Sturgeon between 42nd ramp and Gorge?

Waterfish · 01-17-2004, 08:16 AM

It seems that most people that post about sturgeon fishing in the Portland/metro area usually fish in several main areas: Kelly point, the Willamette, St. Helens, Multnohmah Channel or the Gorge. But what about that big stretch of the Columbia between the 42nd Street ramp (the M. James Gleason ramp on Marine Drive), and the lower end of the Gorge, before Rooster Rock? All of those sturgeon that make their way up to Bonneville have to go through that part of the river, but I hardly ever hear any mention of fishing it. Is there some reason why it is not as good as the other areas?

River Ranger · 01-17-2004, 08:18 AM

Lots of water with a little less access.Plenty of good water just have to run a bit to get to some of them.
R.R.

Waterfish · 01-17-2004, 08:25 AM

River Ranger,

The M. James Gleason Ramp is about 10 miles west of Chinook Landing, and Chinook landing would access the area between there and the lower Gorge. You're right, thats not a whole of of boat ramps, but those two would access that whole stretch of the river I am thinking about.

Tacklebuster · 01-17-2004, 09:38 AM

You bet there are some great places to catch sturgeon in that stretch. The reason why you don't see people fishing in that stretch is because a lot of people only fish the "meat holes" that are proven areas and either are to lazy or simply don't have the time to explore new areas. This year I will be staying away from just about all the areas that I have fished in the past and will focus on new water.

I may not have the "totals" at the end of the day that I'm used to at first but I sure will have that feeling of satisfaction that goes along with finding hidden treasures. The road we use is well beaten and uneventful as of late. Blaze a trail and walk your own path. You never know what you may find along the way....

FishFreak · 01-17-2004, 03:00 PM

Don't forget that th
is time of year the weather is usually pretty nasty up near the mouth of the gorge. We thought today we'd escape some crowds and try up by Rooster Rock. By the time we got past Troutdale the car was being bounced around by the wind. We turned around at the Corbett exit and thought we'd try Chinook landing... still too windy ... We ended up driving the whole way back in to try the willammette...

SafetyChain · 01-17-2004, 04:54 PM

Like TB said, don't be afraid to try new water. The one "known" whole is around the power lines just upriver from Chinook. I can tell you that I have caught sturgeon (on Alvins and Kwikfish) many times while salmon fishing aroung the 205 bridge.

Fourteen · 01-18-2004, 03:11 PM

I had a neighbor take me out of Washougal last Fall and three of us limited out in the late afternoon after fishing for about 6 hours. He anchored in a certain spot almost all the time and did did real well some days. My neighbor mentioned that most of the keepers he caught were between the hours of 5 & 7 pm. We were in about forty feet of water.

Fishing Maniac · 01-19-2004, 12:12 PM

Tacklebuster,

First off, thanks very much for sharing your expertise on Sturgeon. I'm sure it will help shorten everyone's learning curve a lot. I was hoping you might be able to answer a question on sturgeon holding areas. What specifically are you looking for when you are out exploring for new "honey holes" for Sturgeon. I know the obvious deep water scenario but was curious if you had any other criteria you look for? If you don't feel comfortable giving out that info I understand. Thanks again for all your posts.

Lured In · 01-19-2004, 12:37 PM

As has been mentioned, there are lots of good spots, but be careful of the wind. Launch at Chinook Landing, Camas, or Rooster Rock and that will put you within a 5-10 minute boat ride of any of the well known locations. Aside from being aware of the current wind, be sure to check the wind forecast as it might be nice now, but in 3 hours it could be blowing hard.

Tacklebuster will probably be able to shed more light on this, but I will give my $.02 on locations. #1 get a map. You will see all the 'meat holes' TB referred to and maybe a few others.

Something that is often overlooked up here is fishing some of the flats above holes or turns in the river. Every year guys hooks sturgeon while fishing for Springers. [img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img] Don't be afraid to fish shallow, but put some thought into where you do it. Food doesn't just collect in the holes, it collects in eddies and other areas of the river.

skeezer · 01-19-2004, 08:07 PM

GOOD ONE LI ,when you tell someone about an area that has not been there,if they try it they will have to explore around to find the fish (honey hole). it might help some people get out and try to explore new fishing grounds so all the info is very nice i have acouple places i still want to try .... so thanks to all of you... [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]