Willy Smallmouth

Off to the Willamette
April 23, 2008

According to my Taysys FishNLog database, I need to be on the Willamette River chasing prespawn smallies around with my dropshot rod using my home-grown "DropSwimming" technique. This is the time the smallies get active and chase baitfish and crawfish with abandon, intent on getting a full belly. I intend to be there and offer them an alternative meal that will surely upset them.

From here ... http://www.fishfrontiers.com/blogs/index.cfm?bloggerid=marc&blogid=68

-Allen

OUCH...biting sarcasm.. but i can relate, being a non res right now myself.. if i bought a wash. license right now, it's like $120.00 with all the bells and whistles..

I currently have two non-resident licenses.  OR and WA.  If I was willing to wait until May to fish, I could have gotten a resident license in OR.

As for smallies on the Willamette, I'm guessing pre-spawn is a few weeks away yet as the water temps are about four degrees below what it should be.  (note: I have exactly zero years experience with Willamette smallmouth, so I really don't know).

Brian

  (note: I have exactly zero years experience with Willamette smallmouth, so I really don't know).

Brian

This is why I enjoy reading everyone's posts...nobody is afraid to state their thoughts, even when they are just made up 

This is why I enjoy reading everyone's posts...nobody is afraid to state their thoughts, even when they are just made up 

Did you just make that up?   

-Allen

Did you just make that up?   

-Allen

Well, if I thought the smallmouth fishing was hot right now I'd be out there.  Temperatures have been well below normal and things seem to be running a little late (at least according to dam counts).  I grew up catching smallmouth and temps in the fifties have always been the secret number for pre-spawn.  Right now the temperature at Willamette Falls is 48.  Maybe it's different here in Oregon.  I'll let you know.

Oh yeah, and I'm not above a little BS now and then.

Brian

I saw in that latest Fishing & Hunting news a nice map of Swan Island and where you can catch some LMB, SMB and Crappies.  Anybody ever try there?  Looking forward to checking it out once the Springer Craze is over.

I read that same article about Swan Island and I'm looking forward to trying it myself.   I like the idea of one spot with three AOTY species within a few miles from my house. Although there's something about C&R crappie fishing that seems odd.  At least I assume you wouldn't want to keep and eat a toxic crappie from Swan Island.

Brian

I read that same article about Swan Island and I'm looking forward to trying it myself.   I like the idea of one spot with three AOTY species within a few miles from my house. Although there's something about C&R crappie fishing that seems odd.  At least I assume you wouldn't want to keep and eat a toxic crappie from Swan Island.

Brian

I've never had the urge to keep and eat any crappie, but they are fun to catch.  I am hoping for a four AOTY fish day soon(Panfish,trout,LMB,and SMB).

I read that same article about Swan Island and I'm looking forward to trying it myself.   I like the idea of one spot with three AOTY species within a few miles from my house. Although there's something about C&R crappie fishing that seems odd.  At least I assume you wouldn't want to keep and eat a toxic crappie from Swan Island.

Brian

More superfund fish..... 

The neat thing about these crappie is that they make great salmon lures.  All you need is an open cell fishfinder battery and a couple of terminal clips.  Liberally coat a freshly caught Swan Island crappie with battery acid, connect the cathode of from your battery to it's head and the anode to its' tail.  Put a dropper on the fish and let it sit on the bottom for 20min while you continue to fish.  Retrieve, attach Siwash hooks at the belly and tail and you're ready for your next M/C Springer trip.

Spot,

I'm glad I'm not the only one with a warped sense of humor around here.


CBY,

I think you have it backwards, crappie are much better eating then they are fun to catch.  Although with the right fishing tackle they can be fun.  Now shad are really fun to catch and not so great for eating (oily and bony).  Hmm, I wonder how shad are smoked...

Brian

crappie are much better eating then they are fun to catch.  Although with the right fishing tackle they can be fun.
Brian

Gotta go w/ the B on this. A crappie fish fry is good.

Z

willy smallmouth should be biting...  Try crankbaits and jigs, points, underwater humps and drop offs are all good. The salmon smolt are thick in the river and the smallies are feeding on these..  water temp as of yesterday was 51

Spot,

I'm glad I'm not the only one with a warped sense of humor around here.


CBY,

I think you have it backwards, crappie are much better eating then they are fun to catch.  Although with the right fishing tackle they can be fun.  Now shad are really fun to catch and not so great for eating (oily and bony).  Hmm, I wonder how shad are smoked...

Brian

Yep, with the lightest line and a small pole, there a blast, i never tried 'em for eating, i hate dealing with tiny bones.

Shad are really fun to catch. And how they taste smoked? Probably like smoked cat food..

Did anybody ever make it out to Swan Island ramp and try for some of these warm water, glow in the dark, fishes?

Girlfriends out of town, boats in the shop, so thinking of getting the kayak out someplace close and giving it a try tomorrow after work.  Any takers?