Anchor or Troll? Where and what's acceptable

I've gotten out on the Willamette twice in my kayak now, no fish, but having fun and each trip is a learning experience. Planning on going out a couple more times this week. One of the things I'm a little unsure of is, how do I know what spots are ok to anchor at and what spots are considered "trolling lanes". On some fish forums people in boats talk about "turn around areas" and how idiots anchor in them, or how "morons" anchored up in the middle of a trolling lane and had to be "persuaded" to move. Not looking to get pushed out of a spot but also don't want to violate unwritten rules if there are such a thing? Any thoughts would be appreciate. I will be going to the "springer clinic" on the 19th, so hope to pick up more info there.
Thanks
John

Unfortunately it's one of those "you're just supposed to know" kind of things. Most good places that people fish on the Willy and Multnomah Channel are trolling areas. The spots where people anchor are mostly on the Columbia.  It's mainly about current strength. Most people who anchor up and run kwikfish or something similar depend on there being a pretty decent amount of current so their plugs will get the right action. If you want to anchor up and run a plug and there isn't a bunch of people around, go for it as long as it is a safe area and you aren't in the main transit channel.  But if there are a bunch of boats fishing in the area it's best to troll around until you learn the patterns for a given spot. Once you figure out the main troll pattern for a given area, you'll begin to see where you can anchor up and not have to worry too much about getting harassed. That said, there will always be "that guy" on the river who had his cheerios peed on that morning who will try to tell you you're anchored in his trolling spot no matter where you are parked. Just keep in mind it's everyones river.

The only real anchoring areas on the Willamette that I'm aware of are near the falls in Oregon City.

This might be helpful...

http://www.steelheaduniversity.com/columbia.html

The Willamette info is towards the bottom.   

The only real anchoring areas on the Willamette that I'm aware of are near the falls in Oregon City.

This might be helpful...

http://www.steelheaduniversity.com/columbia.html

The Willamette info is towards the bottom.

Yes, this is true. Good article reference.

Although I have seem people anchoring in various spots in the lower river, essentially everything below the Oregon City area is a trolling game.

I've not been out on the Columbia yet, would like to try doing some flat lining out there, but would prefer to get experience using an anchor for the 1st time someplace with a little less flow. Will work on my trolling for awhile, at least until I learn more. Looking forward to the springer clinic.
Thanks for the info.
John

I try to go with the flow. So, if I show up to an area and a bunch of people are anchored up I don't troll and if I'm in an area where there are boats trolling I don't anchor. There are a lot of exceptions to these rules but I keep this in mind and go with what feels right.