The Outdoor Line Forum

Hi Tom,

I've been trying to convince my brother and dad to get down on the Columbia together with me, and finally they agreed to try for Springers. We will likely be fishing Monday. Apparently they are not wanting to drive the extra 45 or so minutes to fish around I-5 or a little lower around the Willamette (where I have seen better reports for and where a friend and part time guide suggests). My dad is suggesting putting in within Longview and either fishing the Cow, or running into The Mighty C.

My question is, do you see equal success all over that area, or do these fish tend to congregate in certain spots?

We have never fished this style, or area before (dropper trolling), but tale our share of salmon ever year. I just don't have a bead on this fishery.

Many thanks to you and Theoutdoorline crew. Enjoy the show whenever I'm not fishing and can listen.

JJ

You can tell your dad and brother you can spend the time fishing and bonding which is great, but if you really want to catch fish and bond, then you need to drive the extra 45 minutes. My guide friend put 5 in the box yesterday at I-5, and said it was not very crowded either. Also, that did not include the finned fish they released.

Hey CF,
I just got back from the Columbia in the I-5 stretch and Thursday we hooked five but only one today from daylight until we had to pull the plug at noon.
I have heard more consistent reports from the Cathlamet area but, check the regulations...we need an extension to fish past Monday, April 14th!

Thank you for the replies. I am looking to maximize our chances, and don't want to really waste time and gas and hopefully hone in on the fish atleast a tad.

I did read the regs. From what I read, they extended the Columbia throuh Monday the 14th. However, if I read the WDFW Emergency rule extension properly, it states you can only take one (1) Chinook. Is that what you guys read? Also, if you fish the Cow, you can take two(2)?

Still not sure how far I can convince the family to go. We shall find out in the next couple days!

I fish around the Cowlitz actually Kalama and do real well you don't have to go all the way to I-5
The Big C is closed now any way's well until an update run forecast some time in May.