columbia river sockeye below wanapaum

[rasbo]

I wanna try this real bad,I have never used my down riggers and would like some help on what to use on these fish..I my down riggers are good for 8lb weights...any tips would be helpful

[Quackwhacker]

I will PM you with some info.

[Brad Harshman]

Advice - test out your gear before hitting the water.  You will find out that this place is not a place to learn on the opening weekend. IT WILL BE CROWDED.  Between the current and everyone else you may not find your outing enjoyable.

Good luck!

I think I'll be fishing it as well.

[Badhabit]

I heard that do to the crack in the dam that there is now a 400' restricted zone below the dam. I think the "toilet bowl" that everyone likes to fish is going to be within the restricted zone.

[rasbo]

during the week will be when I try it,do you guys use rubber snubbers for the sockeye?

[MtnMuley]

during the week will be when I try it,do you guys use rubber snubbers for the sockeye?

No

[MtnMuley]

That fishery usually consists of 1.5 - 4 lb fish. With that being said, I've never broke more 15-20 lb leaders.

[bowguy]

With the way the water in hole has been the water is in no way close to normal conditions. You can use light leader for sockeye, however you will have the occasional summer run king hit it. 8lb balls are ok, on a normal year you may wanna go heavier to get straight down the current is that bad. It is a fun fishery, pending where you are from check out the sockeye in lake Wenatchee also (personal favorite). I'm planning on hitting the reach here after them this week a few days. Limit is 4 plus 2 clipped kings. Good luck tight lines. 

[bowguy]

Any of the Mack's sockeye set ups, silver magic with shrimp, chrome dodger 12" leader to red hooks (bare, pink power bait at eye, pink shrimp). Let me know how you do. Word of wise don't go against traffic see what everyone is doing with boats and repeat. Best if you have a fishing partner with you to help out, otherwise trouble can come up quick here. Set balls anywhere between 6'-17' and get ready.

[L-ofalab]

Boats get swamped below Wanapum often don't go in a small boat. Even 20 foot boats take on waves there.

[rasbo]

thanks guys ,lots of good info I need to go down there and look around,17.5 alumaweld should be fine Im thinking,I will stay away from the blast of water..I worry more about getting to the area, not knowing the water,be it rocks or bars...Im excited though

[C-Money]

This sounds like fun.....tagging! Are there sockeye below Priest Rapis?

[bowguy]

Few guys starting to limit out on the reach, should be real good here in a few days for the next month I'd say

[rasbo]

I see barbless hooks must be used, are you guys crimping the barbs? and on kwickfish with trebles to you have to use singles or crimp them.sorry wont have regs till

[birdmanwa]

I heard that do to the crack in the dam that there is now a 400' restricted zone below the dam. I think the "toilet bowl" that everyone likes to fish is going to be within the restricted zone.

Did you hear this from a valid source? I will be fishing up there. It is not exactly a joyful fishery with the waves and current and the idiots, but plenty of fish to catch.