4/26 Willamette Springers?

Anyone planning on fishing the Willamette on Sunday for some springers? I'm thinking about making a trip up there since I didn't get anything during the chinook social on the 18th. Also if anyone has any tips on kayak fishing the oregon city area that would be great. I'm thinking about trying that area out since its a tad bit closer.  I have only been to sellwood. Thanks!!!

Jason

Also looks like pacific city might have some good conditions that day as well if anyone would rather do that instead?

They should be at your doorstep soon. 6000+ over the dam a couple of days ago.

Sea lions have been a concern in that area. If you hook a fish do your best to get it to the net quickly. You'll be fishing with plenty of people too.

I know its not springer's, but I will be at Sunset Sunday morning for a few hours. You are welcome to join.

I live within sight of Meldrum Bar (when there's no leaves on the trees). It is very crowded on weekend days right now, there are tons of sea lions (we hear them barking all night) and the current is much faster in a lot of places than the Sellwood stretch.

I'm not saying "don't go" I'm just saying consider those factors. I went out a few weeks ago from there and besides all the traffic I did not enjoy trying to keep my gear down with the current the way it is there.

More boat traffic and current plus seals doesn't sound like too much fun lol. Well Im open to other areas of the willamette too. lol. I just wanted to try something different than sellwood to learn another area. I might have to take you up on the Erik! Ill be in salem that day but I can probably make that drive to put some fish in the freezer. Ill let you know for sure by tomorrow!

Jason

There is something to be said for a change of scenery, but sticking with the same spot pays off in the long run. Even if I don't catch anything it seems like I learn something new about my spot every time I fish it, and that puts me closer to my next fish.

More boat traffic and current plus seals doesn't sound like too much fun lol. Well Im open to other areas of the willamette too. lol. I just wanted to try something different than sellwood to learn another area. I might have to take you up on the Erik! Ill be in salem that day but I can probably make that drive to put some fish in the freezer. Ill let you know for sure by tomorrow!

Jason

I'm looking to get out on Sunday, too. I can hear the lings calling my name. Let me know if you end up heading down here.

It's laying down a bit up here too by the looks of it. Of course it's on a weekend when I'm booked. 

I've been fishing for Springers between Cedar Oak ramp and Meldrum Bar a couple times a week.  Haven't hooked one yet, but have a good time.  The boaters I talk to hope to see me catch a fish just for the show they imagine will unfold.  The sea lion's are catching there share, but it's also cool watching them eat and hunt. Pretty much ignore me in my yak. I've had them swim upstream towards me then dive under when they get ten feet away.  The current does pick up at Meldrum Bar and sometimes I have to tack or use eddies to make progress.  Trolling with the current is of course a breeze.  Sometimes I anchor and back bounce or back troll.  I don't have a problem with the crowds because the yak is so much more nimble.  I can slip between boats or pass through shallow spots that would be a nightmare to negotiate if I were in my old 19 ft power boat.  Yesterday the lot at Cedar Oak was 1/3 full, but last weekend overflowing into the neighborhood-- had to shore launch and park a block away.  I may go this evening and/or Sunday.  Also considering St. John's launch and Multnomah Channel.  Making prawn spinners as posted by Jammer.

Thanks for the replies! Switched gears and going to sunset bay with Erik and possibly Chris for some rock fish and lingcod!