Targeting Springers on the Columbia

I'm going to miss the clinic, but am curious of what kayakers are rigging up for catching spring chinook in the Columbia.  Are folks trolling herring with a flasher like many of the power boats, or anchoring and plunking?  I'll be going after them this weekend for the first time and would appreciate a little advice.
Thanks!

Its been very slow. Naked herring (no flasher) is usually the way to go. There is less drag that way.  Trolling is usually the best bet but people have been picking some fish on anchor running kwickfish. I might be heading out this weekend if you want to meet up. Shoot me a pm if interested.

Trolling is usually the best bet but people have been picking some fish on anchor running kwickfish.

With the water up and off color, think really shallow and close to shore.  10' +/- a couple of feet.

If trolling, work the ends of structure like wingdams that funnel fish into a common travel lane.  Know what I mean Noah? 

-Spot-

Trolling is usually the best bet but people have been picking some fish on anchor running kwickfish.

With the water up and off color, think really shallow and close to shore.  10' +/- a couple of feet.

If trolling, work the ends of structure like wingdams that funnel fish into a common travel lane.  Know what I mean Noah? 

-Spot-

"Is that a fish?" Zip, zip, zip, PING. 

That was brutal   

Sunday I plan to take my son out for springers out of Camas. Noah, you up for it? Anyone else? Portlandians can launch at Chinook and meet around Lady Island.

Sunday I plan to take my son out for springers out of Camas. Noah, you up for it? Anyone else? Portlandians can launch at Chinook and meet around Lady Island.

A reminder:  "Portlandians" and other Oregonians can launch from the Washington side of the Columbia (when fishing the mainstem Columbia) without needing to purchase a Washington license.

-Spot-

Sunday I plan to take my son out for springers out of Camas. Noah, you up for it? Anyone else? Portlandians can launch at Chinook and meet around Lady Island.

I have to confirm with the wife what day I get my fishing pass for. However, the Ocean forecast is looking pretty good for Sunday. I doubt it will hold at 2.5 feet but might be in the 5-6 foot range. If it holds and I get the pass for Sunday I'll be heading that direction. I'm not sure it will be the best forecast for your first time but it might be alright. Maybe check with Ron to see what he thinks? Where are you fishing Saturday? If I fish the Columbia I'd like to fish closer toward the airport. It's been slow everywhere but most of the fish seem to be being caught in the I5 to railroad bridge stretch.

http://magicseaweed.com/Otter-Rock-Surf-Report/317/

I think I'll try fishing Saturday, I'll probably launch down off of Columbia Blvd.  and fish the I-5 area with the rest of the PBers.

I think I'll try fishing Saturday, I'll probably launch down off of Columbia Blvd.  and fish the I-5 area with the rest of the PBers.

There's a parking lot with a perfect kayak launch on the Northeast side of the I5 bridge.  3 strokes/kicks and you're right in the thick of things.  You all now OWE me for sharing my secret launch with y'all.   

-Spot-

Spot are you talking about that old retired launch right next to Joe's Crab Shack?
Also, I might be able to make it out as well. I was planning on fishing Saturday anyway. For those of you who are planning on fishing I-5 bridge area, do ya'll want to meet up as a group?

I think I'll try fishing Saturday, I'll probably launch down off of Columbia Blvd.  and fish the I-5 area with the rest of the PBers.

There's a parking lot with a perfect kayak launch on the Northeast side of the I5 bridge.  3 strokes/kicks and you're right in the thick of things.  You all now OWE me for sharing my secret launch with y'all.   

-Spot-

Spot are you talking about that old retired launch right next to Joe's Crab Shack?
Also, I might be able to make it out as well. I was planning on fishing Saturday anyway. For those of you who are planning on fishing I-5 bridge area, do ya'll want to meet up as a group?

I think I'll try fishing Saturday, I'll probably launch down off of Columbia Blvd.  and fish the I-5 area with the rest of the PBers.

There's a parking lot with a perfect kayak launch on the Northeast side of the I5 bridge.  3 strokes/kicks and you're right in the thick of things.  You all now OWE me for sharing my secret launch with y'all.   

-Spot-

If I make it out on Saturday I'd be happy to meet up. Just not sure yet if I will fish Saturday or Sunday and where 

Saturday's looking pretty good too. After the clinic on Thursday, I'm gonna be jones-ing to get out.

True

Be Careful out there!
With the river all but blown out below the Willamette, there'll be a lot of pressure on this stretch.
- The I5 / RR Bridge area can be a total zoo.
- The wakes are large and non-stop.
- Be sure to fly a safety flag so the PB'ers can see you while they're making their mad dashes back to the top of the run.
- Have Fun and Score some Chrome!


-Spot-

Yeah, Spot...great spot to launch to be right @ I-5 and RR   ...normally a beach there--last year my maiden  voyage  w/ new outback on Big C  @ flood stage.Just a path into  the water then . Built a lot of confidence that day...couldnt catch a fish if you threw it at me though.

Noah, thanks for the rigging advice.  I'm really looking forward to testing things out this weekend.  I must admit I'm not too excited about the I-5 PB zoo.  Anyone ever try the Multnomah Channel right near the bridge to Sauvie Island.  Seems like you could launch right near that parking lot on the Island side of the bridge.