Bobber Fishing Big Water Columbia/Willamette

[SKP]

Does anyone bobber fish big water like the Columbia or Willamette? You know the salmon hit bobber/bait in tidewater and in the smaller fresh water holes, but has anyone tried bobbering large water, like cut banks, back eddies, pilings, or other structure on the Columbia or Willamette for springers or Upper River Brights or Fall Chinook?

Or in large bay water, like the Ghost Hole in Tillamook Bay or in between the Jetties?

If so, tell us if you had success or not and explain your experience.

I've not tried, it but I think it will work, do you?

What about pesky bait stealing fish, is that why people don't bobber large water?

I'm anxious to hear your thoughts. Guides or anyone experienced with this technique, please pipe in on this one.

SKP

[River Ranger]

well bobber fishing for springers is popular below the falls in oregoncity.on the columbia i have used bobbers at the mouth of tanner cr and eagle cr above bonneville.

R.R.

[Green Willie]

I have used a bobber, mooching weight, and herring off the north jetty (both Tillamook and Columbia River). Done fairly well for silvers. My largest chinook came this way off of the Columbia River north jetty (25 1/4 lbs--off the rocks). Don't see this techinique used much off the jetty at Barview, but it does work.

Jetty Nut

[SKP]

Anyone else wish to chime in? This is good information!

What about bobbering the main stem Santiam? This is another big water river. I've seen plenty back bounce and plug it, but I've never seen one bobber/bait rig. Did see a couple bobber/jig rigs.

I've got this feeling we are missing a good opportunity here. I'm anxious to explore big water this spring with my bobbers.

SKP

[Barviewrocks]

I have successfully used a bobber and herring combo off the north jetty. Both my 60 yr old aunt and I have caught fall fish in the 40 lbs category. She while sitting on her rod and knitting while the fish struck and was taking out line. Myself, usually when I am not looking and day dreaming. I usually let the fish take the bobber completely under. And, use a gaff when they are played out.

[Uglygreen]

I think they bobber for steelhead in the John Day Arm and in the McNary pool for Steelhead...? Bobber and prawn Ive been told?

UG

[Fshklr]

UG,
your right on with that info. bobber with an 8 foot stop to a 3/8oz jig tipped with prawn tails.
most guys use either plain or dyed dark red/purple.

I prefered the red/black hair with black painted heads. :grin:

[Mojo]

The Clearwater River is lined with Jig and Bobber guys. They throw a rig that is basically a slip bobber (weighted so it goes waaaaay out on every cast), a 1/2 oz egg sinker(sliding) and a bead (to protect the knot) tied to a barrel swivel, then a 18" leader with a jig on the end. Bait it with a little shrimp and you are in business. I see guys using jigs from 1 oz down to 1/16 oz. Not uncommon to have your stop set at 20+ feet. The egg sinker is just to get your jig to the proper depth in a hurry.

I hate fishing this way, because I've NEVER caught a fish using this technique. I know it can be productive, but bouncing the bottom or side drifting works best for me...

[ 11-02-2003, 04:02 PM: Message edited by: Mojo ]