Hunting Washington Forum

Other Activities => Fishing => Topic started by: Blacklab on March 27, 2018, 05:14:32 AM

Title: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Blacklab on March 27, 2018, 05:14:32 AM: The counts are so low over the dam I can't get excited. Might just go this weekend just for fun and games. It should turn on any time. Anybody out there practicing for when they come in :chuckle:
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Crunchy on March 27, 2018, 06:30:47 AM: I am hoping another 7-10 days and it will pick up.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Blacklab on March 27, 2018, 06:34:31 AM: When it closes the 7th is when it'll get hot. How long will it stay closed is the 64 dollar question.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Crunchy on March 27, 2018, 06:54:09 AM: Yeah its a tuff call on when is the best time to go. I'll stick to MA11 and 13 until July 1 and then hit my honey hole further west. Springers around here start to show sometime soon after Apr 1. So I am just getting the gear ready.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: WSU on March 27, 2018, 07:21:30 AM: The reports on ifish are getting better. There should be more fish every day between now and the closure. I’m fishing the 6th and 7th.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: h2ofowlr on March 27, 2018, 07:36:44 AM: Yes, we always hit April. Make it worth the trip and best odds. When I lived down that way I fished March as well.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Mfowl on March 27, 2018, 08:27:23 AM: I'll be at it this weekend, Fri-Sun. Good luck to those hitting the water!
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Blacklab on March 27, 2018, 08:44:59 AM: Quote from: Mfowl on March 27, 2018, 08:27:23 AM
I'll be at it this weekend, Fri-Sun. Good luck to those hitting the water!

Back at ya :tup:
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: SkookumHntr on March 27, 2018, 09:22:54 AM: il' be down fri-sun also, then the 4th and the 7th. :fishin:
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: cohoho on March 27, 2018, 09:48:26 AM: Come on temps of water come up.... We'll be fishing 1-7th...
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: ballstothewaal on March 27, 2018, 01:01:46 PM: Found a native on Saturday after braving the rain, snow, and wind! nice fish though!
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: ASHQUACK on March 27, 2018, 02:11:43 PM: Went 1 for 2 Saturday. Slow,slow, slow....it can only get better.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Angus on March 27, 2018, 05:35:29 PM: I've been out twice, had nice boat rides but that was about it. Might try Thursday after work, definitely be out this weekend and 4/6-7.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Blacklab on March 27, 2018, 06:35:28 PM: Looks like a green lable weekend ;)
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: bolsen on March 27, 2018, 06:55:12 PM: Been out 7 times, lost one at the boat Friday to a sea lion🤬 only fish I’ve seen this year
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: shadowless_nite on March 29, 2018, 01:14:57 AM: Hoping to give it a shot from the bank this weekend. Reports and pictures looks like it starting to pick up just a hair.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Mfowl on March 30, 2018, 05:51:20 PM: Fishing was very slow out of Kalama today. 0/0 for 3 rods anchored and trolling. Didn't see anyone hook up, heard of 1 take down. Water on the Oregon side is murky with limited visibility.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: ASHQUACK on March 31, 2018, 09:25:09 AM: Kalama sucked yesterday! Saw one fish landed and only one other on. Had to pull out around 2pm but did not hear of any other fish caught by anyone.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: WSU on March 31, 2018, 11:28:30 AM: How is the parking situation at kalama?
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: ASHQUACK on March 31, 2018, 11:46:56 AM: There were a few spots left yesterday. I launched at 0630 and parked in one of the last few spots on the launch side of the marina. I imagine it was packed today.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: WSU on March 31, 2018, 12:09:00 PM: I haven’t been there since they put in the mcminimens. Is it worse than before?
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Mfowl on March 31, 2018, 06:05:00 PM: Fishing was better at Portco/I-5 today but only marginally. We had 2 solid takedowns that didn't stick on anchor. Friends in another boat lost one on the troll and later lost one on anchor next to us. Beyond that there were 3 fish hooked on anchor around us and 2 guide boats that hooked up on the troll. Didn't see or hear of any other action. Calling it quits for this weekend and trying again next Fri/Sat. Good ouck out there all!
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Big6bull on March 31, 2018, 07:31:39 PM: Got one on anchor today. Herring. 25 ft water temp 45 degrees. Did not see anything else caught.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: carpsniperg2 on March 31, 2018, 07:54:28 PM: Tasty slab of fish right there :drool:
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: ASHQUACK on March 31, 2018, 08:09:49 PM: WSU, This is my first year back there after 2 of not going there as I have spent most of my time at Martin's Bar. It looks about the same to me. I wish some folks would learn parking skills and launch etiquette. But I digress, it's about the same.....
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Blacklab on March 31, 2018, 08:50:02 PM: Nice fish!
Trolled all day 5 of us, nothing but a great day on the water. Was planning on going tommorow. But going to help install new electronics on a buddies boat.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: PolarBear on March 31, 2018, 08:58:09 PM: In a couple more weeks the kids and I will be hitting it hard. Haven't fished springers in a few years but it is time to wipe off the dust.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: cavemann on April 01, 2018, 12:40:44 PM: I haven't been down there in years.. Was out a few times in a buddies north river and I had a Stryker I took out a couple times.. I have a bayliner 175 now, the Stryker was a blown motor causalty years ago. I never worried too much with my sled about water depth, conditions. Is that area fishable in a bayliner?? any suggestions/advice if it is. I'm set up with 8h kicker and down riggers and would prefer trolling with divers or whatever is best, don't have a bow/anchor set up yet.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: dc on April 01, 2018, 12:44:24 PM: Put the first one of the yr. in the boat yesterday. 4th trip out, and my fishn buddy from Alaska used his magic to bring one to the boat. Only fish for 12 boats, so still slow on the might Columbia. Has picked up a smidge, but still slow for this time of the yr.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: ASHQUACK on April 02, 2018, 12:24:05 PM: Caveman, You can fish it in just about any boat. Keep an eye on the other boats and traffic patterns. There are few if any real trouble spots. And my best suggestion for fishing that area is don't troll through plunkers or guys anchored. Other than that go have at it and have fun. I haven't seen a downrigger used there. I run a 4,6 or 8oz cannon ball on a dropper to get down to the fish.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Antlershed on April 02, 2018, 12:26:59 PM: Went out on 3/24. Fished three rods in the wind/snow/rain with nothing to show. Went out 3/25, and my fuel pump went out 300 yards from the launch. Gonna jump on a buddy’s boat this Friday and Saturday.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: WSU on April 02, 2018, 12:50:53 PM: Where are you headed? I am fishing Friday/Saturday and planning to launch in Kalama. With the crappy reports, I may fish a trib somewhere instead.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: cavemann on April 02, 2018, 01:51:59 PM: Thanks ASHQUACK... I'm all good on the etiquette, just wasn't sure if there was any places not suitable for fiberglass, especially those surprise spots. Appreciate the response
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Mfowl on April 05, 2018, 12:02:33 PM: Any word on how fshing has been the last few days? I am trying to determine if its worth sitting in the rain for a day or if I should forego this weekend and wait for an extension. Thanks!
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: CallMeBigPapa on April 05, 2018, 12:29:39 PM: I went 3-5 a few days ago...got lucky I guess. 8)
Brother is 1-2 so far today..he's also lucky :chuckle:
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: SkookumHntr on April 06, 2018, 09:08:40 AM: I wouldn't even put your boat in the water Saturday,
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Mfowl on April 06, 2018, 10:02:27 AM: Quote from: SkookumHntr on April 06, 2018, 09:08:40 AM
I wouldn't even put your boat in the water Saturday,

Yeah, rain is fine, wind not so much. Hopefully theres some days added later.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: shadowless_nite on April 06, 2018, 08:16:10 PM: Went out Saturday before Easter and plunked. Seen 2 keepers hit the bank, 1 native released and 3 lost at the shore. Unfortunately we didn't have our lines dropped in deep enough water and missed the fish. Moved further to where everyone else was and still nothing. Both keeper fish were caught next to us, one to the left and one to the right. We had 5 rods fishing triple spin n glo dropped from kayak.

Hoping to go out tomorrow since I got invited to fill an open seat finally..... most likely just gonna go meet at the boat launch and decide on where to have breakfast without the wives and kids and gripe about the season so far.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: jeffitz on April 07, 2018, 06:05:36 AM: Trolled yesterday and Thursday and caught 2 fish , one was highfin,stayin in today wind is not fun
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: ASHQUACK on April 07, 2018, 01:28:56 PM: Went 0 for 3 yesterday, frickin frustrating. Stayed home on the last day due to forecasted high winds that didn't seem to develop. Shoulda stayed and fished today at least till noon.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Blacklab on April 07, 2018, 03:41:31 PM: We stayed in also. A buddy had two and lost at the net Saturday.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: ASHQUACK on April 08, 2018, 07:32:25 PM: Fingers crossed for an extension.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: hike2hunt on April 09, 2018, 06:44:07 AM: Quote from: ASHQUACK on April 07, 2018, 01:28:56 PM
Went 0 for 3 yesterday, frickin frustrating. Stayed home on the last day due to forecasted high winds that didn't seem to develop. Shoulda stayed and fished today at least till noon.

We lost one at the boat last Monday, was 1-2 by the Puget Island a few weeks back, but the high winds warning kept us at home Sat. Shoulda, coulda....
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Big6bull on April 09, 2018, 07:03:38 PM: Ended on a nice 26 lber missed two other bites.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: ASHQUACK on April 09, 2018, 08:27:42 PM: Beautiful fish, I'm jealous.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Antlershed on April 10, 2018, 07:35:42 AM: A buddy and I fished the “horrific storm” :chuckle: and went 0-4. Lost one at the boat, lost one to a Sea Lion, and had two other bites that didn’t stick.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Blacklab on April 10, 2018, 08:48:12 AM: 99 salmon over the wall
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: The Marquis on April 10, 2018, 01:57:11 PM: First post.

I'm actually just getting into Salmon fishing for the first time in my 38 years of life. I'm quite excited, but I'm having difficulty navigating the particulars of bank fishing (I haven't a boat). Any recommendations on bank fishing for salmon on the Columbia or tributaries in SW that anybody would be kind enough to share would be amazing. I'm a true beginner to it, but have many years of experience fishing lakes.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Ghost Hunter on April 10, 2018, 04:08:34 PM: Quote from: Antlershed on April 10, 2018, 07:35:42 AM
A buddy and I fished the “horrific storm” :chuckle: and went 0-4. Lost one at the boat, lost one to a Sea Lion, and had two other bites that didn’t stick.

Did you save that for the fish counter?
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Blacklab on April 10, 2018, 06:01:14 PM: That’s funny Ghost hunter :chuckle:
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: hike2hunt on April 10, 2018, 06:30:37 PM: Quote from: The Marquis on April 10, 2018, 01:57:11 PM
First post.

I'm actually just getting into Salmon fishing for the first time in my 38 years of life. I'm quite excited, but I'm having difficulty navigating the particulars of bank fishing (I haven't a boat). Any recommendations on bank fishing for salmon on the Columbia or tributaries in SW that anybody would be kind enough to share would be amazing. I'm a true beginner to it, but have many years of experience fishing lakes.

Plenty of places from Vancouver up to Woodland, Frenchman's Bar, the mouth of the Lewis, some of the state beach parks up on Dike rd near Woodland
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: ASHQUACK on April 10, 2018, 07:56:14 PM: Quote from: The Marquis on April 10, 2018, 01:57:11 PM
First post.

I'm actually just getting into Salmon fishing for the first time in my 38 years of life. I'm quite excited, but I'm having difficulty navigating the particulars of bank fishing (I haven't a boat). Any recommendations on bank fishing for salmon on the Columbia or tributaries in SW that anybody would be kind enough to share would be amazing. I'm a true beginner to it, but have many years of experience fishing lakes.

There are tons of bank spots both on the Oregon side and Washington side. Most of the big river (Columbia) fishing is plunking. From what I see most guys are using a dropper with a spin and glo to bait or a wobbler. I also see guys plunking plugs just not as many. Another good place to go is the barrier dam on the Cowlitz. Lots of room and lots of guys fishing. You might want to take a day and just go watch and chat with a few guys before trying it though. There is a steep learning curve there.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: ASHQUACK on April 11, 2018, 06:50:27 PM: Wooooohooooo, 1 more day to get after em. They announced a 1 day extension Sat the 14th. Get after boys!
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Mfowl on April 11, 2018, 08:04:16 PM: Quote from: ASHQUACK on April 11, 2018, 06:50:27 PM
Wooooohooooo, 1 more day to get after em. They announced a 1 day extension Sat the 14th. Get after boys!

See you all on Saturday! Get to the ramp early and good luck!
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Antlershed on April 11, 2018, 08:59:17 PM: Quote from: Ghost Hunter on April 10, 2018, 04:08:34 PM
Quote from: Antlershed on April 10, 2018, 07:35:42 AM
A buddy and I fished the “horrific storm” :chuckle: and went 0-4. Lost one at the boat, lost one to a Sea Lion, and had two other bites that didn’t stick.

Did you save that for the fish counter?
What fish counter? Haven’t seen one of those in 5+ years where we launch on the Columbia.

But no, we tossed it overboard.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: WSU on April 11, 2018, 09:20:46 PM: Fish head soup!
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: ASHQUACK on April 11, 2018, 09:29:41 PM: 20 foot dark grey super vee with Yamaha 105 jet . Tall fat guy running the boat. Swing by and say hi if ya see me.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: The Marquis on April 12, 2018, 08:25:40 AM: Thanks for the advice. I have one follow up question, when starting out on the Columbia, would it be easier to start out plunking or drifting? Are these even a decent way to go from the bank? Thanks again.
Title: Re: Any Columbia River salmon chasers?
Post by: Mfowl on April 12, 2018, 09:04:40 AM: Quote from: The Marquis on April 12, 2018, 08:25:40 AM
Thanks for the advice. I have one follow up question, when starting out on the Columbia, would it be easier to start out plunking or drifting? Are these even a decent way to go from the bank? Thanks again.

Plunking is the only way to salmon fish on the Columbia from shore at least below Bonneville Dam. Keep in mind that you cannot fish Oregon beaches with a Wa license. You can launch a boat in Oregon and fish the main stem of the Columbia with a Wa license but you need an Oregon license to fish from shore.