Getting back into boat river fishing...

[nearlycanada]

I now live near where I can easily fish the Columbia from near Brewster to Wells dams.  I have an older 16ft Smokercraft with a 50hp jet that still runs good that I used to run when I lived on the "wetside" for steelheading on the Skagit and Skykomish systems.  I just have not used it for 10 years.   Now living here on the sunny side, I would like to get set up for some of the potential salmon and steelhead fishing opportunities on the upper Columbia river system.   Figure I may have to buy some down rigger stuff and depth/fish finder gear.

Any helpful suggestions on gear and setup will be appreciated!    Going to need to figure what kind of budget I will need.      

Thanks in advance.

[Noiro]

One of the most important items is a PFD or personal flotation device. Cabelas has very good auto self inflating vests.
I cant remember last years stats about fishermen drowning but if I recall no one drowned that wore a PFD.

[nearlycanada]

Thanks,   that also reminds me that I will have to update all the registration stuff on the boat.  It has been awhile since it was licensed.   I may take a guide trip or two to see what the current fishing methods are.   

[h20hunter]

Keep in mind....depending on your age you may need the Boaters Ed Card....

[tony04]

Keep in mind....depending on your age you may need the Boaters Ed Card....

 

i think they up the age every year by 5 years.. not sure what the minimum age it is now though.. 35?

[Cylvertip]

at least 40  - I had to get mine this year.

[buckhorn2]

Last year on the salmon opener at westport there were coast Guard and sherriffs checking for safety stuff on boats and they were handing out a lot of tickets make sure and check what you need to be safe and legal.

[Wingin it]

Boaters Ed card for 50 and under this year! Some guided trips are a great way to learn a new fishery.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Theres a guide outfit up there called Black Bear Lodge. They fly fish the upper columbia out of mini sleds with outboard pumps. The Evening Hatch is the name. Might be a good resource to learn the river?