Confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers (Page 2): hello you are very close to the Snake and Columbia but not sure what will be running them last year Salmon were around Hood river...

oldiebutgoodie Loc: tri-cities WA

hello you are very close to the Snake and Columbia but not sure what will be running them last year Salmon were around Hood river

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

oldiebutgoodie wrote:

hello you are very close to the Snake and Columbia but not sure what will be running them last year Salmon were around Hood river

I am hoping we find a few decent cats, smallmouth and walleye. If a salmon shows up, we will have to make some tackle decisions. I don't know if shad get up that far, but if they present themselves. I have very good use for them involving Halibut, sturgeon and catfish. Ah, life is so full of hard decisions. I don't know why I put myself through so much stress.

Ted A Loc: Eastern Washington

bapabear wrote:

I am hoping we find a few decent cats, smallmouth and walleye. If a salmon shows up, we will have to make some tackle decisions. I don't know if shad get up that far, but if they present themselves. I have very good use for them involving Halibut, sturgeon and catfish. Ah, life is so full of hard decisions. I don't know why I put myself through so much stress.

John Day dam is a hot spot for shad around the middle of June.

Springers are running up the Snake in early May. This year is supposed to have a larger than usual run. Don't know where they'll open it until the last minute by emergency rules. Subscribe to the emergency rules.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Ted A wrote:

John Day dam is a hot spot for shad around the middle of June.

Springers are running up the Snake in early May. This year is supposed to have a larger than usual run. Don't know where they'll open it until the last minute by emergency rules. Subscribe to the emergency rules.

I appreciate the info. I don't think I want to get into the salmon traffic jams. I would rather catch a pike minnow with no boats in sight than a king while combat fishing. Alaska spoiled me. If the season is open and fish are around, I expect I will have to put up with the crowd for at least one fish. My fishing buddy is 80 and has never caught a salmon of any kind. It would be awful selfish on my part to not give him the opportunity. I can just go into my guide mode and let him fish while I operate the boat. Is the common method there for kings back trolling plugs, or am I totally off the mark? Thanks again for the input.

Roger Renne Loc: Washington state

Troll for salmon with flasher and spinner or plug. So- called “360” setup. Go on Ifish website to learn more.

Ted A Loc: Eastern Washington

bapabear wrote:

I appreciate the info. I don't think I want to ge... (show quote)

Most of the salmon fishermen bank fish because they catch fish. The problem is as you state, it's kind of like combat fishing. I'd call it more like carnival fishing. The boats usually anchor up outside of casting range or where the brush doesn't allow bank fishing.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Roger Renne wrote:

Troll for salmon with flasher and spinner or plug. So- called “360” setup. Go on Ifish website to learn more.

Will do. Thanks.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Ted A wrote:

Most of the salmon fishermen bank fish because they catch fish. The problem is as you state, it's kind of like combat fishing. I'd call it more like carnival fishing. The boats usually anchor up outside of casting range or where the brush doesn't allow bank fishing.

Thanks for the input. It sounds like I should find the steepest bank/cliff on the river with the deepest spot of water. Then drop anchor as far from the traffic jam as I can. Once set, I should drop a big chunk of chicken liver to the bottom and quietly drink my coffee. It's all good

Ted A Loc: Eastern Washington

bapabear wrote:

Thanks for the input. It sounds like I should find the steepest bank/cliff on the river with the deepest spot of water. Then drop anchor as far from the traffic jam as I can. Once set, I should drop a big chunk of chicken liver to the bottom and quietly drink my coffee. It's all good

If you launch at Texas Rapids you can go up to Little Goose dam or down to the entrance of the Tucannon river. There are catfish there. Further down is where the Palouse river enters and is known as a catfish area.
Lyons Ferry KOA is available there. Usually the springer fishing is from Texas Rapids on up to Little Goose dam. The emergency rules will describe the open locations and days. Barbless hooks are required for salmon and steelhead. That allows easier release of unclipped fish.

Hope that helps.

Tight lines

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Ted A wrote:

If you launch at Texas Rapids you can go up to Lit... (show quote)

Thank you Ted. That helps a lot. I expect we will be doing a lot of exploration right out of Hood Park as that is where we are staying, especially if we try a bit of night fishing. But your info definitely warrants a drive and launch out of other local areas. Thanks again

Ted A Loc: Eastern Washington

You're welcome.

Hint: the best salmon fishing is near shore not too far out and along the north side of the river. Springers run up near the shorelines. Later runs may be further out.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Ted A wrote:

You're welcome.

Hint: the best salmon fishing is near shore not too far out and along the north side of the river. Springers run up near the shorelines. Later runs may be further out.

Once again, thanks.