Post by: Blacklab on February 23, 2023, 04:20:22 PM
Post by: Mfowl on February 23, 2023, 04:32:29 PM
Post by: Blacklab on February 23, 2023, 04:43:45 PM
Post by: metlhead on February 23, 2023, 08:36:43 PM
Post by: PointBlank on February 24, 2023, 06:56:18 AM
Post by: Taco280AI on February 24, 2023, 08:58:27 AM
Post by: 2MANY on February 24, 2023, 11:09:25 AM
Full of fat for a long stay in the river.
The Columbia springers are far superior to the Cowlitz fish.
Post by: WSU on February 24, 2023, 11:20:05 AM
Never gone after them, are they that much better than the fall run?
They are better, although not all fall fish are the same. URBs are good too. But, an upriver springer or summer chinook is hard to beat. As 2MANY says, not all springers are equal.
Post by: Blacklab on February 24, 2023, 03:11:38 PM
Post by: dilleytech on February 25, 2023, 02:07:55 PM
Stupid regs. Anyone notice they allow us 2 adults, but no option to actually keep 2?
Probably referring to 2 adults. One of which can be a chinook. The other would have to be a steelhead.
I’m hoping to see drano and wind river regs change this year to allow 2 adults. It sucks having large runs and still stuck at one adult.
Post by: Big6bull on February 27, 2023, 11:35:35 AM
Post by: Stein on February 27, 2023, 04:08:29 PM
If you have ever had black cod, imagine that in a salmon and then put a layer of fat over the belly meat. They are slobishly fat fish. There is usually fat rendered during cooking like when you roast a chicken.
Unfortunately I didn't eat any raw when I used to live down there, really wish I had the chance to experience that.
Post by: ipkus on February 27, 2023, 04:31:00 PM
Post by: WSU on February 27, 2023, 05:36:02 PM
No better eating salmon than a CR springer. Period.
If you have ever had black cod, imagine that in a salmon and then put a layer of fat over the belly meat. They are slobishly fat fish. There is usually fat rendered during cooking like when you roast a chicken.
Unfortunately I didn't eat any raw when I used to live down there, really wish I had the chance to experience that.
Summers are great too. I need to save a piece of both for a side by side test.
Post by: Stein on February 27, 2023, 05:39:08 PM
Post by: Mfowl on February 27, 2023, 06:42:09 PM
Post by: Blacklab on March 07, 2023, 05:53:44 PM
Post by: metlhead on March 07, 2023, 06:44:20 PM
Post by: JBG on March 07, 2023, 06:53:52 PM
Summer chinook are fantastic, but they aren't spring quality. It makes sense, they stop eating when they come in and essentially breed at the same time, so those that come in earlier need to have more fat to survive longer in the river. May or may not be scientifically correct, but that's what I always thought.I've spoken to a biologist turned fish monger and this is their same sentiment and idea for why they taste better. That being said this particular person preferred sockeye over everything else.
Post by: Blacklab on March 07, 2023, 07:06:10 PM
Post by: 2MANY on March 07, 2023, 08:21:00 PM
Or not.
Post by: Blacklab on March 07, 2023, 08:32:01 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on March 08, 2023, 06:59:53 AM
Post by: castie2504 on March 17, 2023, 02:42:37 PM
Post by: metlhead on March 17, 2023, 02:59:33 PM
Post by: Mfowl on March 17, 2023, 03:40:18 PM
Post by: Encore 280 on March 17, 2023, 07:18:13 PM
Post by: Mfowl on March 17, 2023, 07:56:28 PM
Post by: Encore 280 on March 17, 2023, 08:20:13 PM
Post by: CastleRocker on March 17, 2023, 08:34:45 PM
Post by: dilleytech on March 18, 2023, 02:07:43 PM
Summer chinook are fantastic, but they aren't spring quality. It makes sense, they stop eating when they come in and essentially breed at the same time, so those that come in earlier need to have more fat to survive longer in the river. May or may not be scientifically correct, but that's what I always thought.
That is pretty much scientifically correct. Hence earlier in the year better the quality. Summers are a really close second in my opinion to springers but much larger.
Post by: Mfowl on March 30, 2023, 11:14:47 AM
Post by: metlhead on March 30, 2023, 07:14:26 PM
Post by: jeffitz on March 30, 2023, 07:59:23 PM
Post by: Blacklab on March 30, 2023, 08:05:59 PM
Post by: Big6bull on March 31, 2023, 06:23:30 AM
Post by: PointBlank on March 31, 2023, 06:44:24 AM
That is pretty much scientifically correct. Hence earlier in the year better the quality. Summers are a really close second in my opinion to springers but much larger.
[/quote]
Much much larger!!!
Post by: Blacklab on March 31, 2023, 09:49:31 AM
Post by: cavemann on March 31, 2023, 02:21:49 PM
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
Post by: allen on March 31, 2023, 04:18:09 PM
Post by: HntnFsh on March 31, 2023, 05:16:21 PM
Post by: dilleytech on April 01, 2023, 08:24:09 AM
That is pretty much scientifically correct. Hence earlier in the year better the quality. Summers are a really close second in my opinion to springers but much larger.
Much much larger!!!
[/quote]
For me springers average about 11#, summers 18#, fall 14#. Fall fish have the widest size difference some are 8 some are 25. The spring and summers seem more consistent.
Post by: Blacklab on April 03, 2023, 06:31:44 PM
Post by: Mtnwalker on April 03, 2023, 06:56:52 PM
Post by: Blacklab on April 03, 2023, 07:11:36 PM
Post by: Mfowl on April 05, 2023, 07:49:32 PM
https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/sea-lions-targeted-hayden-island-boater/283-dc7d0c94-7492-4318-a45c-007274771a84
Post by: Jake Dogfish on April 05, 2023, 07:55:42 PM
Careful out there with this extended weekend of fishing! Wow, that's a lot of sea lions that far up the river!I’m sure we will hear about this at commission meetings.
https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/sea-lions-targeted-hayden-island-boater/283-dc7d0c94-7492-4318-a45c-007274771a84
So far the biggest hurdle in sea lion removal has been federal bureaucracy.
No need to get wildlife activists involved. :bash:
Post by: Blacklab on April 06, 2023, 07:38:13 AM
Post by: metlhead on April 06, 2023, 07:39:16 AM
Post by: Encore 280 on April 06, 2023, 08:53:54 AM
Post by: metlhead on April 06, 2023, 03:44:53 PM
Post by: Blacklab on April 09, 2023, 11:48:10 AM
Post by: dilleytech on April 09, 2023, 02:56:58 PM
Post by: Mfowl on May 17, 2023, 09:54:18 PM
https://www.oregonlive.com/sports/2023/05/spring-chinook-salmon-fishing-to-reopen-on-columbia-river.html
Post by: huntnnw on May 17, 2023, 10:20:01 PM
Post by: huntnnw on May 17, 2023, 10:20:33 PM
Post by: Mfowl on May 17, 2023, 10:26:25 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on May 18, 2023, 06:33:10 AM
Post by: rudedawg1085 on May 18, 2023, 12:20:11 PM
Great fish, heading to the wind river on Sunday, never been there.
if you never been there then follow someone out of the launch, trust me
Post by: 2MANY on May 18, 2023, 12:34:35 PM
Post by: Alchase on May 18, 2023, 12:39:50 PM
.
Not many fish prettier then a bright Springer Chinook!
Nice fish!
Post by: huntnnw on May 18, 2023, 02:19:17 PM
Great fish, heading to the wind river on Sunday, never been there.
Nice. Last Saturday over 150 people launched there :chuckle:
I prefer drano as you can keep 2 a day
Post by: Ridgeratt on May 18, 2023, 02:29:50 PM
Post by: Blacklab on May 18, 2023, 03:01:54 PM
Post by: Encore 280 on May 18, 2023, 05:14:17 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on May 18, 2023, 05:18:32 PM
well crap, my buddy booked a guided trip, I pretty much have no say. I’d rather go for 2 fish!Great fish, heading to the wind river on Sunday, never been there.
Nice. Last Saturday over 150 people launched there :chuckle:
I prefer drano as you can keep 2 a day
Post by: metlhead on May 18, 2023, 05:50:39 PM
Post by: Mfowl on May 18, 2023, 06:05:12 PM
Post by: huntnnw on May 18, 2023, 07:08:16 PM
So what time do you get to the launch at drano. Are they still writing tickets for parking on the median along the highway?
Not sure what median ? You can park along highway . There was probably 70-90 rigs everyday parked on highway. We stay on boat on the lake most nights. A few of us do it
Post by: Blacklab on May 18, 2023, 07:33:43 PM
Typo! May 19th, not June, I don't believe. :dunno:
Yes sir. Thanks :tup:
Not sure why I put June.
Post by: Blacklab on May 18, 2023, 07:34:42 PM
Anybody here know what day Bonneville switches to counting summer chinook?
June 16th
Post by: huntnnw on May 19, 2023, 12:08:10 PM
well crap, my buddy booked a guided trip, I pretty much have no say. I’d rather go for 2 fish!Great fish, heading to the wind river on Sunday, never been there.
Nice. Last Saturday over 150 people launched there :chuckle:
Lotta guides there as they have to work alot less than drano. Get their clients 1 fish and are done. I personally would only book drano or not go with guide
I prefer drano as you can keep 2 a day
Post by: dilleytech on May 21, 2023, 12:55:16 PM
So what time do you get to the launch at drano. Are they still writing tickets for parking on the median along the highway?
Yes they will wright tickets for parking along the highway without a launch pass. No matter where you park if you use that launch you need to purchase a skamania county launch pass.
Post by: dilleytech on May 21, 2023, 12:56:47 PM
well crap, my buddy booked a guided trip, I pretty much have no say. I’d rather go for 2 fish!Great fish, heading to the wind river on Sunday, never been there.
Nice. Last Saturday over 150 people launched there :chuckle:
I prefer drano as you can keep 2 a day
Guides like the wind. The fishings easier and they only have to catch half the fish lol
Post by: trophyhunt on May 21, 2023, 05:37:25 PM
Post by: Blacklab on May 22, 2023, 08:35:16 PM
Post by: MeepDog on May 23, 2023, 07:29:10 AM
https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/emergency-rules/snake-river-spring-chinook-fishery-change-2023-05-0
Post by: Ridgeratt on May 23, 2023, 08:19:12 AM
Fishing on Tuesday and Friday only
Below Ice Harbor Dam: Snake River from the South Bound Highway 12 Bridge near Pasco upstream about 7 miles to the fishing restriction boundary below Ice Harbor Dam.
Fishing Wednesday and Thursday only
There will be a ton of folks fishing a very small open window of access.
Since they announced the days there has been people who have been camped on the rocks there since they set the dates.
Post by: CackleBird98 on May 23, 2023, 07:29:50 PM
Post by: castie2504 on May 23, 2023, 10:38:52 PM
Post by: Blacklab on May 24, 2023, 07:55:12 AM
Didn't make it out today, my choice. Going after the silver bullets tomorrow at Merwin. Really like to smoke some this weekend :drool:🙏🙏🙏
Post by: dilleytech on May 24, 2023, 04:26:10 PM
We ended up going to drano, first time there for me, what an event! Started fishing around 5:15 am, got done around 3. Saw a few caught, I caught one early on, only one fish on our boat w 4 guys. Guide worked hard, wind was crazy at times, mostly a good day! One fish, had to post one long arm photo!
Next time try a different guide. The good ones are limiting everyday.
Post by: trophyhunt on May 24, 2023, 05:13:16 PM
who do you recommend ? Seemed like everyone was doing the same thing.We ended up going to drano, first time there for me, what an event! Started fishing around 5:15 am, got done around 3. Saw a few caught, I caught one early on, only one fish on our boat w 4 guys. Guide worked hard, wind was crazy at times, mostly a good day! One fish, had to post one long arm photo!
Next time try a different guide. The good ones are limiting everyday.
Post by: Blacklab on May 24, 2023, 05:38:38 PM
Post by: dilleytech on May 24, 2023, 09:21:49 PM
who do you recommend ? Seemed like everyone was doing the same thing.We ended up going to drano, first time there for me, what an event! Started fishing around 5:15 am, got done around 3. Saw a few caught, I caught one early on, only one fish on our boat w 4 guys. Guide worked hard, wind was crazy at times, mostly a good day! One fish, had to post one long arm photo!
Next time try a different guide. The good ones are limiting everyday.
I would recommend Shane magneson, or Craig mitchel. Both killers and locals that have it dialed. Not catching limits right now seems unusual considering how good it’s been.
Post by: huntnnw on May 24, 2023, 11:08:05 PM
who do you recommend ? Seemed like everyone was doing the same thing.We ended up going to drano, first time there for me, what an event! Started fishing around 5:15 am, got done around 3. Saw a few caught, I caught one early on, only one fish on our boat w 4 guys. Guide worked hard, wind was crazy at times, mostly a good day! One fish, had to post one long arm photo!
Next time try a different guide. The good ones are limiting everyday.
I would recommend Shane magneson, or Craig mitchel. Both killers and locals that have it dialed. Not catching limits right now seems unusual considering how good it’s been.
:yeah: those guys are good. Turvey with columbia river guides, Jacob munden ,Big fish guide service and vernie cross to name a few. Theres several other too that kill the fish in Drano. That day you were there almost all of the guides I know limited or very close to liming the boat. Guide you were with I have never heard of or seen that boat ever in Drano.
Post by: trophyhunt on May 25, 2023, 06:38:52 AM
Post by: huntnnw on May 25, 2023, 08:06:14 AM
Post by: Angry Perch on May 25, 2023, 10:06:14 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on May 25, 2023, 10:12:16 AM
Smoking a springer is sacrilege , unless you have more salmon then you know what to do with . :chuckle:I hear ya, I'm not used to salmon tasting so good, the wife did a great job. BUT, man do I love smoked salmon right off the smoker, and I can't imagine how good this springer will taste!
Post by: RC on May 25, 2023, 10:46:20 AM
Post by: Alchase on May 25, 2023, 03:46:29 PM
Put a chunk of alder or cherry on the barbeque ahead of time. Once it starts smoking, move it off to the side just a little, then put the fish on the grill. Adds a subtle smoke flavor without overpowering it. I do this every time I barbeque fish. Best of both worlds.
I breakout the old Weber Charcoal Kettle Grill and use Apple Wood chunks. Alder chunks also works well. I never bought into the cedar planks though. Tried them a few times, and basically think they add little to nothing. Seems more gimmick then function :dunno:
Post by: Remnar on May 25, 2023, 04:28:30 PM
Put a chunk of alder or cherry on the barbeque ahead of time. Once it starts smoking, move it off to the side just a little, then put the fish on the grill. Adds a subtle smoke flavor without overpowering it. I do this every time I barbeque fish. Best of both worlds.
I breakout the old Weber Charcoal Kettle Grill and use Apple Wood chunks. Alder chunks also works well. I never bought into the cedar planks though. Tried them a few times, and basically think they add little to nothing. Seems more gimmick then function :dunno:
I cut my own planks. If they are thick enough and you soak them you can cook at a temp hot enough to get alot of smoke but not overcook the fish . Ads alot of flavor in a short time . Even more flavor if you can find a piece of old growth to make planks out of . I really like it , :twocents:
Post by: Angry Perch on May 26, 2023, 10:29:51 AM
Put a chunk of alder or cherry on the barbeque ahead of time. Once it starts smoking, move it off to the side just a little, then put the fish on the grill. Adds a subtle smoke flavor without overpowering it. I do this every time I barbeque fish. Best of both worlds.
I breakout the old Weber Charcoal Kettle Grill and use Apple Wood chunks. Alder chunks also works well. I never bought into the cedar planks though. Tried them a few times, and basically think they add little to nothing. Seems more gimmick then function :dunno:
I cut my own planks. If they are thick enough and you soak them you can cook at a temp hot enough to get alot of smoke but not overcook the fish . Ads alot of flavor in a short time . Even more flavor if you can find a piece of old growth to make planks out of . I really like it , :twocents:
Ya, if that plank isn't getting some char it's not adding much.
Post by: MeepDog on May 26, 2023, 01:46:52 PM
Post by: Blacklab on May 27, 2023, 02:54:09 PM
If you only smoke mediocre salmon, you'll only have mediocre smoked salmon. :tup:
:yeah: So freakin :drool: :drool: :drool:
Post by: HntnFsh on May 29, 2023, 08:08:14 PM
Wind was terrible. Ran my kicker most of the time. Takes a lot of the fun out of it. Chartreuse with orange stripes maglip 4.0. 3 foot dropper 4 foot leader.
I think I will try to hit it a daylight Wednesday morning.
Post by: Encore 280 on May 30, 2023, 08:30:27 AM
Post by: Blacklab on May 30, 2023, 06:04:08 PM
Post by: HntnFsh on May 30, 2023, 06:57:43 PM
Post by: dilleytech on May 31, 2023, 11:27:38 AM
If you only smoke mediocre salmon, you'll only have mediocre smoked salmon. :tup:
Exactly. Best quality in best quality out. I give away my fall fish. And eat springer all year.
Post by: trophyhunt on May 31, 2023, 12:05:35 PM
Post by: HntnFsh on May 31, 2023, 01:25:45 PM
Was planning on taking the wife back out Friday for another shot at a big one. So Much for that!
Fish checker said 4 fish for 42 boats, counting ours. That was about noon. The boat behind us had 1 small 1. Checker said most fish were caught in 5-7 feet of water!
Post by: 2MANY on May 31, 2023, 02:57:21 PM
Congrats.
Post by: HntnFsh on May 31, 2023, 03:17:49 PM
Post by: Encore 280 on May 31, 2023, 06:11:18 PM
Got down here to Cathlamet a little after 4 and find out it's closed! :bash: I'll head back home tomorrow morning.
Post by: Blacklab on May 31, 2023, 08:22:13 PM
Post by: Antlershed on May 31, 2023, 10:07:09 PM
Post by: huntnnw on June 01, 2023, 05:18:02 AM
Post by: HntnFsh on June 01, 2023, 07:25:36 AM
thought it was commercial that went way over
Tribes.
Post by: Encore 280 on June 01, 2023, 07:42:13 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on June 01, 2023, 07:57:41 AM
Post by: Alchase on June 01, 2023, 09:27:48 AM
My son got this one on Sunday. 16lbs after it was bled.
Great pic!
Post by: HntnFsh on June 01, 2023, 10:02:51 AM
My son got this one on Sunday. 16lbs after it was bled.
Beyond awesome!
Post by: Blacklab on June 01, 2023, 03:18:36 PM
My son got this one on Sunday. 16lbs after it was bled.
Outstanding!!! Congrats :tup:
Post by: cavemann on June 04, 2023, 09:38:23 AM
My son got this one on Sunday. 16lbs after it was bled.That is an epic pic!!! That must have been a blast to watch him fight
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Post by: Mfowl on June 04, 2023, 06:57:01 PM
Anybody here know what day Bonneville switches to counting summer chinook?
It appears that they stop counting springers on 5/31 these days. Not sure when that changed but nooks are being counted as summers since 6/1.
Post by: Ridgeratt on June 04, 2023, 07:18:04 PM
Post by: packmule on June 04, 2023, 07:43:16 PM
I think they start counting them as summer run June 1. But don't take my word for it I have only been fishing them for over 20 years.
Looks like an elk stepped on that third one :)
Post by: Ridgeratt on June 04, 2023, 07:55:05 PM
I think they start counting them as summer run June 1. But don't take my word for it I have only been fishing them for over 20 years.
Looks like an elk stepped on that third one :)
Thats nothing compared to the gashes from running the sealion gauntlet.
Post by: metlhead on June 04, 2023, 08:04:01 PM
Post by: Ridgeratt on June 04, 2023, 08:10:30 PM
Reason I questioned earlier the last date of counting springs was cuz I was thinking 1 June was it. That being the case, we got ripped off of our alloted quota long before this overharvest shutdown.
You just got the quota counts. Snake river opened the 3 of May and closed the 12th. for the recreational sportsman. 2 days at goose and 2 days at ice harbor. for a single fish per day. But during the closed days the natives are fishing and they don't have to abide about the adipose fin requirements. and they can keep more than one.
Post by: dilleytech on June 06, 2023, 10:57:57 AM
Reason I questioned earlier the last date of counting springs was cuz I was thinking 1 June was it. That being the case, we got ripped off of our alloted quota long before this overharvest shutdown.
Sportsman got completely screwed this year again. Commercial and natives came out really well as usual. Depending on where you fish springers you should be pretty upset at those in charge.
Post by: Blacklab on June 07, 2023, 02:24:08 PM
Fact! Follow the $$$
They are opening it back up June 16 along with sockeye a bonus. For how long toss a coin
Post by: dvolmer on June 07, 2023, 03:32:04 PM
Natives can do anything they want, anywhere they want, and anytime they want. WDFW wont touch them at all. Sad deal. You pay for it all, and they get all the spoils with no rules or quotas and they don't pay a dime. If you don't like it you can take them to court and you will always loose and your tax money is paying all of the natives court and attorney fees. Plus you pay for all of their private government boat launches and cleaning stations and you aren't allowed to set foot on or near them. Take your money elsewhere.Reason I questioned earlier the last date of counting springs was cuz I was thinking 1 June was it. That being the case, we got ripped off of our alloted quota long before this overharvest shutdown.
You just got the quota counts. Snake river opened the 3 of May and closed the 12th. for the recreational sportsman. 2 days at goose and 2 days at ice harbor. for a single fish per day. But during the closed days the natives are fishing and they don't have to abide about the adipose fin requirements. and they can keep more than one.
Post by: MADMAX on June 07, 2023, 03:37:22 PM
Sustenance ?
Ah no
Post by: MLhunter1 on June 15, 2023, 08:31:17 AM
Post by: metlhead on June 15, 2023, 01:43:35 PM
Post by: WSU on June 15, 2023, 02:25:04 PM
Post by: Blacklab on June 15, 2023, 06:39:46 PM
Post by: HntnFsh on June 15, 2023, 06:59:25 PM
Post by: Mfowl on June 15, 2023, 08:52:49 PM
Any river condition reports? High/low water? Current all day, tide reversing flow?
Post by: Mfowl on June 21, 2023, 07:05:32 PM
Post by: Angus on June 21, 2023, 07:11:30 PM
Post by: Blacklab on June 21, 2023, 08:47:55 PM
Spent seven hours on the river today me and two buddies. we trolled a little bit anchored to. Nothing marked a few fish. didn’t see any net fly or bells rung from the beach. Hopefully next week I’ll get back out.
Post by: WSU on June 21, 2023, 10:21:55 PM
Post by: cavemann on June 22, 2023, 06:57:39 AM
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Post by: metlhead on June 22, 2023, 09:33:32 AM
Post by: cavemann on June 22, 2023, 09:38:17 AM
Mfowl was gracious with a PM.
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Post by: metlhead on June 22, 2023, 12:32:07 PM
Post by: Blacklab on June 25, 2023, 06:35:51 PM
Post by: Mfowl on June 25, 2023, 09:24:08 PM
Not a big fan of vancouver tides this up coming week
Head out mid morning, troll before the high tide then anchor up for the afternoon. If the water temps are above 63° I would be running wobblers, even in shallower water. Bite goes off of plugs/bait wraps in warmer water. :tup:
Post by: Blacklab on June 26, 2023, 06:01:27 AM
There’s the problem, timeline🥲
Post by: metlhead on June 28, 2023, 04:51:30 PM
Post by: Mfowl on June 28, 2023, 05:03:23 PM
Just heard kings shut down. True?
Adult Chinook retention closes 7/1-7/31 from Astoria bridge to priest rapids dam. You can still fish sockeye/steelhead/jacks to my knowledge.
Post by: Blacklab on June 28, 2023, 07:15:21 PM
Post by: HntnFsh on June 28, 2023, 07:40:03 PM
Also, the Cowlitz will be dropping to 2400 cfs starting Saturday so be careful if you change venues!
Post by: metlhead on June 28, 2023, 09:08:46 PM
Post by: MeepDog on June 30, 2023, 08:08:09 AM
Post by: cavemann on July 02, 2023, 10:55:23 AM
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