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As the memories of chinook fishing fade away it’s time to change gears and with winter approaching that means steelheading time. Shane Magnusen of Upper Columbia Guide Service invited Aaron and I to give the Columbia River a try. I’d read of the good steelhead fishing on the Columbia but had a hard time visualizing drifting the river in a boat, ala’ Cowlitz River side drifting. So I was excited to learn a new location and technique.
We stayed at the Lake Pateros Motor Lodge which couldn’t be more convenient, just a couple blocks from the launch and the River’s Restaurant. Meeting Shane at 6am, we sat down to a nice, warm breakfast and lazy 7am start.
Our technique couldn’t be easier – side drifting a jig and cured prawn under a float. The water is deeper – we fished from 10 to 15 feet deep, but unlike what I expected, there was a steady current that moved us down river. Shane used his electric bow mount to keep the boat on track and we worked a couple spots. The plan had been for him to show us several spots, but we never got that far because the fishing is so good.
So good as in the three of us had our limits in just a few hours of fishing. Watching the floats dip under the water is always a cool thing to see. We caught six hatchery steelhead and released a wild fish with ridiculous ease. The fish are running 3 to 8 pounds on average, with occasion 10-12 pound fish out there. They have a pretty blush to them and the meat as you can see from the picture is great.
Best of all, we had the drift entirely to ourselves for the first couple hours, and then only had to share with two other boats after that. So if you are looking to get in on some great winter steelhead fishing give Shane a call at (509) 264-7684 or visit Upper Columbia Guide Service
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