Available Fishing Guide:
Website: Upper Columbia Guide Service
The Klickitat is freakin loaded with Kings now!!!
Fished Saturday and Sunday on the Lower Klickitat River near MP 3 on Highway 142. As you are aware, the chinook run on the Columbia is breaking records this year and it served up an outstanding two days of fishing for me. Caught 3 Kings on Saturday from the bank (one C&R) and 1 more Sunday morning ranging from 9# to 13#. All fish came on eggs under a float, Sand shrimp under a float, or the shrimp cocktail, which is the go to combo for this fishery.
There is a hole called the Pine Tree Hole below Klickitat Falls where the Salmon congregate prior to heading up river. This hole is at MP 2 on HWY 142. I'm sure the fishing was great but judging from the 50 or so vehicles in the turn out, I would say they were likely combat fishing down there. Now I was just one mile upstream and fished with one gentleman on Saturday, and on Sunday I had two holes to myself, with plenty of fish to go around. I fished a hole between two sets of class 3 rapids, and after hooking some of the larger Kings had to chase them clear down through the rapids. If you know Klickitat Canyon, this is not an easy task if you want to keep the fish on. Scaling rocks, jumping gaps in the crags, all while keeping the line and rod properly tensioned. Shoot I though fishing was going to be relaxing, not an action sport!
My best King days ever 5+++! went 4 for 6 for the weekend. Fished mainly 6:30 to 10 each day.
Tonight its fresh Salmon on the BBQ, salt pepper, a little olive oil and topped off with mango salsa. My freezer is stocked for several months, but I am already running low on eggs.
Go get them now if your can!
Tight lines to all.
Slayer
Available Fishing Guide:
Website: Upper Columbia Guide Service