Springers Anyone?

Has anyone been out to try their luck yet? I know there have been some spotty catches but not many. I am hopefully getting my kayak soon and can't wait to get out and get my feet wet .

I've been tying a few rigs every night after work and dad duties. Learning what I can about trolling from the interwebs. Trying to ensure I have everything I need to get started during this industry supply shortage. I'm pretty sure I am ready to go minus a kayak, organization and experience;D In due time...

Stay safe and tight lines everyone!

Not a bad idea to spread your gear purchase over time.  Less shock to the wallet (unlike the yak purchase). 

Yes I do agree. With the fishing industry experiencing the higher demand and shortage of materials I developed FOMO haha.

Not a bad idea to spread your gear purchase over time.  Less shock to the wallet (unlike the yak purchase).

Isn't that what the stimulus checks are for?

Not a bad idea to spread your gear purchase over time.  Less shock to the wallet (unlike the yak purchase).

Isn't that what the stimulus checks are for?

Depends if you are married or in a relationship........

Sounds like my kayak should be here in about a week. I plan on taking it out to familiarize and flip on Hagg. Should be trolling on the Willy the first week of April.

That is perfect timing for spring chinook.

Two weekends ago I kicked off my springer fishing season on the Columbia (off Sauvie Island) and Saturday I tried the Willamette (Sellwood area).

On both days no action for me and I also did not see any action for the other boats that were around me (very few on Columbia, quite a few more on the Willamette). Still great to be out on the water though. Fishing should start picking up very soon now.

 

Trolled the Willy yesterday in a PB from St Johns to Sauvie Island for 7 hours. Saw 1 fish caught out of 30-40 boats.
Sure was great to be on the water though.

Glad to hear folks are getting out. I can't wait to get out, start learning and hook into my first springer.

About the timing- when I placed my order a few weeks ago I wasn't sure when it would come in. Could've been a few weeks or a few months. So to have it come in just as things are going to be ramping up is awesome.

Any recs for first troll on the Willy or channel?

Pick an area you’re interested in fishing, and familiarize yourself with it’s topography like you know the back of your hand. Early season, find the shelves, stay on them especially the edges, & go by brail. Slow speed of troll around 0.8-1.2 MPH SOG. A slow troll will become less important as the water warms & fish suspend. Don’t over think the rigging, simple is better especially early season, with naked bait sometimes being more effective. If the river turbidity rises, get on the water as it drops around 10-12.
There was a good push of fish at the beginning of the month and since slowed. Get ready as anytime now they will push through again. Where ever you fish try to fish through a tide swing, even in Oregon City.
Good luck everyone. Bent rods & dry socks.
Hugh

Beautiful fish and awesome tips MS. Appreciate it.

"Bent rods & dry socks" is now my favorite sign off 

"Bent rods & dry socks" is now my favorite sign off 

I think that deserves to be the caption of a new Photo of the month!

"Bent rods & dry socks" is now my favorite sign off 

I think that deserves to be the caption of a new Photo of the month!

Great idea!

Launched from Fred's yesterday at 0545. Must have been 200 boats at the HOC. Fished from 6am to 5pm with one drive by on a 360 and spinfish. Saw 3 caught and heard of a few more. Probably won't be doing 11 hours in the peddle kayak again til I'm actually in shape haha. 36 hours of rod time and still searching for my first.