When will YOU start fishing for springers?

Waterfish · 02-07-2005, 04:57 PM

I know that a few people are already targeting springers, and even catching a few here and there. What will cause you put aside the steelhead and sturgeon gear and go full blast after springers?

X number of salmon over the dam? Water temperature above 48 degrees? Time of year (late March/early April), or???

freespool · 02-07-2005, 05:01 PM

I started about a week and ahalf ago.

Spotty sea going bluegill and buttom feeders don't do much for me.

salmon hugger

Plum Crazy · 02-07-2005, 05:04 PM

I will start in March and that is early, I still love the steelies and would rather catch sturgeon than sit on a hook all day with no take downs. It still is reeeeallly early. I will probably start trolling earlier than normal and end the day fishing for gators.

TA

Riverkeeper · 02-07-2005, 05:04 PM

Quote:

buttom feeders

Peter McG · 02-07-2005, 05:08 PM

I expect to start fishing for them this coming weekend. I have seen reports of a few fish caught, so it's time to get out on the river and give it a try. I've been debating whether to try Oregon City or Multnomah channel at this time of year. Last year I had some success below Willamette Park, but I don't know if that area is any good at this time of year. But, heck, the fish have to move through to get to Oregon City, so I may just try it where I hit them last spring.

Buck · 02-07-2005, 05:27 PM

It's not really a science to me. It's more of a seasonal experience thing. Every fish - winter run steelhead, spring chinook, summer steelhead, summer salmon, summer trout, and fall salmon - just to name the species I normally target, has it's own special time, weather conditions, and to some extent mystique. The feeling of hooking that first winter steelhead of the year, the first coho in fast water, or springer, is more of an experience thing for me that just belongs in a certain time of year.

My dad, who was once known as "Coon Island King" for the large numbers of spring chinook he caught each year, taught me some very basic truths that seem to have helped in forming my enjoyment of the "seasons" of fishing:

1. Start fishing with bait for springers when the daffodils are all up and tulips are starting (more or less the beginning of March).
2. Include spinners and hardware in your fishing when the water has warmed up and the dogwoods are blooming. This is the peak.

Notice the ties to "spring"?

RvW · 02-07-2005, 05:47 PM

Quote:

It's not really a science to me.
1. Start fishing with bait for springers when the daffodils are all up and tulips are starting (more or less the beginning of March).
2. Include spinners and hardware in your fishing when the water has warmed up and the dogwoods are blooming. This is the peak.

If that aint scientific I dont know what is.

Newsflash, dafodils are a foot high in my front yard, the rhodies have bulging buds, and the dogwoods appear ready to flower at any moment.

Ill fish for springers when the Zipperlips bloom.

got chrome? · 02-07-2005, 05:50 PM

I'll keep fishing for steelhead until I start hooking into more springers than steelies. Then it will be time to break out the heavier gear and go all out.

5-Cents · 02-07-2005, 05:50 PM

I dont get it... I was supposed to STOP fishing for springers?

justcastn · 02-07-2005, 05:51 PM

When Nickel get's one :grin: :grin:

SPRINGERMAN · 02-07-2005, 05:54 PM

Looks like first of March for me again, Dogwoods in bloom was the peak to look for but spring break is a great time too. Already have my daughter booking trips with dad during the break from Grad school, oh yeah, I think the future son inlaw will be there too....Can't wait. I just hope the water temps come up to get the bite rolling.

Pete · 02-07-2005, 05:55 PM

You think he's going to tell us about it when it happens? I bet he keeps it quiet for a while. Better bet, go look at his last "year in review" photo essay and see when he got his first last spring! :grin:

5-Cents · 02-07-2005, 05:58 PM

DOH!

RvW · 02-07-2005, 06:01 PM

Oh ! the humility! If only all of us could spend every waking moment on the river! Snicker snicker.

Dont get me wrong Cinco Centavos...Im happy for you.

5-Cents · 02-07-2005, 06:03 PM

I only fished 4 days in January

I have to make up for that in the coming months

Buck50 · 02-07-2005, 06:09 PM

When I get the new boat! :smile:

Pirate · 02-07-2005, 06:11 PM

February 5th,2005

BCF · 02-07-2005, 06:18 PM

What's a zinger and why is everybody fishing for them?

Already started>>>>>>>>>>&gt ;!

BCF

Jacks or Better · 02-07-2005, 07:14 PM

Got a bouqet of daffodils on the coffee table NOW. :grin: Bet the springers don't know that.

Jettin' Fool · 02-07-2005, 07:17 PM

March 1st

ripthevolcano · 02-07-2005, 07:17 PM

First trip planned for the first weekend in March. Start low on big C and work up to bonney.

RvW · 02-07-2005, 07:31 PM

Your really gonna join the one fish bonney parade?

tunaorlater · 02-07-2005, 07:32 PM

The boats getting tuned up, the rods polished and reels oiled and restrung...The first weekend in March will be the offical Kickoff to the new springer year! And oh yeah the kwikies have been sent away to be blessed :grin: :grin: :grin: and the hickory shampoo is just waiting

cutt plug · 02-07-2005, 07:55 PM

I think they'll be earlier this year, I'll put away the steelhead gear and focus on springers in March.

I chased steelhead into March last year and missed out on some good springer fishing.

I'll start low on the Willy and work my way up to OC.

Good luck!

jokester · 02-07-2005, 08:00 PM

As soon as I can find a motor for my DB.

Anyone got one they need to get rid of without breaking my bank?? :grin:

-jokester

Wreckless · 02-07-2005, 08:23 PM

The first week or so in March is early enough for us....I'd rather skip March than May

reelfine · 02-07-2005, 08:35 PM

I've always been a Summer/Fall fisherman, but I was thinking about starting in April this year... maybe I'll start tomorrow instead...

jet · 02-07-2005, 08:44 PM

March 15th

Jet~~~

quackersnacker · 02-08-2005, 12:35 AM

March 13! Happy birthday to me!

Salmon Stryker · 02-08-2005, 01:24 AM

When I start seeing all of the smoked salmon and barbeque salmon steak pictures on this site.

Actually I usually get around to it about two days before they close the Columbia.

k9jeff · 02-08-2005, 02:06 AM

Second week of march and I quit in Late May/early June.

steelie69 · 02-08-2005, 07:17 AM

February 6th! The day was very windy and wet but we stuck it out until close to tide change. No fish! I will try here and there from now until the first part of March. After that, Look out! I got the bug real badddddddddd!

rola76 · 02-08-2005, 07:47 AM

If I decide to travel, not too long from now, but if I stick around home, not until April or so.

fishchaser · 02-08-2005, 10:42 AM

After the Sportsman Show. Maybe the third week of Feb. Have been told that the water temp in the Willy is up already and the fish should be in soon, so I figure week after next is a good time.

CATCH AND EAT · 02-08-2005, 11:11 AM

Tried twice and will try again this weekend. I have a good feeling about this weekend.

SKP · 02-08-2005, 11:28 AM

I'll probably start late March or early April (or later if my work gets in the way).

SKP

ibgrizz · 02-08-2005, 11:34 AM

I will start real soon

Time Off · 02-08-2005, 01:00 PM

I will try at least one weekend in March but I have March 28 - April 3rd off for gettin serious

Navigator · 02-09-2005, 09:18 PM

First weekend after St. Patrick's Day. That is my plan, and I am sticking too it!

lamiman · 02-10-2005, 05:38 PM

Buck, great advice. My daffy's are up and tulips have begun. See you on the water.