Columbia summer Kings

[Firstlight]

Just wondering if I could get some info on the summer kings in the Columbia. There was a decent artical in the last STS on them regarding what to use. Seems like the norm, Kwickies and spinners but didnt quite describe any locations. Its open from Astoria to Bonneville for a week starting the 22nd. Does anyone know any good locations. I think its kinda funny how much cut plugs are utilized during springer season but a couple of months later nobody uses them for the summer chinook. Any info would be appreciated.

[Hoytstaffshooter83]

spinners are okay, wobblers are better, the depth is dependent on what part of the river you are fishing, anywhere from 15-50+ ft

[WDFW Hates ME!!!]

I like using smaller spinners, in shallower water. 10-15 feet. not to far from beacon rock. You will have to expierment.

Down lower in the river like I-5 down look for 30-50 feet of water and run wobblers.

Faster water at Bville=spinners or back trolled Qfish, slower water down river =anchored wobblers or Qfish. Just an observation i have made over the years.

[fishcrazy]

The reason for cut plugs in spring but not sumer is a long story but boils down to water temps. Ever notice in the Fall late August or early September that Kwiki fish aren't used much on the Columbia? Allso water temps. Water temp is everything when fishing Salmon. Different things will get them to bite at different temps.   Last summer was my first time for June hogs. we fished 2 days and did very well!!!! Last year the hot item for us was Kwiki fish with a wrap of meat soked in one of my mad scientist ideas. We Killed them!!! we got a 25# and 30# the last day we fished.

I have somethign new I am working on for deep water wobbler fishing on the Columbia this year.

I think last year our "magic depth was 26'.

Allot of people will fish the hogs up at Bonnaville.

If you would like to learn the fishery. I know a great guide that would take you out and teach you. Last time I talked to him he had a few openings. Could be well worth the money. He's a great teacher.


Kris

[h2ofowlr]

We did very well on the summer run a few years back fishing towards Woodland, WA.  Used a bar rod and ran out spin-n-glows out with my boat.  Ran 2-3 spin-n-glows per rod spaced out about 3' apart.  We had 6 rods set up about 15 feet appart.   Ended up catching our limits in two hours.  It's nice to sit on the bank.  Start the fire and hook the bell on the rod. 

[fishcrazy]

I know a guide that does something like that but with wobblers.   7 rods with 3 each = 21 lures = the wall of death.

Kris

[h2ofowlr]

We try different things with the set ups.  Sometime the end one with a cut plug or a Alvin or Brad's wobbler and then vary the colors on all the rods to see what works best.  Also vary the sents.  I will run and drop the lines from 25' to 40' and then try to see which line the fish are taking.  It is a never fail system if there are fish in the river. 

[fishcrazy]

I talked to one of my guide friends today. I booked a trip with him for the 28th. My boat motor is blown and probably won't get it fixed for a few more weeks.

he told me he has been catching allot of kings lately. They have all been released but we are looking at a good season when it  opens
The river has dropped alot. It has been running really high since mid April.

Sturg fishing has also been good in the Estuary with boat limited out by noon.

Kris

[Antlershed]

I'm not sure if some are getting these early summer kings confused with the Kings that run in September.... The ones that come in June-July, I catch in as shallow as 12-18 feet of water while I am Steelhead fishing with spin-glos. The ones in September, you fish deeper and use the wobblers.

[fishcrazy]

I don't think they are getting them confused. These June HOGS like the wobblers as well as spin glo's. and if the water don't get to warm they might hit a kwiki. They are caught shallow and deep as the water warms into July.


Kris

[WDFW Hates ME!!!]

I got one on saturday on S-n-G/prawn

[bullcanyon]

We too have hit them on spin-n-glows while steelie fishing off the bank.  Seen a few caught in a boat above us that was fishing 22'.  We were throwing shallower than that though.

[Hoytstaffshooter83]

Hooked 3 in my boatshad fishing yesterday, and saw some people nail some big ones on the bank.. it going to be good