Anchor Questions for the Lower Columbia

Thinking about soaking some wobblers for salmon and had a few of questions.

#1 How deep do you anchor to fish wobblers for salmon? The articles say to anchor in 50 FOW near or in the shipping channels. Sounds kind of risky in a kayak.

#2 What weight and style of anchor do you use?

#3 How much line do you scope?

Thanks! Scott

As warm as it's been, 50FOW is probably pretty accurate.  Earlier in the season, there are some 25 - 30' bars that can be good. 

Since most of the Columbia is sand, I generally use an 8lb pyramid anchor.

Scope depends on current.  You can expect to run at lease 2:1.  If it's ripping, you may be at 3:1 or more.  Use a quick release set-up in case everything goes to heck or you find yourself in the sights of a cargo ship.  You'll need to use a double buoy set-up to ensure your buoy doesn't get pulled under by the current.

-Mark-

As warm as it's been, 50FOW is probably pretty accurate.  Earlier in the season, there are some 25 - 30' bars that can be good. 

Since most of the Columbia is sand, I generally use an 8lb pyramid anchor.

Scope depends on current.  You can expect to run at lease 2:1.  If it's ripping, you may be at 3:1 or more.  Use a quick release set-up in case everything goes to heck or you find yourself in the sights of a cargo ship.  You'll need to use a double buoy set-up to ensure your buoy doesn't get pulled under by the current.

-Mark-

Thanks Mark. So is 100' of anchor rope OK to start out with? Also, I could find a description of how to rig a double buoy anchor system. Any references?

You might wAnt to try the airport hole at the Gleason ramp.  Less depth and still a pretty consistent bite.  Less fish than at the mouth of the cow/Lewis, but easier to try out the new anchor system.  30 to 38 feet seems to work even with the warm water.  I go about 12lb on the pyramid and use all 100 ft.  It's usually 6 hours of boredom and 10 minutes of pure fun!

It's usually 6 hours of boredom and 10 minutes of pure fun!

I had a similar question as OP but really wanted to know this. Not sure my back can take 6hrs. 

You might wAnt to try the airport hole at the Gleason ramp.  Less depth and still a pretty consistent bite.  Less fish than at the mouth of the cow/Lewis, but easier to try out the new anchor system.  30 to 38 feet seems to work even with the warm water.  I go about 12lb on the pyramid and use all 100 ft.  It's usually 6 hours of boredom and 10 minutes of pure fun!

Yeah, this. Great place to learn.  If you choose to go here, and try out the whole anchor thing it's best to go well down river of the hoglines. Don't anchor less than a couple hundred feet above or below someone or you are begging to not make friends. And yeah, it can be boring... Very boring. But it can also be really good. Best bet is to just put your time in.

More like a quarter mile below.  When a big PB hooks up and decides to drift, and you're directly downstream 200' away, you'll wish you had more time to react.  Maybe I'm just getting more cautious these days...

More like a quarter mile below.  When a big PB hooks up and decides to drift, and you're directly downstream 200' away, you'll wish you had more time to react.  Maybe I'm just getting more cautious these days...

No, you're absolutely right.  I should have mentioned that.  That's what I do when I fish there.

Launch, go down river about a 1/4 mile from the launch, THEN don't anchor less than a few hundred feet above or below someone else's boat.  It may sound weird, but it's better to be literally right next to someone while on anchor than above or below them.  That way neither of you have to worry about wrapping up in the others' anchor line.  That's why people form hog lines.  Just think that when you see someone anchored, their anchor is well above them, and their lure is well below them.

More like a quarter mile below.  When a big PB hooks up and decides to drift, and you're directly downstream 200' away, you'll wish you had more time to react.  Maybe I'm just getting more cautious these days...

You mean since the power boats started hitting you?