I'm pushing my trip back. The numbers aren't up yet, and it is unlikely they will be where I want them to be by March 20. So, it looks like April 2/3/4 at the earliest (6th grade Math Olympiad in Blaine March 27/28).

Remember though, you want ot be there fishing a week or so BEFORE the dates when the numbers are high going over Bonneville.
If you see that the peaks are on say the 15th, and you head down to fish Longview on the 15th, you are too late!

I am sure you will still catch a fish though, but it's nice when you know there are 13K going by every day.


GutZ, Are you guys going down the weekend I mentioned?

Yup, you're right about the delay.

Last year at this time there were >100 springers/day going over Bonneville, with >2000/day between about April 5 and May 5. Since we haven't yet seen the first 100-fish day this year, I am assuming the run is no earlier than last year's and possibly a bit later. So, if I were to back off of the dates by 7 days, that puts the fat part of the run going by Kalama between about April 1 and May 1.

How's that for an overanalysis? :rolleyes: :p

If I lived closer, I would just go every other weekend, but budget and Little League season dictate one carefully timed trip.

where do you find out the numbers of fish at Bonneville?

Would love a little advice on that Columbia River Spring fishery. Are you using wrapped Kwik fish? If so, size and colors? Got a ot of experience fishing the Kenai for Kings, but the sad reality is I have never given the Columbia a go. My goal is to learn more around here the next few years. Thanks.

This site has "raw" numbers, and good historical roll-ups:
https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/fishdata/

This site has tidied-up numbers:
http://www.fpc.org/CurrentDaily/histfishtwo_7day-ytd_Adults.htm

Might give it a try again this Friday. Hopefully it won't be so windy this time.

Well I will be haeding down there on the 11th to hopefully get into my first springer.

Mike, K-15 and K14 wraped with sardine work well anchored on the ebb in the lower river. Last year my hot colors were CALIF WTMLN (5677), SCRATCH (0585) , and FICKLE PICKLE (0760.) On the flood the majority of my succes was on bait (green label herring or prawn) trolled in 10-20ft. Good fishing!

The water temp is a bit cold. When it gets up to 44 degrees the springers really move. I'm going down as soon as I can pimp a ride.

lol wolverine, why do you think i am heading out thursday! All these springers starting to pop up on the various boards is making me not be able to sleep.