The first early Columbia River Spring Chinook Season is now wrapped up and we’re waiting for an extension. While the rumor mill is flying, the biologists from ODFW, WDFW, and the treaty tribes will have the (almost) final word as part of the Columbia River Compact process. To say this was a tough early season in the lower river would be an understatement, but my clients still got to experience some success. The Talon rods worked perfectly, even with plugs!
The overall catch numbers seem to be pretty low as of yet which means there are plenty of fish allowed in the quota if the forecast holds. Even the gill netters have been struggling which means the fish are probably holding in the ocean longer due to the low water levels.
So what’s next for fishing in Astoria? I’ll be doing some exploratory sturgeon fishing to find some good early spots and Bottom fishing at the mouth of the Columbia is getting into prime time (when we have good weather). My first bottom fishing trip of the year will be Saturday and with a 3 fish limit on Ling Cod I’m hoping for a boat limit.
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