PDX fishing this Sunday? 3/2

So I was worried about the craziness of strugeon fishing during the derby this weekend, but it turns out that the derby is only Saturday.  I tentatively have Sunday free to do some fishing.  Barring any heavy rains or severe snow melt over the next couple days, the Willamette river flow has been pretty low and it's a pretty good time to test out those new anchor systems under less than dangerous conditions.

My other thought would be to check out Henry Hagg Lake for panfish/trout as it opens on Saturday.  But that might be a bit of a zoo.

If anyone is interested in going out, I'd be up for anything (sturgeon, trout, [insert your idea here]).  If I can't firm up a fishing trip by Saturday I guess I'll be attending a pot-luck brunch with about six of my wife's friends and their babies.

Brian

So I was worried about the craziness of strugeon fishing during the derby this weekend, but it turns out that the derby is only Saturday.  I tentatively have Sunday free to do some fishing.  Barring any heavy rains or severe snow melt over the next couple days, the Willamette river flow has been pretty low and it's a pretty good time to test out those new anchor systems under less than dangerous conditions.

My other thought would be to check out Henry Hagg Lake for panfish/trout as it opens on Saturday.  But that might be a bit of a zoo.

If anyone is interested in going out, I'd be up for anything (sturgeon, trout, [insert your idea here]).  If I can't firm up a fishing trip by Saturday I guess I'll be attending a pot-luck brunch with about six of my wife's friends and their babies.

Brian

I wish, I think im gonna pop a couple dramamine and have another go at the ocean on sunday, swell permitted. Good luck , hope you find some people to go with ya to try to get a keeper ..

I might be up for either.  Haag Lake WILL be a zoo but it's a big lake and we're not restricted to launching from designated boat launches.  Dinos sound like fun and we're not restricted to just the Toyota hole, some other easy access areas are Ross Island and the Multnomah Channel.

Let me check my kids' schedules and I'll get back to you.

Hey Spot,

I'd be up for exploring either a new section of the river or the lake.   Toyota hole as nice and all, but it might be nice to fish a non-superfund site.  Let me know if you plans allow and I'll also double check with my wife.

Brian

Hey Brian,

Keep in mind that the entire Portland waterfront qualifies as a superfund site.  Some places just have bigger reminders than others. 
There's a news segment from the early 70's I believe where a biologist makes this point but putting smolts into the Willamette on the waterfront.  Shortly after, the smolts all roll over dead.

But, I digress.

I should be good to go on Sunday.  I'm thinking the M/C would be a nice paddle and there are a couple of deep holes I'd like to explore.  The scenery should be more to your liking as well.
There is a day use or anual parking fee for the island.  You can pick up a pass at the little store just over the Sauvie Island Bridge.  I can't remember the rates but it's like $3.50 a day or $15.00 for the year.

Any other takes?

Hey Spot,

Multnomah Channel sounds good to me as I've been very interested in checking that out. 

Anyway, I still have some frozen herring and smelt as well as some night crawlers if you want to target sturgeon.

What time do you think that little store opens on Sunday? Sounds like an annual pass is the way to go.

What time and where would you like to meet?

Brian

Brian,

I'm primarily interested in sturgeon but I'll do a search on ifish to see if anything else is available.  I think it's a little early to be targeting Springers but who knows.
I've heard there can occasionally be some walleye back there.
The store usually opens very early.  They cater to fishermen and early morning bike tourers.

As for a meeting time, I'm thinking mid morning around 8:00 or 9:00.  I've never known sturgeon to be early risers.

-Mark-

Spot and I meet on Sunday morning to give sturgeon a try in the Multnomah Channel.  The highlight for me was watching somebody's wife come out from under the canopy on a passing fishing boat to take my picture.  That in itself isn't unusual, but her incessent giggle afterwards was pretty special.

Anyway, I had barely a nibble, but Spot managed to find a honey hole and got three shakers in about an hour.

Brian

Nice work gettin' out there. That's a cute little bugger!

Z

nice little fishie. At least you got to try out a new area Brian. How was the current?  Depth?


I went riding my quad instead of fishing.

Depth was 30-50 ft deep. I'm still having fish finder issues on both of my kayaks.  Arggh!

As for current, it was non-existent for the first 4 hours and then picked up just in time so we could paddle against it to get home.

I think it's just about time for me to switch over to thinking about springers.

My sturgeon dreams will have to wait for Astoria to pick up in a couple months.  Here's a great video of sturgeon fishing in Astoria.
http://www.smallstreamsalmonfishing.com/movies/miniact9acrg/arg.html

Brian

Man, I need a haircut! 

Nice meeting you bsteves!  It was a treat to fish with someone who has years of experience with kayak fishing. 

This was basically a shakedown trip for both my fishfinder and anchor system.  Both worked flawlessly.  I copied bsteves anchor pretty closely.  The reel was great!  I couldn't imagine having 150' of line in my lap or trying to wind it up by hand more than once.

After Brian left, I fought my way upstream to check out Coon Island.  I'd considered paddling all the way to the next set of deep holes but after 8hrs in the yak I didn't have the energy.

I did see a nice early Springer that was caught just up from the boat ramp.  Apparently it was caught on a flasher and herring trolled on the incomming.  Looked like they had a 3 by 5 or 6 setup. (3' dropper and 5 or 6 feet of leader)

Next time..... next time

My sturgeon dreams will have to wait for Astoria to pick up in a couple months.  Here's a great video of sturgeon fishing in Astoria.
http://www.smallstreamsalmonfishing.com/movies/miniact9acrg/arg.html

Brian

Holy Smokes!! is right. Thats both exciting and scary...

Note to self, bring extra pair of underwear for Sturgeon fishing in Astoria...