Mid-Columbia Currents: How strong are they? (Walleye fishing)

Hey folks,

I'm thinking of heading up to fish the Columbia below McNary to try my hands at jigging or trolling for walleye. I've never spent time on this part of the Columbia. The Columbia looks like a big lazy river here but I was wondering how strong the currents really are? Can I reasonable expect to hold my ground jigging in the river or will I just get swept away quickly?

Thanks!

If you're near the gorge the wind may be your biggest concern, if you don't watch the weather.

Depending on how close to the dam you are and how narrow the channel is the currents can get going pretty quick.  Quick enough that it would be pointless in a kayak unless you're looking for a workout.  Look for the wider parts of the river that are far from the top or bottom of the dams.  There are some spots around the top of dams that can have really easy water, but you have to kind of know where they are ahead of time. 

I was thinking of working the area between Irrigon and Boardman. Looks like it might be doable.

That's an excellent spot to chase Walleye.  the current in that area won't be too bad but that depends on the time of year.  During Spring Runoff you might as well stay home.

I'm chased bass and Sturgeon and Salmon  in the Umatilla area but I still haven't caught any walleye.

Right now it is about as slow as it gets.  There has not been any Spill over the dam for 2 weeks.  Like Justin said in the spring the river is fast.  The water is cold.  You will need to look for deep holes, and use a slow presentation.

http://www.fpc.org/river_home.html

Nice page Atomic, I've been looking for water flow over McNary.  If it would warm up a little bit I'd go chase some Sturgeon.  I think it's supposed to be -7F tomorrow

Edit: BTW, I'm in a Hobie so the current effects me a little differently when fishing.

Wander into the back waters behind Crowe Butte.  I've kayaked circles and circles back there for hours with all the other power boats bottom walking for Walleye.  Current isn't an issue at all.

Like anywhere on the Big C, wind can be the worst of it.

I'll be out there over Memorial Weekend again, hopefully the water warms up by then and the Walleye cruise in to feast on the Perch.

Wander into the back waters behind Crowe Butte.

Do you go to the east or the west?

I was thinking of working the area between Irrigon and Boardman. Looks like it might be doable.

I had a chance to fish that area last year from a buddie's powerboat.  Lots of good water back there and not a ton of current.  As others have mentioned, wind will be your worst enemy. 

-Spot-

I’m not saying to stay off the water.  If all the spillways are open at McNary and John Day the river is faster.  It makes it difficult, sometimes impossible, to go upriver without going back and skirting the shoreline. 

During the spill I do not cross the 395 bridge even in a motorized boat.



That is not even full spill!