Hunting Washington Forum

Other Activities => Fishing => Topic started by: alanger on July 01, 2009, 09:11:13 PM

Title: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 01, 2009, 09:11:13 PM: Anyone fish the opening day on the columbia for salmon??? How'd you guys do?
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: h2ofowlr on July 01, 2009, 09:19:20 PM: Did good. We boated a nice 40 lb URB.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 01, 2009, 09:21:11 PM: that was from today? didnt think fish got that big in that river???
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: Antlershed on July 01, 2009, 09:26:30 PM: Quote from: alanger on July 01, 2009, 09:21:11 PM
that was from today?
The Columbia opened over a week ago for Kings. Some friends of mine got a 39-pounder this last sunday.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 01, 2009, 09:27:51 PM: I am talking from today i know they opened the head of the entiat river. up in there but for chinook and sockeye it opened today.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: PolarBear on July 01, 2009, 09:45:29 PM: Quote from: alanger on July 01, 2009, 09:21:11 PM
that was from today? didnt think fish got that big in that river???
They get quite a bit bigger, just not as common. We have caught over a dozen 50 pound + kings on the lower Columbia. Nice king h2ofowler! I cant wait to hit it next month at the mouth.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: h2ofowlr on July 01, 2009, 09:48:51 PM: This one was caught off the mouth of the Lewis River on a spinner. They were running sardine wrapped quick fish and nothing was happening. Switched over and 20 minutes later bendo.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: dbllunger on July 01, 2009, 10:02:56 PM: h2ofowler...Nice fish any day any place. I love it when they call a true lower river fish an "upriver". Is that because he/she is swimming up a river? The upper Columbia opened today, and that is what is being asked about. Oh yes the Columbia actually does go all the way into Canada and does not stop at the Dalles. Yes that was sarcasm....as most people forget about the true up river fish. From what I heard most fish were caught between Rock Island - Rocky Reach - Wells. Above Wells a few were caught but pretty slim. Most that hold in Brewster area already went up the Okanogan as it was -70 up to a few days ago. The glut is coming and any place between Rock Island and Chief Joe will be good from here on out.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: h2ofowlr on July 02, 2009, 08:22:26 AM: We have typically called it an URB when caught on the main stream CR. Obviously if it hasn't been chipped you don't know. And I don't carry the wand to tell you where it was destined for. If we catch it in one of the tributaries, one of this size might be called a touley, King, Chinook, June Hawg, a big effing fish, etc. Whatever floats your boat. I just know they are tasty. They typically don't spawn until fall. High concentration of fat, so the meat is very red. I think they taste better than the Copper River salmon. I don't know where the cut off on the CR is where the name flips to URB. Most guys throw that name out when on the middle main stream CR below Bonneville. :dunno: :dunno:
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 02, 2009, 09:12:26 AM: Thanks for that dbllunger. :tup: We might be heading out this evening get the nite bite on them. I've been checking fish counts in that area and calculating approximately how many fish have stayed in that area and gone up the wenatchee. and seen how many have gone up thru rocky reach. I heard the hot spots were up below rocky reach and the mouth of the wenatchee. :dunno: Guess I'll have to see for myself.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: ducks55 on July 02, 2009, 11:37:03 AM: Yesterday three boats boated 14 fish below wells. Went above rocky reach this morning got a few bites no one was catching much so we left.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: Drop Tine on July 02, 2009, 11:59:42 AM: Very nice alanger cant wait till tomarrow to giv it a go myself.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: mossback91 on July 02, 2009, 12:04:14 PM: I know some natives caught a couple fish at chief joe a couple days ago.............
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: klickman on July 02, 2009, 12:24:31 PM: Quote from: h2ofowlr on July 02, 2009, 08:22:26 AM
We have typically called it an URB when caught on the main stream CR. Obviously if it hasn't been chipped you don't know. And I don't carry the wand to tell you where it was destined for. If we catch it in one of the tributaries, one of this size might be called a touley, King, Chinook, June Hawg, a big effing fish, etc. Whatever floats your boat. I just know they are tasty. They typically don't spawn until fall. High concentration of fat, so the meat is very red. I think they taste better than the Copper River salmon. I don't know where the cut off on the CR is where the name flips to URB. Most guys throw that name out when on the middle main stream CR below Bonneville. :dunno: :dunno:

URB's are a strain of fall chinook. URB's historically spawned in the upper Columbia, now they spawn in hatcheries up and down the columbia as well as the handford reach, snake river, and some other mid columbia tribs. THey typically don't show up until at the earliest Aug. Tule's are also a strain of fall fish that are native to the Lower colubia tribs. The majority of the summer kings "June Hogs" are destined for the upper columbia river tribs.

One hell of a fish by the way.

KLICKMAN
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 02, 2009, 09:05:39 PM: Well we gave it a shot and we got 1 hard hit and missed it. First time out for the year and didnt really give it our all. We are going to rufus saturday and columbia sunday and monday. :IBCOOL:

WHat part of the columbia are you fishing Drop Tine???
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 03, 2009, 03:28:51 PM: Anyone else doing any good out there?
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: DeerHarvester on July 03, 2009, 05:33:23 PM: The word is lots of fish are being caught. I will be out monday morning so will report then. Just take a look at the number of fish that have been counted at Wells, as many as 700 in a day have passed threw the ladder.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 03, 2009, 06:33:56 PM: What site did you get your fish counts from? Just wonderin..
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: DeerHarvester on July 03, 2009, 07:22:36 PM: There is a couple out there, I like this one the best.

http://www.fpc.org/currentdaily/HistFishTwo_7day-ytd_Adults.htm
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 03, 2009, 08:52:04 PM: Wow thats the same one i have been using. makes fishing look good.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: Drop Tine on July 04, 2009, 08:07:38 AM: Hey alanger we fished down below wanapum friday had no luck at all. did not see a net come out all day. might give it another shot sunday. think we will try up above wells nexed weekend.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: DeerHarvester on July 04, 2009, 06:19:05 PM: Above Wells Dam does not open untill the 16th.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: ducks55 on July 05, 2009, 03:02:20 PM: Quote from: Drop Tine on July 04, 2009, 08:07:38 AM
Hey alanger we fished down below wanapum friday had no luck at all. did not see a net come out all day. might give it another shot sunday. think we will try up above wells nexed weekend.

Try below I have heard it has been good.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 05, 2009, 03:09:39 PM: I think we are jsut going to hit the pocket at the mouth of the wenatchee river tomorow. Early!
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: fishcrazy on July 05, 2009, 03:59:02 PM: yep, URB are kings that show Late August. that big un is a June Hog. totally different fish. The June hogs are my fav salmon to catch and eat!!! They are the largest on average king that swim up the CR. Think of them as a BIG springer. :drool:

I have thought about running into the upper river (where these guys are now fishing) to try my luck at them. Maybe next year. :hello:

Kris
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 05, 2009, 06:01:53 PM: i am already tasting smoked salmon. :EAT:
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: ducks55 on July 05, 2009, 09:19:26 PM: Good luck at the mouth of the Wenatchee, went there friday morning, didnt get one hit. Plan on being out at like three to get a good spot. Let us know how you do! :P
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 06, 2009, 08:48:23 AM: Well the fishing got ruined for this morning. :bash: The wind was horrible last night and when we got up at 3 to head out it was whipping like no other and we really didnt want to fight the winds just for salmon, theres plenty of time to go catch them in calmer weather. so it got posponed till tomorow. ?? we'll see.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: ducks55 on July 06, 2009, 12:03:56 PM: The wind is nasty right now!
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 06, 2009, 01:09:44 PM: i Know we were gunna go out fishing tonight too. then the wind came again!
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: ducks55 on July 06, 2009, 02:19:37 PM: Try out behind the dam from shore if you really want to go out. Never had any luck out there but I have seen some fish caught.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 06, 2009, 02:22:13 PM: I've fished there a bunch. not this season but last. thanks for that. duck55
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: ducks55 on July 06, 2009, 02:38:10 PM: Ever had any luck up there?
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 06, 2009, 02:45:24 PM: I went up there with some friends and 6 fish were caught the 5 hours we were there. Not the best day i would say. But i dont know we still gotta wait for the weather to blow over.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: ducks55 on July 06, 2009, 02:47:49 PM: What were you using if you dont mind me asking?
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 06, 2009, 02:56:37 PM: Well this one guy was flipping this thing that looked like a plug but we were just drifting eggs with a bobber about 4 ft of leader.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: ducks55 on July 06, 2009, 02:58:06 PM: Alright thanks
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 06, 2009, 03:45:04 PM: You going to go try it???
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: ducks55 on July 06, 2009, 04:30:06 PM: Maybe. I have tried buzz bombs, super bait, vibrax spinners. Pretty much everything and cant catch a damn thing. I guess I might just have to try a bobber with some sand shrimp, tuna, or herring.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: fishcrazy on July 06, 2009, 04:55:16 PM: Have you guys ever tried running wobblers from the bank? they are killer on them fish in the lower river. You might even wanna try a super bait or the new super cut plug.

Kris
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: ducks55 on July 06, 2009, 04:57:18 PM: I have tried the super bait. What is a wobbler? lol
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: fishcrazy on July 06, 2009, 05:07:04 PM: A wobbler is a big spoon that will look like a small flasher and will have a hook on it. They just wobble back and forth in the current. The kings love them when the water warms up. Google for Brads Wobbler. Other brands inlude Clancy Wobblers, Simmons and Alvins. among others. They do require a little knowledge about tunning and such to get them to run right but I'm telling you the kings liek them in the lower river. I bet you would be hard pressed to find a boat in September not fishing them. They can work well in heavy current. I have found some brands work better than other as they are thicker metal and take more current to "wobble" the thinner one will work better in lighter current. You can add scent and such to them as well. I like treble hooks on mine. BIG trebles!!!

Kris
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: ducks55 on July 06, 2009, 05:15:15 PM: I might have to try one of those. Would they work from shore?
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: fishcrazy on July 06, 2009, 05:31:34 PM: Yes they will!!! I have not used them from shore but rumor has it they can work very well. I know thye will need a long leader. maybe 50' or even 60' not sure fro shore but it helps with the "wobble" action. play with the tune as you don't want them to swing past 9 and 3 o'clock. I have done well with them from my boat!!!!

play around with tape or paints. I like to put an eye on mine about the size of a nicle or qaurter.
Thye can cause a very agressive take!!!!
Let me know how they work for you. post a pic or something.

Kris
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: fishcrazy on July 06, 2009, 05:35:46 PM: http://bsfishtales.com/bsfishtales/sbcutplug.php

you might try and get yer hands on some of these and run with yer fav. scent or chopped fish in them. They could be plunked from shore as well. They are new so don't know much about them but the guy who developed them is crazy over them!!! I have seen them in a tank and think they have that fishy action.

Kris
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 06, 2009, 06:43:30 PM: we got a bunch of super baits and cut plugs. herring stuffers and tuna stuffers.

duck55 try tuna thats whats been working.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 06, 2009, 08:30:55 PM: We were catching triploids on wobblers last saturday. they worked good.

then the shrimp would be good to try also. hook some shrimp and drift that too duck55.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: ducks55 on July 07, 2009, 09:11:10 AM: Yeah I have tried tuna in the super baitss..cant catch shat..
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 07, 2009, 09:32:21 AM: hmm. thats what we used. this year. they work good in a boat for sure.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: ducks55 on July 07, 2009, 09:35:37 AM: Yeah in a boat with downriggers so you know the depth theyre at. I know from personal experience they do then. But anything else I have had no luck at all.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 07, 2009, 09:38:05 AM: Hmmm. did you try the eggs?
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: ducks55 on July 07, 2009, 09:53:00 AM: Nope ill try everything nex time though
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 07, 2009, 09:54:31 AM: LEt me know howthey work. shouldnt be too badd.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: Abolt338 on July 08, 2009, 12:33:54 PM: Guys who are going from boats, don't forget to try the old, tried, and true catchers like cut-plug herring, bait busters, and warts. You'd be surprised at what STILL works...

From shore, I fish eggs under a bobber. Never needed anything else...

We've caught a few this past week...

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi145.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr209%2FHereDuckyDucky%2FSarasKing.jpg&hash=2027ddb10cfa07f5bd4d4ac5239833b4c7a3e757)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi145.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr209%2FHereDuckyDucky%2FMoreSummer2009Pics032.jpg&hash=365b5e23528aa6097528959d6eafbb622937670e)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi145.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr209%2FHereDuckyDucky%2FMoreSummer2009Pics017.jpg&hash=18efedff6017a3a61df24733078afe14052966a4)

RW
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 08, 2009, 12:40:02 PM: Dang. nice fish Abolt338 :tup:
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: Abolt338 on July 08, 2009, 01:01:26 PM: Quote from: alanger on July 06, 2009, 06:43:30 PM
we got a bunch of super baits and cut plugs. herring stuffers and tuna stuffers.

duck55 try tuna thats whats been working.

How are you liking those Super Cut Plugs? They look like they would do some damage...but I haven't given them a try yet.

RW
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 08, 2009, 02:01:59 PM: FRom what i have heard they are working ok. We havent got out yet. prolly wont for another week or two. We got all our bait that we will need for the season. stocked up for the whole year but havent had a chance to get out and fish it. :bash:
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: ducks55 on July 08, 2009, 03:58:46 PM: Nice looking fish! Ill try eggs under a bobber then.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: fishcrazy on July 08, 2009, 05:13:02 PM: I have not found the super cutplugs yet. I need to check Bob's in Longview. It's going to kill me if I don't get my hands on some soon. I saw the flat black proto type several months ago.

Kris
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 08, 2009, 07:07:27 PM: Hooked on toys.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: fishcrazy on July 08, 2009, 07:14:08 PM: Yep!!! Hooked is an under statement!!! you should see my boat boxes. But I catch fish on most of it. People think I'm crazy over lures and modifications to them but that is nothing for my addiction to playing with bait cures and chems and all that good stuff. Just can't put bait in the water without putting a twist to it. It works.

Kris
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: kbyers on July 09, 2009, 06:20:22 AM: Just out of curiosity, how much lead is needed for back bouncing up there?
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: Slider on July 09, 2009, 07:12:19 AM: My buddie went out yesterday. No Salmon but they boated a 14lb Walleye!!!
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 09, 2009, 08:42:11 AM: Yeah same here fishcrazy. Wehave stocked up on rapalas, super baits, cut plugs, pro cure, and the mikes fish scent stuff. then jigs and powerbait. we are done there for a long time. :chuckle: Now we just gotto get out and use the bait. catch em up! :drool:
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: Drop Tine on July 12, 2009, 09:06:36 PM: fished Bridgeport and below Wells this weekend we only boated 2 kings nice ones 20 and 22 lbs. Did not see many nets out but had a great time. Will post pics later heading to banks first thing in the morning for most of the week. :)
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: Abolt338 on July 12, 2009, 09:39:12 PM: Quote from: Drop Tine on July 12, 2009, 09:06:36 PM
fished Bridgeport and below Wells this weekend we only boated 2 kings nice ones 20 and 22 lbs. Did not see many nets out but had a great time. Will post pics later heading to banks first thing in the morning for most of the week. :)

Did you boat them at Brewster or Wells?

RW
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 13, 2009, 10:40:20 AM: Were you guys fishing the superbaits Abolt??
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: Drop Tine on July 13, 2009, 10:55:28 AM: De sided not to head to banks till tomorrow morn. Boated the 2 kings in the Brewster pool on superbait with tuna mixed with grabil sauce.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: Drop Tine on July 13, 2009, 11:31:42 AM: Here you go my wife and her sister that boated some kings! :whoo:
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 13, 2009, 11:36:11 AM: Nice drop tine! we went out fishing sunday morning. not a hit on the super baits. thats what everyone was using in the pocket off of walla walla point park. and up to the bridge. the fish are sick of them down here it seems like it.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: Drop Tine on July 13, 2009, 01:35:33 PM: We threw the tackle box at them some warts, blue fox and what ever Eal's we had yup fairly slow.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 14, 2009, 08:48:19 AM: well we are gunna go try some warts like thursday night.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: Backstraps on July 14, 2009, 04:26:06 PM: Drop Tine............I can't believe you let your wife out fish you AGAIN! :chuckle: Good eats for sure! When do you want me over for BBQ salmon? :drool: You and the wife need to go ironhead fishing with me next weekend! Give me a yell! Dano
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 15, 2009, 04:04:52 PM: Hopefully we will have some luck tonight below rocky reach. gunna try some warts.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 15, 2009, 09:48:51 PM: No luck tonight. Saw a bunch being caught just not in our boat. oh well. thats fishing. Anyone else still going at it?
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: Abolt338 on July 15, 2009, 11:01:41 PM: Quote from: alanger on July 15, 2009, 09:48:51 PM
No luck tonight. Saw a bunch being caught just not in our boat. oh well. thats fishing. Anyone else still going at it?

Did you see a guy in a 12' Redneck Yacht (camo alum) with a '63 noise maker putting out massive amounts of purple plume??? That was me :).

I managed three hookups in about 15 minutes...landed two and lost the last one after about 30 seconds. Time to sharpen those hooks...

RW
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 16, 2009, 09:26:20 AM: yeah we were in that group of boats circiling around you going what is he using. they werent hitting much last sunday morning down lower :dunno: or last night for us anyway.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: mossback91 on July 16, 2009, 09:55:01 AM: Quote from: Abolt338 on July 15, 2009, 11:01:41 PM
Quote from: alanger on July 15, 2009, 09:48:51 PM
No luck tonight. Saw a bunch being caught just not in our boat. oh well. thats fishing. Anyone else still going at it?

Did you see a guy in a 12' Redneck Yacht (camo alum) with a '63 noise maker putting out massive amounts of purple plume??? That was me :).

I managed three hookups in about 15 minutes...landed two and lost the last one after about 30 seconds. Time to sharpen those hooks...

RW

I like your style
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 17, 2009, 12:54:59 PM: Quote from: mossback91 on July 16, 2009, 09:55:01 AM
Quote from: Abolt338 on July 15, 2009, 11:01:41 PM
Quote from: alanger on July 15, 2009, 09:48:51 PM
No luck tonight. Saw a bunch being caught just not in our boat. oh well. thats fishing. Anyone else still going at it?

Did you see a guy in a 12' Redneck Yacht (camo alum) with a '63 noise maker putting out massive amounts of purple plume??? That was me :).

I managed three hookups in about 15 minutes...landed two and lost the last one after about 30 seconds. Time to sharpen those hooks...

RW

I like your style

Clearly it works.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: Abolt338 on July 17, 2009, 11:53:06 PM: Hooked four up at Wells today, but it took WAY TOO LONG.

Came back and fished my usual spot and managed to hook, fight, and lose a big one tonight. It was a joint losing effort between my wife and me.

Another day, another fish story.

RW
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 18, 2009, 08:53:33 AM: You gunna be up there tomorow night?? Me thinks if we get the house work done we will be up there goin at it. :dunno:
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: Abolt338 on July 18, 2009, 11:06:27 PM: Went north today and caught six. Fished hard for them, though...

RW
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 19, 2009, 10:28:19 PM: Abolt we saw ya out there tonight. we were the last boat there The green and white spectrum. Very slow night.

_-No FiSh On.
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: Abolt338 on July 20, 2009, 02:50:58 AM: Quote from: alanger on July 19, 2009, 10:28:19 PM
Abolt we saw ya out there tonight. we were the last boat there The green and white spectrum. Very slow night.

_-No FiSh On.

Thought that was you. We managed one in the boat tonight, but we only saw two others caught, so it was slow night indeed. A funny note, we actually caught two immature salmon that were about 9" long. Our baits were nearly half their size, and they hooked up on 5/0 hooks!

I'll be out there a lot, so hopefully see you guys again. I'll know to say hello next time.

RW
Title: Re: OPENING DAY
Post by: alanger on July 20, 2009, 08:02:21 AM: Quote from: Abolt338 on July 20, 2009, 02:50:58 AM
Quote from: alanger on July 19, 2009, 10:28:19 PM
Abolt we saw ya out there tonight. we were the last boat there The green and white spectrum. Very slow night.

_-No FiSh On.

Thought that was you. We managed one in the boat tonight, but we only saw two others caught, so it was slow night indeed. A funny note, we actually caught two immature salmon that were about 9" long. Our baits were nearly half their size, and they hooked up on 5/0 hooks!

I'll be out there a lot, so hopefully see you guys again. I'll know to say hello next time.

RW

Yeah I think i played baseball with your brother like 3 years ago.

i saw some of those little ones being caught in that big North river boat and they were keeping them!! Wasn't sure if the immature ones are good to eat. I thought they were trout until we got a closer look.

yeah it will be a couple nights before we are out again. see ya out there.