Help planning trip...Need Cathlamet info

[Steel Neurosis]

Hi All,

My dad, brother and I are wanting to take a 2 day trip down to fish the Columbia. We've never fished it before.

We do have a 16' Glaspar tri-hull that is all set up for fishing...downriggers, rod holders and a new 90 hp. Johnson + a 7.5 kicker. We've had this boat nearly 20 years, and it has always served us well. No CR style anchor, so fishing will be restricted to drifting and trolling.

We were wanting to go around the Bingen area, as there is a good ramp there. I've got no idea of the regs in that area, or even if thee are fish to be had. We aren't stuck on the Bingen area..could go anywhere really.

I've also thought of going with a guide, but don't know if the rate for 3 guys would be affordable. We were hoping to find a cabin to rent for the night (17th) and fish on the 18th. The guide cost would obviously be off-set by saving $100 in gas money to haul my boat down/back....BUT, my dad really wants to use this boat.

We would like to catch Kings, or steelhead...pretty open really. Maybe even sturgeon?

Suggestions?

Mike

[David Johnson]

No matter where you go you may consider the guided trip as you would not be fishing blind-years of experience plus up to date info is invaluable. They also have all the right anchors, rods, baits, gear etc for the area.

It seems like when people go on trips like this they end up spending the first couple days learning and maybe get it dialed in on the last day

[Starfish]

PM sent

[Steel Neurosis]

David: I agree on the wisdom you share...and would book with a guide in a heart beat...but my dad (71) is pretty stuck on taking his old Glaspar (new 90 HP prop Johnson) out for a run. He's a pretty independent cuss...and more than catching fish wants to spend a day with his boys (yeah...boys...brother and I are 47 and 45!).

Starfish: Thanks for the PM. Good info for later in the summer!

Got a suggestion of Cathlamet...that the fishing might be decent there (hatchery Kings open, I believe). Need some help on where to stay in that area. Would like to rent a cabin for the night somewhere in the area. Dad isn't much for camping any more, and to be honest my bones don't care much for cots these days either.

Also, is the water rough in that area, or is it typically pretty decent? (we've never been on the Big C, but plenty of ocean experience...we know our limitations!).

Thanks mucho for the help...dad is really looking forward to this trip (been polishing his boat all week) and I sure would like to make it a good one.

Mike

[Fshklr]

Mike..the CR is is just like the Skagit but on steriods!! up to 6 times wider.

You will have to deal with jetski's on the weekends in that area creating alot of chop...and the ocean TANKERS can really toss ya around creating up to a 4 foot wake.

Ships/vessels have the right of way here, and sailboats underway do as well.

For trolling you can see the others that are doing it..be sure to get a tide book and troll in the slack and incomming tides..you really need an anchor for the outgoing tides..fish water 18 to 35 feet in depth for Salmon/Chinook kings both addipose and clipped addipose/hatchery are legal retention, up to 2 each till Aug 1st. The tides are very soft during the time stated in the afternoons..not the best of times or current for catching but they are still here..might be over in days, but who nows.

Steelhead is size 6 or 8 spin-glos in chrome greenhead, chrome red/orange head. watermelon/frog all tipped with red prawntails.from the boat 1 foot dropper, 3 foot leader.

This is in no way a drift fishery..for an idea of the vast power and size of the Columbia, I would compare it to the Mississippi
I don't know of any cabins in cathlamet, but some 20 - 30 or so more miles north are several roadside motels/chalets that cater to fisherman and hunters..I believe there is some kind of marina there with a small rv campground.

You may want to edit the topic on this thread:
Help, need rooms in cathlamet area

[slabhunter]

There is a bed and breakfast near the Elochoman Marina(360-795-3501). When talking about a launch permit or transient moorage, perhaps they can help with contact information.

Should be prime time for some hatchery steelhead.

Good fishing,
Hans

[cohomojo]

Fishklr and Slabhunter- I have fished the Cathlamet area many times for Springers but I have been searching for information about steelhead. Would you mind sending me a PM with some helpful information? I would greatly appreciate it.