Government Cove launch

Can anyone tell me where to park and launch my kayak to fish Government Cove on the Columbia?  This appears to be east of a place called Cascade Locks.  I'd like to get in on some of the smallmouth action I've heard about.

Not a ton of parking but there is some.  Follow the gravel road that dead ends between the cove and the Columbia.  Park on the sides with everyone else.

Putting in can be interesting to say the lease.  Either you'll be lowering your kayak down the rip rap wall and then dragging it back up or you'll be launching on the Columbia side and paddling all the way around.

There might be a smally back in that cove.   

-Mark-

It is tough climbing over the riprap there.  After trying it once I launch in other locations now to fish the cove.

An easy launch but longer paddle/pedal is to use the gravel launch at Herman creek or the windsurfing "blackberry" launch.  Don't overlook the water between those launches and the cove.  I've caught some large smallies on the pedal over.

I second a Herman Creek launch. Go to the Port of Cascade Locks Industrial Park off of NW Forest Lane and take a left at the end of the divided road. Take the first right after that and work your way downhill to the mouth of Herman Creek. It is easier than launching at the hatchery. You have to go outside the little cove there and work your way up the Columbia about a half mile to Government Cove, but it is relatively easy - easier than messing with the rip rap at Government Cove itself.

I wouldnt think you would get a lot of crawdads in that area. Banks may have rock but the bottom it mostly mud and sand. There are some large rock beds further up the columbia on the oregon side that might produce better. But the wind might keep you off them most the time with no coves to retreat too when it picks up.