A Classic Columbia River Fishing Experience
My first fishing memory was on my grandpa’s boat on the Rogue River. He was the best fishing guide for Spring Chinook that a kid could ask for. On that hand-built plywood boat I learned the basics of what I still use today. That river was my classroom. He was the teacher. The subjects were knots, reading water, setting lines, rigging baits and spinners, and dropping the anchor. From that experience I developed a love for Spring Chinook. They are unrivaled on the plate and each one reminds me of that day I reeled in my first fish. I spent years learning how to adapt what I knew for Columbia River Spring Chinook. This is now one of my favorite fisheries and I’m happy to share it with you.
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Basic Columbia River Spring Chinook Techniques
Rigging a cut-plug herring behind a flasher is usually the best bet in the early season. The fish hug the bottom and take advantage of the weaker current so triangles generally do better than 360’s. There are many opinions and secret recipes for brine and colors. I don’t particularly notice a difference, and generally just use the bait out of the package. Others swear by a particular color or brine.
Things change once the water begins to warm up into the upper 50’s. In the estuary, putting a plug in the path of an oncoming Chinook becomes the first choice tactic. I prefer Brad’s Killer Fish, usually in a size 14 wrapped in either sardine or Tuna Belly. Others will use Kwikfish by Luhr Jensen or Yakima Bait Mag Lips. Just like brine for herring, there are many opinions and secret recipes for wraps and added scents.
Further upriver, trolling tends to be more popular, with a variety of choices, including spinners, and plastic baits.
Picking the Right Spot for Spring Chinook
Figuring out where the fish want to be and where you want to fish is an art form with Springers. This is where having a fishing guide with lots of experience and local knowledge can help. There are a few basic rules to help beginners though.
- When the water gets murky, go shallow. The edges of the river slow the current, creating an easier path for the fish. The shallower water also means more light gets to the bottom. More light means the fish can see your gear to attack it.
- If you’re anchored and the boat is rocking the springers will not come knocking. If your gear isn’t working properly, nothing else will matter. Having the boat swing around in the wind is the number one reason this will happen. Finding a spot where you won’t get blown around is key.
- Salmon look for the easy path. They will seek out the edges of eddies, cut corners, and seek out slow water whenever possible. There are a lot of myths about whether they prefer the south side or the north side of the river. The reality is that they generally prefer the easy side.
What to Bring for Spring Chinook Fishing on the Columbia
The peak of spring Chinook season coincides with some of the rainiest times of the year. Dressing in layers is a must:
- The outer shell should be waterproof. A good raincoat, rain pants, and waterproof footwear are a must.
- An insulating middle layer like a sweatshirt can be helpful for keeping warm. It can also be removed if you get too warm.
- A warm base layer on colder days is also a good choice. Socks that wick moisture away from your feet will do a lot to help you feel cozy. Lots of companies sell a specific base layer tailored to different conditions. Some are better than others so experimenting may not be a bad idea.
During the early season I prefer to put the top on the boat to protect from rain. On colder days I run a heater to keep things warm. A thermos of coffee or other hot beverage can add to your day. Lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks are always advised.
Setting Expectations
Columbia River Spring Chinook fishing is one of the most challenging fisheries in our area. I use the best bait I can find. This means seeking out special deals with local bait shops and pre-sorting the packs of frozen herring. I purchase the tuna bellies for my bait wraps from a local shop during the fall tuna season. I’ve refined my lure selection. I’ve tuned my setup. I pick out the best spot possible.
With that said, a large school of herring just off the mouth can distract the fish from entering the river. The annual smelt run can suddenly show up, fill bellies, and cause the fish to be sluggish on the bite. A pod of Sea Lions can set up around the bend from you. Particularly in the early season it is not uncommon to see one fish for every three or four boats. So why do it?
Springer fishing is the opportunity to shake off the winter doldrums. There is nothing like sitting under the cover and watching the rain on the water while the heater is going. Being anchored gives the opportunity to share stories and conversation. All of this while the rods are working to bring one of the biggest harbingers of spring to the boat. When we do catch them, Columbia River Spring Chinook are table fare like no other.
Ultimately, the challenge of catching a Spring Chinook is it’s own reward. When the rod goes down, your heart jumps and the adrenaline starts pumping. Bringing a Spring Chinook over the gunnel is a rare accomplishment for most. Knowing that you’ve done it means you now have a story to tell for life.
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