Columbia Conditions

This latest weather has really affected the both the Columbia and Willamette rivers they are both running really high and really off color. Take special care when anchoring as u will need to let out extra line to make sure you are holding properly. If Salmon fishing really smell up that bait and work shallow water 10-20 feet as Salmon will move closer to the bank during these high water.

Willamette Sturgeon Closes

Saturday was the last chance to keep sturgeon on the Willamette. It will reopen on Nov 1 u can still do catch and release. The only option is the Columbia for Sturgeon and u have until May 1st to work below the dam so April will be key for Sturgeon. Salmon will still be open 7 days a week

Fishing Update

The Willamette slowed for Salmon from Downtown to the falls. However the Multnomah channel has producing right out in front of Freds Marina. Sturgeon closes this Saturday to keeping Sturgeon so I expect a lot of people out this weekend getting their last ditch effort in. The boat ramp at PDX is open to ease pressure off of Freds Marina and Catehdral park for those Salmon fishing the Columbia.

Sturgeon to Close

This Saturday is the last day you can keep sturgeon on the Willamette river. You will be able to do catch and release. The Columbia is still open but the section from Multhomah Falls tot he dam closes on May 1.

Late March Push

There was a late march push of Salmon as the water temp increased. This will continue to build. No word yet on the closure slotted for mid April. Salmon have moved into the deeper water which is wierd when the temp is in the mid 40's we usually find the fish in 12-20 feet of water but a bulk of the fish are being caught in the 30-40 foot depth.

Gill Netters

The last two Tuesdays the Gill Netters have not gone out in the Columbia that is the good news. The bad news maybe they think there are no fish, dont really know I know we are catching fish but dont tell them

Weekend update

Got some Salmon fishing in and was updating the North Cal folks on the Sports Radio show. Springers continue to be doing well. Got some nice small mouth fishing in jigging in 15 feet of water with a white tube and Red jig head. Also picked up Walleye jigging a chartreuse jig head with a worm tail.

Rain stimulating Bite

The rains have stimulate the bite on both the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. Water temp is still in the mid forties but we are near the peak of the Springer run and the rains have pushed fresh fish in.

Temp drop on the Columbia

Water temp dropped a few degrees change tactics by looking for salmon in shallower water even 1 degree makes a difference. Move out of the 20-25 feet of water into the 20-15 feet look for small changes in water temp consider hovering or back bouncing to entice fish.

Willamette Springers

With the unpredictable Columbia season the Willamette will get a lot of attention. It is a much different fishery then the Columbia. A lot more prawns and spinners are used then herring. Also understand the depth you are in for the Willamette. Rule is less than 25 feet fish the bottom if greater than 25 feet of water use pulls to get down to the fish. Anchor fishing is also more popular on the Willamette then on the Columbia for Spingers.

Fishing Post

Saw an article about Springers slowing down, we had a day or two that were more difficult then others but being the first of March the fishing is on the upwards peak dont be afraid to experiment when things slow down, change dropper length, anchor and plunk, switch to sand shrimp mix it up.

Launch Courtesy

During the next month as 1 major dock is closed and a short salmon season tensions will run high as people try to get into the water a few key things first dont leave your boat docked impeding others from launching leave the slot open so others can get their boats launched it is best to motor out and wait. When coming in dont leave your boat docked in the take out slot as you go get your boat you will block others who are ahead of you. Just a few notes to make the launch happier.

Herring Rig

When building a Herring two hook rig the distance apart from the two hooks should be 4 fingers for blue label and 3 fingers for green Herring. Tie both hooks with an egg look knot using your fingers to determine the distance apart. Videos can be found on this on my webpage or You Tube.

Springer time

Springers are doing well in both the Willamette and Columbia rivers. Herring and Prawns are the go to bait but watch out the boat launches are packed especially if you want to fish the Columbia as the Gleason boat ramp is closed throughout March. Chinook Landing and Cathedral Park are elbow to elbow.