Salt2Summit Guide Service - With 25 + years of experience pursuing these Columbia River fish from buoy 10 to Hanford reach and up the Snake River. Fishing every tributary in between these places, I have learned certain spots and techniques used to catch more fish.In 2012 we went 49 days straight catching fish everyday. That is why I am confident enough to offer you a “catch-fish-guarantee” on full day trips. If we do not bring a fish to the boat you only pay half price or receive 50% off of the full price on your next visit.
This report is actually the North Fork. My son and I arrived at the Hatchery a little after 6:30am. I thought for sure we'd have some quiet father/son time today, but I guess everyone else thought the same thing too. There had to be over 80 anglers spread thru the this hole. The spot I fished the last time I was here was overtaken by high water and 20 anglers. I went further upriver and no one was fishing. Fish were jumping and rolling everywhere. It took me about an hour when I finally hooked into a fish. Wishful thinking, "Please be Chrome, please be bright, please let me land you." Well, at least I got 1 wish. My son netted my fish and unfortunately it was a boot red silver and about 8lbs. I will give it some credit because it put up a great fight. I released her and went at it again. We both didn't sniff any fish until another hour later when I got into another one. Again this one was red and a buck. I released him back after a nice fight. My son had 2 on but couldn't get a good hook set but we think it could have been a Steelhead, maybe wishful thinking, but who knows. I talked to some of the locals and said they seen 3 landed all morning. I walked down to the hatchery and in about 5 minutes I seen 2 guys who were plunking shrimp get 2 nice Silvers and both were kinda bright, definitely good enough for the smoker. I'll fish here again tomorrow on baby duty until the ladies get home from Black Friday Shopping. I can't imagine getting up at 4am to go shopping...
Good job Jens. I actually went out to the E Fork on Thanksgiving also and caught a Steely! A nice looking summer fish about 12#'s. My buddy caught one as well. Didn't see any others caught but I think it's a little early for winter fish. Yah the crowd up at the hatchery is a little overwhelming at times. The fish just stack at that there and people try to catch or snag them which is about the only way to get those dark fish. Good luck all in the winter season.
One of the locals I talked to for quite a bit, raved about the East Fork. I'll definitely have to do some research to find some holes to fish. I want to head back in a couple weeks and do some bobber/jig fishing. I seen some good drifts to try that..Gotta get my first Steelie...... Littlefishes- if you go to Wholesale sports, they have a rig set up for plunking. The guy that was fishing that way, was using that technique to the T- Whoever said fish don't bite once they reach freshwater is misinformed. These fish engulfed his shrimp.
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Salt2Summit Guide Service - With 25 + years of experience pursuing these Columbia River fish from buoy 10 to Hanford reach and up the Snake River. Fishing every tributary in between these places, I have learned certain spots and techniques used to catch more fish.In 2012 we went 49 days straight catching fish everyday. That is why I am confident enough to offer you a “catch-fish-guarantee” on full day trips. If we do not bring a fish to the boat you only pay half price or receive 50% off of the full price on your next visit.