First springer of the year (Ifish report)

http://www.ifish.net/board/attachment.php?attachmentid=7391&d=1203099346

IFish.net has been holding a "first springer" contest and it looks like someone ("RazorClam") just claimed the prize.  Soon it will be time to start thinking about springer fishing in the Willamette and Columbia Rivers.   I believe the Willamette fish a are slightly earlier run, but it makes me more interested in getting ready for a Drano Lake get together.

Any ideas about techniques (plugs, baits, back bouncing, anchored up, rods, line weight, etc..) for catching these prized fish from kayaks?
Anyone have any luck doing this in previous years?

Brian

Any ideas when the first springers will hit the sound?

Z

here's an article Allen posted a while back on fishing Drano:

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

first time I ever fished out of a kayak was at Drano lake in late summer. no luck, but it's a nice paddle.

Not too many PS streams still have springer runs and you don't want to be targeting the remnants anyway ... unfortunately.

I think the Skagit has a small hatchery supported run, but they probably don't come down into the PS proper, or perhaps a few hook around possession.  But by the time these are coming through, area 9 will be closed.

-Allen

For the springers, it's the Oly Peninsula, Columbia R., or some of the OR coastal streams.

I do remember the Skykomish sometimes opening, but anglers claim they are more a hatchery summer run, without the quality of springers.