Wanapum dam boat launch on down stream side?

[Larry3215]

Is the launch on the south/Priest Rapids side of Wanapum dam usable now for a 21ft boat? I read a report that made it sound like that launch may be closed?

The WDFW boat launch information site isnt working at the moment and the Grant County PUD site still says upgrades are going to be done at some future time. Google Earth images from last year make it look like the work is done?

Anyone know if they have a bathroom? Loading Float?

We are thinking about a sturgeon trip to Priest Rapids in two weeks. We are planning to stay in Vantage and that launch would be the easiest for us to get to.

We have never fished that section of the Columbia. We might try in the Wanapum pool as well if we have time.

Any tips, hints, secrete spot info, etc would be appreciated if anyone is in the mood to share

[hewesbob]

Three years ago I launched below Wanapum this time of year and found a shallow spot in the middle of the river right under the power lines. The water went from about 30 feet to 2 feet in a hurry, I was able to kill the motor and raise it quickly and only hit at a slow speed and didn't do any damage so I felt very lucky. I'm not sure if it was just an isolated area or if there is a shelf of rock in that area, so keep a close eye out. Good Luck

[Larry3215]

Thanks for the warning!

We've actually run aground twice over the years on the lower Columbia while fishing for sturgeon. Once below the Astoria bridge while trying to get back into the shallows mid river following a tip to a "secrete honey hole". The other time was in a back slew near Longview. Both times we were going slow enough there was no damage and we got off easily. We also had a couple of close calls fishing Rufus Woods. There are hidden pillars and bars all up and down the river.

Since then, we got the new Garmin setup with a forward looking Panoptix transducer. It lowers the risk and blood pressure a lot when you can see up to 200 feet in front of the boat

[eat-sleep-fish]

There is a pretty new launch on the Vantage side of the river below Wanapum. Nice concrete launch with a dock, plenty of parking and a restroom. The only issue I see is a big shallow bar heading to the main river. Looks like if you go downstream around it, should be fine. If I were to fish that section of the Columbia, I would look for 25-50 foot of water on a current seam, should be fish there. With the fall run of kings pushing upstream, fresh salmon bellies would be my bait of choice followed by herring.

[Larry3215]

Looking at Google Earth shots of the launch, that bar the two of you are talking about shows up fairly well. We will take it slow and careful until we get it mapped out.

Thanks for the tips!