Low turbidity tactics for Springers?

So, this is my first year going after springers and I’ve probably been out a total of 24 hours in the Willamette — Hawthorne Bridge to Old Spaghetti Factory area — since I got my boat ready to go a few weeks ago. I’m headed out again tomorrow afternoon and I’m looking for some tips that might be useful in the clear water.

Do folks still run flashers when it’s really low turbidity? Longer leaders? I’ll be fishing herring and/or prawn spinners. Should I ditch the blades on the prawns? Just use darker colors or smaller blades?

I’m happy to put in my time like everyone else has ... but any tips that might nudge me toward success would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

You don't need to make any appreciable changes.  Your flasher is optional in the shallow areas but gives an advantage when fishing suspended.
Iprefer herring until the river warms a bit. With prawns, the standard red and white or rainbow/gold blades will work.

Fish the deep water between shelves as hard as the shelves themselves.  10 to 12 pulls can produce, especially around the tide change.

Good Luck!
Mark

Thanks!

I got skunked again yesterday, but had a good outing and covered what was some new water for me up around Sellwood.

ProTroll and 3.5 is the deadliest tactic on the middle lower Willamette in my opinion right now. Turned my day around last time out. Deeper water; many fish have been suspended, so it's easy trolling. Lots of others hitting pay dirt this way too from what I have seen.
Good luck!

ProTroll and 3.5 is the deadliest tactic on the middle lower Willamette in my opinion right now. Turned my day around last time out. Deeper water; many fish have been suspended, so it's easy trolling. Lots of others hitting pay dirt this way too from what I have seen.
Good luck!

From the hot hand himself! 

Thanks minnowmagnet! So, 3.5 ... is that the spinner blade size?