I have done a fair amount of plunking on the Columbia for springers and a good portion of that has at Bonneville..

1.. There is a particular area that is FAR more productive than the other areas.. Drive down the access road to the end and walk downstream!! The fishing down there is always much more productive than along the road. I don't know why. Hotspots within that area change from day to day.

2. expect to throw a MINIMUM of 8 oz with 12 being much better. Watch guys who are cathing fish and note their lead line and leader length... The right length changes from day to day.. Also lots of guys use sandshrimp but i have hooked plenty of fish with just a straight spinglo.. size 00 and don't forget a couple small beads. This may sound cheezy but a bell is a good idea and it sure adds to the excitment.. Plus when yours goes off it makes you the denter of attention *L*. Lots of guys use their sturgeon rods but a lighter surf rod would be ideal


3. explore Bonneville can be quite crowded with fouling othre anglers lines quite common.. Approach the columbia like any other river of you can find an area within casting distance where there is a seam the fish will travel up it. For instance below islands or anything that breaks the main flow and causes a seam..

4. Although it looks like a slow river it is quite fast and VERY powerful expect to lose lots of lead.. I'd say for beginning but 20 leads , hooks and spinglos.. Buy them early in the season . As the season progresses some of the more popular gear gets sold out in area retailers.
Good luck probably see you up there..