Multnomah Channel ??

Has anyone heard anything about the channel since the Columbia closed last weekend?

I haven't heard anything new since I went on Saturday, but I happended to pick up a copy of Salmon Steelhead Journal and was surprised to see a feature article on the Multnomah Channel - guess the secrets out. 

BTW - Also found an article in a different mag on how to fish Drano!  It may be raining, but at least I'm thinkin fishin!

BTW - Also found an article in a different mag on how to fish Drano!  It may be raining, but at least I'm thinkin fishin!

Spill the beans..........

The April 17th edition of Oregon Fishing & Hunting News has a two page color spread on Drano (pg 48-49) including a map.  Nothing too new other than they suggest that the far east end of the lake is an "overlooked hot spot".

I happended to pick up a copy of Salmon Steelhead Journal and was surprised to see a feature article on the Multnomah Channel - guess the secrets out. 

Trust me, the Channel is no secret.  The only reason we've had it so good the last month is because the Columbia was open to salmon.  (That doesn't happen every year)  The peak is generally the last week in April thru the 1st week in May.  Lots of fish are caught there thru June however.

Drano's another well known fishery.  Definitely worth another trip but expect crowds.

The April 17th edition of Oregon Fishing & Hunting News has a two page color spread on Drano (pg 48-49) including a map.  Nothing too new other than they suggest that the far east end of the lake is an "overlooked hot spot".

<being fecicious> so, we shoulda been working the boat ramp instead of the rest of the lake?? gee wouldnt that have given the PBs fits......

Not the boat ramp actually, but the far end of the lake..i.e. the farthest spot from where we launched.

Are there other kayak friendly launches on the channel? Scappoose area? Or is this area the best chance at springers?

Jay

Are there other kayak friendly launches on the channel? Scappoose area? Or is this area the best chance at springers?

Jay

There's a launch a couple of miles west of the Sauvie Island store.  Instead of turning right at the sweeping 3 way intersection, turn left.  It's not far down the road and there's no fee.
You can also launch at the marina across from Coon Island (accessed from hwy 30) but I believe there's a $5 launch fee.
If you have a cart, I believe that you can launch from the bank along dyke access road.

The fish are all over.  You just need to either be able to read the water/bottom or get lucky.

The fish are all over.  You just need to either be able to read the water/bottom or get lucky.
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That's my strategy   

Just having a hook in the water increases your chances immeasurably.   

Waves were crap again so I hit my regular stomping grounds today around noon.  Saw the kayak fisherman formerly known as Slbrow6 rocking his pimped 2-Stroke skiff.  Reports were that it was slow.  The fish checker had seen 2 fish all morning and as I launched two more came in.  One of the fish checked consisted of just a head.  Apparently a sealion had gotten the rest.

I made one pass trolling for springers up to the bend and then rode the tide down to the sturgeon holes.  Dropped anchor and managed one cute little 36" shaker.  He put up a good fight but his length didn't live up to his skills.  I had several good bites over an hour and a half but only managed to hook up with the one.

Just before high tide I trolled back up past the ramp.  Just past the Gilbert River my rod started to dance.  I took what seemed like 20 strokes before it finally burried but 20 wasn't enough.  I jumped the gun and grabbed my rod.  Line was still peeling out as I tried to set the hook..........  Tried being the operative word.
 
I'm glad that I'm hooking em and all but I sure wish I could bring another home.

What beautiful day on the water, took my Step Dad out fishing in the stink-pot, he'd been really wanting to do some Chinook Fishing.  Too bad we didn't get a single bite from about 7:30 til we hung it up around 4.  Did see some fish taken earlier in the day, and saw a couple taken by see Lions while we were there.  One fish looked a bit golden, I'm thinking the old lion got a carp or something instead.  Sure seems like the fishin is best when the Sea Lions are around.  Spot sure seemed to be enjoying the nice day also, and as always seems to see more action than I regardless of my method.  I think I'm finally figuring out the tides and methods a little bit better for this section, hopefully it will pay off some day.

Nice one Spot. Looks like a beautiful day.

Z

Too bad we didn't get a single bite from about 7:30 til we hung it up around 4.  Did see some fish taken earlier in the day, and saw a couple taken by see Lions while we were there. 

I should'a handed off a couple of the brinned herring I was using.  The last batch came out perfect!  They were super firm, shiny and had a nice blue green irridescence.  Ah, hindsight.