Sturgeon
These
prehistoric monsters can be caught year round in the Columbia
River system. January and February are best months for Keeper
Sturgeon, usually seeing multiple limits per day. May, June
& July are the three best months of the year for catching
the Monster Sturgeon since they are out and about feeding
on the other fish that are currently in the river system
like Salmon and Shad.
Since Sturgeon are bottom feeders we fish with sand shrimp,
herring and shad out of anchored boats. We often have to
release the anchor to chase these monster Sturgeon. We use
7 foot rods with 50 to 80lb braided Dacron, outfitted with
sliding sinkers and barb less hooks. Each person on the
boat is allowed to keep one Sturgeon from 4 feet to 5 feet.
The state law allows Sturgeon anglers to catch and release
after you have tagged your limit. Hooking into one of these
prehistoric fish is a blast as Sturgeon may be one of the
best eating fish you have ever tasted. Sturgeon not only
have great strength but it is not uncommon to see jump during
the battle.
Shad
Fishing
Fishing for Shad usually kicks off around the first of June
and runs through the month of July. Limits of 40 to 50 fish
per day are not uncommon. These fish pack a huge fight and
are acrobatic fish, often caught on ultra light rods and
tackle, I like to fish until people are fished out. With
only fishing a couple rods and not being able to keep up
with the net, it's exciting and fun for the whole family.
It's one of those days that you may only fish for couple
hours and catch more fish than you want to clean. After
the Shad fishing I encourage my clients to take advantage
of going and catching an oversize sturgeon using one of
those WHOLE SHAD that you just caught for bait. Hooking
five oversize Sturgeons per day isn't uncommon when the
Shad are in the river system. Most Shad run from 3 to 5lbs
and fight like an 8lb Salmon fresh out of the ocean.
Winter
Steelhead
Winter
Steelhead is a blast and usually kicks off in October and
runs through late January, with not much to do with the
weather being nasty and cold. Fishing from my covered and
heated jet boat isn't a problem or an inconvenience. With
the cooler temps and rainy, foggy weather conditions we
still catch lots of fish. Daily limit the last few years
has been three adult fish. Trolling plugs or fresh baits
and spinners. Day trips and Night fishing trips are both
encouraged. Fish usually run between 8 and 22lbs, here on
the Columbia River we get the upper Snake River fish that
are between 18lbs to 22lbs and on the columbia river it
is not uncommon to catch the upper Snake River fish which
range from 18-22lbs.
Spring
Chinook Fishing
Usually kicks off in mid march and runs through late may,
all depends on what the state will allow before shutting
the river system down. Quick limits along with multiple
limits for the boat easily allow the state to shut it down.
It all starts usually starts on march 16th at Bonneville
dam and runs till the last week in April, then the season
is shut down for that particular part of the river system
so we move up river to Drano lake and the wind river. Daily
limits are easily taken until the end of May. Fishing at
the John Day dam along with Mcnary dam is also encouraged
pending dam counts and daily catch rates. We will be back
trolling plugs and fresh baits; fish usually run between
10lbs to 30lbs.
Fall
Chinook
Fall Chinook fishing usually kicks into gear around mid
august from Bonneville to Mcnary dam, there are the few
spots for jigging but usually bobber fishing or back trolling
kwik fish or fresh baits. September and October are the
months of higher catch rates and better-sized fish. The
state limit is Six Fish with no more than two being adults,
sometimes they will up that limit to four adults which allows
a whole boatload of fish!! Ranging from 15lbs to 55lbs!
Cat
Fishing
Cat fishing trips start when the weather gets warm, which
is usually in June through August. The best trips are at
night and are encouraged as Catfish feed at night. Often
Sturgeon are hooked at night fishing for Catfish but must
be released because state law says so. But is still fun
to catch. Catch rates usually around five to thirty fish.
Fish average weights are six to fifteen pounds. Most trips
are 12-hour trips unless clients feel necessary to come
home early. Once again my covered and heated custom weld
jet boat is comfortable to any weather conditions.
The
Boat
Fishing from my boat you will find yourself in comfort.
It's a New 24 ft. Alumaweld. Powered by a 200 hp Mercury
engine with a jet drive. It allows me to run in water less
than 4 ft deep. I have 5 seats for customers on board with
room for myself and a deckhand. You will find yourself with
plenty of room to move around, with extra storage for you
daily lunch and clothes. I have a cd player and radio so
bring something to listen to if you would like.
My Sponsers have provided me with the best rods and tackle
for you to fish with. I change out all my rods every year
so you have the best there is to fish with. You're more
than welcome to bring your own rod, if you have something
you prefer, or just use mine. All the bait and tackle will
be provided along with a helping hand that knows best. Once
again if you have something you want to show me I'm always
listening.
Columbia
River Jet Boat Excursions
Take a scenic 150 mile round trip up the columbia river
to the last free flowing stretch of the Columbia River "The
Hanford Reach" see wildlife eating on the river banks
along with the historic sites of the hanford nuclear project
along the river, ringgold fish hatchery, whitebluffs, coyote
rapids, and the vernita boat lauch, & going as far as
priest rapids dam. The trip will be around six to eight
hours long stopping and starting several places to take
pictures and gossip. Minimum boat fee is four people, you're
welcome to ask me to fill a spot to save on pricing. Book
the trip for the whole day yourself. Box lunches provided
free or for an extra twenty dollars and a BBQ on the bank
can be provided with proper notice. It's Fun and Exciting
for those that aren't into fishing and would just like to
spend the day on the water. Year round trips available.
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