kalama, they would like you to get a pass from the port and they are free but rarely enforced.
You can also follow the dike to the mouth of the lewis(exit22 then head west to dike then south to entance) and fish the water some 150yards below it's jaws, but you will need a pass. They are free and issued during reg business hrs in old downtown woodland, this area is currently being patroled and ticketed if you are without a pass.

Both woodland port and kalama port passes are free and good for 1 year from issue.
pm me if I can help with more info. :grin:

KingFisher85 · 01-09-2004, 07:01 PM

Buddy and I do a lot of bank fishing below the mouth of the Lewis where Dan is talking about. We have hooked more over sizers then keepers but there is still fish to be caught.
Ive seen lots of keepers caught out there tho.

E2 · 01-09-2004, 08:23 PM

I am new to fishing and have never bank fished for sturgeon. I would like to try it. What kind of rig do I need; what kind of rod and reel and wt of line, and lures. Would it be best to go with a guide in a boat first? Or should I just go hang out and talk to other fishers on the bank and get ideas? I am an older female and somewhat intimidated to just walk up to people and start talking--also I would probably get gear second hand--lots of pawn shops in Longview, or maybe find something on ifish---want to find out if I can fish the big river from the bank for the gators before I sell the farm to buy gear. Appreciate your ideas. E2

glowball · 01-09-2004, 08:34 PM

Get yourself a rod in the 12' area a reel that will hold 300yds or so of 30lb test some dacron leader with some 6-7/0 hooks some 8 and 10oz weights and your well on your way to banking it. Don't be shy, we won't bite. I guarrantee you that 99 out of 100 fisherman or woman will be more than happy to give you some advice on banking it for sturgeon. It will be the best thing you can do to help yourself. Hands on is better than reading it hear.

Good luck

TonTo · 01-10-2004, 01:47 PM

There have been a few nice keepers pulled from the lower Cowlitz this time of year but you have to get to em before they have been gorged on smelt.Heading west out of Longview I like to fish the ladder hole,up the hill past Stella there is a pull off on the right and a steep trail down to the river on the left,some times landing em here can be tricky with out a long handled net though.I also like to fish the rock at the mouth of Abernathy creek,if not to crowded,you can drive out to the point and park next to the green marker light,nice deep hole but if you let your rig drift around the corner there are plenty of snags ,I believe there is a uderwater cable in there.Then like mentioned by Fshklr the stretch from Mill creek to county line park has been known to produce a few fish too.You may check into the port of Longview also I know of many fish that have been caught there ,never done it myself so I'm not too sure abvout how to gain access though, but it is open to the public,you just have to be prepared to lift the fish somehow.
Good Luck...

Big TULE · 01-10-2004, 03:25 PM

Thanks for the replies guys... I guess we are going to go to bonneville. I know where to go up there even though i have never landed a keeper from the bank below the dam. Above the dam i know like the back of my hand but no keepers for me below it... Oh well i am taking the camera so maybe i can get some pics. I will post the pics i get tomorrow night...