Hunting Washington Forum

Other Activities => Fishing => Topic started by: ctwiggs1 on February 19, 2017, 04:36:07 PM

Title: Columbia Springers
Post by: ctwiggs1 on February 19, 2017, 04:36:07 PM: Anybody have any idea when this season will be posted? I am thinking about trying to get a few Springers in the freezer this year.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Bullkllr on February 19, 2017, 04:47:36 PM: Spring chinook angling in the lower Columbia River is projected to last through April 6 before the early season closes and sportsmen wait until a mid-May update of the salmon forecast.Washington and Oregon officials shared the projection Wednesday with the bistate Columbia River Recreational Advisor Group in Vancouver. The states will adopt the 2017 spring chinook fishing regulations at a hearing beginning at 1 p.m. a.m. Feb. 23 at the Clark Regional Waste Water District, 8000 N.E. 52nd Court.
http://www.union-bulletin.com/things_to_do/diversions/early-chinook-season-in-lower-columbia-set-to-last-until/article_fb4c871e-f52a-11e6-b5b8-ff305f383bd4.html (http://www.union-bulletin.com/things_to_do/diversions/early-chinook-season-in-lower-columbia-set-to-last-until/article_fb4c871e-f52a-11e6-b5b8-ff305f383bd4.html)

You're doing better than me if you end up with enough springer to make it to the freezer, lately anyway.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: WSU on February 19, 2017, 05:02:31 PM: We just ate the last piece. I ate a winter run the other day and was reminded how ready I am for some springers!
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Mark Youngblood on February 19, 2017, 05:33:45 PM: expect March 1st through April 6th open 7 days a week for lower river....
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: cohoho on February 20, 2017, 06:48:32 PM: Fishing in the trees this year, if all this rain and snow in mountains continues... :yike:
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Mark Youngblood on February 20, 2017, 09:06:58 PM: I have a few seats left for Columbia springers last week of march early April out of Kalama if interested $165 per seat
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: SkookumHntr on February 21, 2017, 07:13:52 PM: Probably be more of a kwikfish year this year! I just picked up 5 new ones!
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: plugger on February 22, 2017, 04:43:24 PM: Do they have the projections for the fall run, Upriver kings out yet?
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: WAPatriot on February 22, 2017, 04:44:44 PM: Ya check ifish
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: WSU on February 22, 2017, 04:47:35 PM: Quote from: plugger on February 22, 2017, 04:43:24 PM
Do they have the projections for the fall run, Upriver kings out yet?

Certainly not the banner year like the ones we've been having.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: plugger on February 22, 2017, 05:17:38 PM: No, not counting on that. hard to sustain those numbers. Half is still a lot of fish though. Hoping for that at least.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on February 22, 2017, 06:25:54 PM: Quote from: plugger on February 22, 2017, 05:17:38 PM
No, not counting on that. hard to sustain those numbers. Half is still a lot of fish though. Hoping for that at least.

With proper.fish management we should have a million plus fish every year for the fall run.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Thenewguy on March 09, 2017, 07:43:25 AM: Anyone catching yet? I am coming from Montana for the last week of the season
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on March 10, 2017, 12:36:54 PM: Heard one was caught in the Willamette.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Big6bull on March 11, 2017, 06:45:04 PM: High water visibility ranging from 1-2 ft.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Thenewguy on March 13, 2017, 07:07:09 PM: I keep watching YouTube videos and getting excited. Sounds slow from the reports I hear
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on March 13, 2017, 08:20:59 PM: 7 springers over Boniville Dam. Time to get serious......... :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Blacklab on March 14, 2017, 04:42:07 PM: Quote from: HUNTINCOUPLE on March 13, 2017, 08:20:59 PM
7 springers over Boniville Dam. Time to get serious......... :IBCOOL:

lol I've been watching the counts myself. :tup:
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: passing-thru on March 14, 2017, 05:16:10 PM: Hoping it turns on soon. I have charter booked with Oregon City Charters on April 1, it was gift.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Thenewguy on March 15, 2017, 06:18:34 PM: April 1st should be safe
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on March 18, 2017, 01:24:01 PM: OK 10 Springers over the dam! Smoking Hot Fishing soon................. :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Thenewguy on March 18, 2017, 03:55:39 PM: By smoking hot, you mean a fish every 6 hours? :chuckle:
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: buckhorn2 on March 19, 2017, 12:54:05 PM: PLEASE STOP RAINING.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on March 20, 2017, 06:33:50 PM: Quote from: Thenewguy on March 18, 2017, 03:55:39 PM
By smoking hot, you mean a fish every 6 hours? :chuckle:

12 over the dam now. 6 over The Dalles Dam. How did I not get a bite????? :chuckle:
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: ASHQUACK on March 20, 2017, 06:39:41 PM: 12 hrs on the hook Saturday and all we got for four poles was wet wet wet. Gonna give it another got his weekend.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Thenewguy on March 21, 2017, 06:59:49 AM: It's gotta pick up in the next week or so. Where are you all putting in?
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: ASHQUACK on March 22, 2017, 12:43:24 AM: Port Of Kalama
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: allen on March 23, 2017, 09:02:36 PM: Trolled along Bachelor Island today. Negative results but it was nice to get out & look things over. As all know the water is high & murky, about 1ft visibility. Marker 13 is normally quite a few feet above water level. Like the debris hung up on the marker, there is stuff out there so keep an eye out.
Only saw one sea lion, guess that's good except it might mean there are no fish around either
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Thenewguy on March 24, 2017, 05:25:17 AM: I bet this fish are there in numbers this weekend. If the water drops a little...
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Mr Mykiss on March 24, 2017, 06:26:40 AM: Sea lions have been more or less absent from the lower river this year compared to last. There's about 1/3 as many at East Mooring Basin compared to last year as well. Talked to a local biologist and they said it was because the smelt run was no bueno this year :dunno:
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: jackmaster on March 24, 2017, 06:38:51 AM: Atleast from my experience more sea lions mean more fish, My buddy guides on the Columbia and the kalama and he said the numbers are so bad that he isn't taking people out at all, he has went a couple times by himself and has only caught one.. he said the numbers are pretty close to the worst he has seen in a long time !!
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Mr Mykiss on March 24, 2017, 07:46:54 AM: 100k over Bonneville, remember where you heard it.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Thenewguy on March 27, 2017, 06:28:12 AM: Anyone go out this weekend?
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: h2ofowlr on March 27, 2017, 07:48:56 AM: Went out Saturday. My buddy caught one. Maybe 10"-12" visibility. Lot of debris floating down the river. Water is extremely high. Definitely a difficult fishery at the moment. Many guides are re-booking customer starting April 1st.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Thenewguy on March 27, 2017, 10:11:01 AM: Thanks for the update. Not a lot through the dam yet either. Heading there next weekend
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: ASHQUACK on March 27, 2017, 05:41:58 PM: I wonder if WDFW will close it because of the low returns over the dams?
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Thenewguy on March 27, 2017, 07:24:42 PM: I bet its just a later then usual run- 12 is way too few to represent a real move. Gotta heat up this week
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Thenewguy on March 27, 2017, 07:53:44 PM: http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/bill_monroe/index.ssf/2017/03/columbia_spring_chinook_show_u.html
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: bighorn1 on March 31, 2017, 01:01:39 PM: Going to try the lower river on Monday hope it clears a little will be staying until the 10 th so will give a report.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Mfowl on March 31, 2017, 02:46:22 PM: Cancelled a 3 day trip for this weekend :'(. The newspaper said the commercial test fishery in the lower river did well suggesting the fish are there but the conditions are not. Praying we get next weekend! Good luck to those who make it out!
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: WAPatriot on March 31, 2017, 03:16:36 PM: I hope it rains next week I have to go to San Fran for business and would hate to miss the only good weekend for springers on the lower river.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Thenewguy on March 31, 2017, 03:47:33 PM: I just got into town but am thinking about riding the bench until Tuesday. Hoping it clears by then. What does the upper river look like?
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: WAPatriot on March 31, 2017, 03:55:34 PM: Can't catch em if you aren't fishing. I'd fish towards the estuary. The fish are stacked up in there waiting to push upriver.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Mfowl on March 31, 2017, 05:57:32 PM: The season has been extended through 4/10. Woohoo! :tup: :fishin:
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: allen on March 31, 2017, 07:00:25 PM: Trolled along Bachelor Island yesterday & today, negative results, heard one was caught this morning. Not many fisherman out, a dozen or so yesterday, a few more today. Water is still high but clarity may be improving, about 27 inch visibility today.
Good luck all.
Be careful a lot of debris in the water.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: flatbkman on March 31, 2017, 08:06:19 PM: If the Springer's don't show when the WDFW expects them, they will just close the season like they have done to the Smelt over the past few years. Remember a few years ago when you couldn't even pick up dead ones on the bank and the area stunk due to the rotting fish. And the last couple of years that when they did open it for a day or two the main run was already over. If fish and animals can't follow the calender, then they don't deserve a season because they have made the dept. look bad.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: hollymaster on March 31, 2017, 08:08:36 PM: Think pueget island and lower. 😉
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Thenewguy on April 03, 2017, 09:59:00 AM: Anyone get out this weekend?
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: allen on April 03, 2017, 04:57:12 PM: Trolled along Bachelor Island again today. Water is dropping a little & clearing a little but still not good. About 20 boats out, most anchored up. Don't know of any fish.

allen
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Thenewguy on April 04, 2017, 07:20:26 PM: Still hearing it is tough
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: bighorn1 on April 04, 2017, 08:06:40 PM: Fished the lower river today still fast and murkey nothing for me hoping it clears up.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Mfowl on April 06, 2017, 10:01:09 AM: Another planned 3 day trip Fri-Sun cancelled. Just can't justify spending the time and money to travel down to the river to fish in these conditions. Gonna plunk the Cow for a day instead. See you there!
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: bighorn1 on April 06, 2017, 03:09:33 PM: I fished the lower river today. I caught one yesterday and we got two this morning one eighteen and one eight and saw others caught and the water was green. My name was Buckhorn 2 but got messed up and now buckhorn1. Anyway today looked like the water conditions got better.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: bighorn1 on April 06, 2017, 03:11:30 PM: Sorry name is Bighorn1 instead of buckhorn2.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: WAPatriot on April 06, 2017, 03:17:11 PM: Willy is on fire
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: hollymaster on April 06, 2017, 03:55:57 PM: Quote from: WAPatriot on April 06, 2017, 03:17:11 PM
Willy is on fire
Must be holding in there. :dunno:
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: HntnFsh on April 06, 2017, 04:48:33 PM: Quote from: WAPatriot on April 06, 2017, 03:17:11 PM
Willy is on fire

The guys on Ifish are reporting a fish here and there. But doesn't look like anything great by any means!
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: elkaholic123 on April 06, 2017, 05:12:08 PM: These are Buckhorn2's fish.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: bighorn1 on April 06, 2017, 07:21:02 PM: The biologist said the Willamette was putting out a lot of fish. Down below where I am the river is finally clearing up.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: cohoho on April 07, 2017, 08:49:07 AM: Nice job Del, were heading down for the last day on Monday... I was wondering what happened to your name... lol We fished for Walleye on Friday instead of hitting it for Springer's and did well got about 15-16 of the wet sock fighters.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: bighorn1 on April 07, 2017, 11:48:53 AM: We went out today Mike but just to much wind so not able to troll and sloppy for anchoring. I am on the end of C dock.Try tomorrow.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Thenewguy on April 07, 2017, 12:09:09 PM: Going to make a trip tomorrow- in a beige wrapped crestliner and will be wearing Simms bibbs.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: bighorn1 on April 08, 2017, 06:49:26 PM: Limited with three today plus one with a Finn fished on the hook using sardines wrap quickfish saw about twenty fish caught today in the lower river.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Mfowl on April 08, 2017, 07:09:36 PM: 2 Bell ringers today plunking the cow. 1 brief hookup. Seemed like everybody at least had a chance if not a fish. It's happening! :tup:
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: bighorn1 on April 09, 2017, 06:32:22 PM: It's really blowing here in the lower river most of the boats off the water early one Keeper and one with a Finn not many fish today. Thanks
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Thenewguy on April 09, 2017, 06:50:12 PM: I put in at Cathlamet- seems like it's got muddy again. Saw 6 hit the nets but none for us
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: andr3wxmma on April 09, 2017, 07:19:02 PM: Planning a trip to barrier this extended easter weekend. Any tips for someone who only experience was side drifting summer steelhead last year with just corkys and yarn?
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Mfowl on April 09, 2017, 08:10:40 PM: Quote from: andr3wxmma on April 09, 2017, 07:19:02 PM
Planning a trip to barrier this extended easter weekend. Any tips for someone who only experience was side drifting summer steelhead last year with just corkys and yarn?

You should be prepared to fish a couple different methods. If your in close quarters with others you should fish how everyone else is. If everyone if drift fishing don't start throwing a bobber and eggs in the middle of them. If you have elbow room fish how you would like. The water will likely still be very high, fish closer to shore, the fish won't be battling the intense current in the middle of the river.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: cohoho on April 11, 2017, 10:05:42 AM: A couple yesterday for our first run of the season - aka last day unless we get an additional extension... 2 in the box and one crackered...
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Mfowl on April 11, 2017, 10:53:23 AM: Quote from: cohoho on April 11, 2017, 10:05:42 AM
A couple yesterday for our first run of the season - aka last day unless we get an additional extension... 2 in the box and one crackered...

Nice fish! Congrats! Looks like fabulous Springer weather out there.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: ELKBURGER on April 11, 2017, 11:18:35 AM: The season ended before the run really got going. Lets pray for an extension by Friday.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: cohoho on April 11, 2017, 12:45:42 PM: A little Birdie stated today we will find out...
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: ELKBURGER on April 12, 2017, 02:33:49 PM: Quote from: cohoho on April 11, 2017, 12:45:42 PM
A little Birdie stated today we will find out...
The hotline has been updated and we have the extension....Thursday through Monday! Lets bloody some decks!
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: ASHQUACK on April 13, 2017, 01:32:39 AM: It figures that they extend it through the turkey opener!
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: ELKBURGER on April 13, 2017, 05:07:19 AM: Quote from: ASHQUACK on April 13, 2017, 01:32:39 AM
It figures that they extend it through the turkey opener!
I was hoping to get out after some turkeys this spring. The extension includes the 20th-23rd as well. That is the Klickitat 3D shoot I was hoping to make. It really forces a guy to pick a priority. Also, I wanted to get after some sheds, but a guy can only do so much.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Mark Youngblood on April 14, 2017, 07:45:11 PM: I have springer seats available next Friday-Sunday out of kalama 21-23rd.... $160 ea, 1-4 seats per day... let me know ASAP if you want to reserve a seat. If the reports form WDFW/ODFW are true next weekend has the ability to be really good fishing!
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Mfowl on April 16, 2017, 06:32:41 PM: What happened out there this weekend? :dunno: I heard mixed reports, seems better lower in the river. The Cowlitz was pretty dead on Saturday from the bank. I did get a little unclipped Steelie on sideplaner/plug combo but not much else for anyone we spoke with.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Encore 280 on April 16, 2017, 08:18:49 PM: Here's a couple from last Thursday, 20 & 10lbs. Had to get the 20 back from a seal that grabbed it! :bash: Ended up with a gash in the belly and the tail torn up a bit but that's all. :tup:
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: SeaRun1 on April 16, 2017, 08:49:37 PM: Very nice Springers Encore!

SR1
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Encore 280 on April 16, 2017, 09:12:15 PM: Thanks! Going back down Thursday and see if we can do that again. :tup:
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Mfowl on April 16, 2017, 09:15:21 PM: :tup: Congrats Encore! Nice fish!
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: SeaRun1 on April 16, 2017, 09:17:27 PM: I have been moving so Thursday and Friday are my only Springer days I get this year. Can't wait!

SR1
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Scheindogg on April 16, 2017, 09:18:35 PM: I'm potentially headed down Thursday as well, though I'll be bank fishing the cowlitz. Any news from there lately anyone?
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Mfowl on April 16, 2017, 09:21:01 PM: Quote from: Scheindogg on April 16, 2017, 09:18:35 PM
I'm potentially headed down Thursday as well, though I'll be bank fishing the cowlitz. Any news from there lately anyone?

Pretty dead this Saturday, was decent the Saturday before.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Scheindogg on April 16, 2017, 09:23:47 PM: Quote from: Mfowl on April 16, 2017, 09:21:01 PM
Quote from: Scheindogg on April 16, 2017, 09:18:35 PM
I'm potentially headed down Thursday as well, though I'll be bank fishing the cowlitz. Any news from there lately anyone?

Pretty dead this Saturday, was decent the Saturday before.
Barrier or blue creek? Or somewhere else?

What techniques were being used? (If you don't mind me asking)
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Mfowl on April 16, 2017, 09:29:37 PM: Quote from: Scheindogg on April 16, 2017, 09:23:47 PM
Quote from: Mfowl on April 16, 2017, 09:21:01 PM
Quote from: Scheindogg on April 16, 2017, 09:18:35 PM
I'm potentially headed down Thursday as well, though I'll be bank fishing the cowlitz. Any news from there lately anyone?

Pretty dead this Saturday, was decent the Saturday before.
Barrier or blue creek? Or somewhere else?

What techniques were being used? (If you don't mind me asking)

I've been plunking the lower river mostly but have been at Barrier to. I caught a little unclipped steelhead on Saturday at Barrier with a sideplaner/plug rig. We had a couple Bell ringers in the lower river but nothing to the bank. From what I've heard from the locals midweek has been better. Also the fish are late, only 97 at the salmon hatchery. By this time last year there were several thousand. Hopefully it picks up soon!
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Scheindogg on April 16, 2017, 09:32:00 PM: Oh wow ok thanks!! Maybe I will head to blue creek for steelhead instead of barrier for springers... more likely I will start at blue creek and if no dice move over to barrier mid day haha. Anyone else planning to go Thursday HMU
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: Encore 280 on April 16, 2017, 10:33:37 PM: We're fishing out of Cathlamet at the marina.
Title: Re: Columbia Springers
Post by: cohoho on April 18, 2017, 08:44:07 PM: Same - we'll be back down Cathlamet also Thursday through end...