I have a 12 ft valco. I am interested in fishing the columbia for springers. Is there any productive water near the launch? Or is it too much to bite off in a small boat? Any info on this would be appreciated.

thanks

You can launch from Kalama, then zip over to the island in the middle of the river right there. Off the downriver end of the island should be a reasonable place to fish for springers, and fairly sheltered.

I think i will give that a try. Are you talking about sandy island? I will probably drive down and look for boats.


thanks

Shoe, there's good water just across the way there, as FG said, and the mouth of the Kalama is just downstream, about a mile, and that's good water as well. Neither spot is a secret. Look for the boats. Look for the boats, just like yours, being steered by guys that are over 60 years old. 70 is better, and 80 is primo, but rare. Do what they do. Unless it's an 80 year old and he's just lying there with seagulls pecking at his eyes.

If you're anchoring up, it's best to join the end of an existing line, rather than trying to fit between them. You'll do better, everyone will be happier, and watching the guys next to you is educational. The well formed lines are usually regulars, who probably know something about the bottom shape and where the fish go. Kalama has a bit of a problem with people not forming these regular lines, which clogs the area up, and makes it harder to fight fish for everyone..

The fish are spread out enough that spot anxiety is unwarranted. The sealions seem to find plenty of fish out in the center of the river. I fish about six miles below Kalama, and the lines there stretch 1/4 mile out into the river, and they get fish all across that.

I'll be down there, putting in at daybreak, taking out at sunset both days. Say hi if you see me.

You can also launch at Willow Grove.Go just outside the launch and anchor up or troll on the river side of the island.Its good fishing only a 100 yards or so from tghe launch.An easy run if the wind gets too bad.Or from there you can run up to the chanel about a 1/2 mile upriver on theOregon side.Also good fishing there.And somewhat protected.
Good Luck

There is a launch on the oregon side below wauna which is right across the columbia from cathalmet. It's at the bottom of clifton slough. Perfect spot to launch a small boat to fish clifton. Not sure of directions to get there, but should be easy to find.

Kris

Ill be there first thing in the morning and friday morning. Ill be sure and post on this topic how i do. hntfsh im not sure where willow grove is? Is it up or downstream from kalama?

Thanks everyone for the info.

Back in the 70's, before they closed the Columbia to springers, my only boat was a 12 foot Valco Swallow with a 10 horse short shaft Merc. I was much younger and foolisher in those days, but me and a couple buddies would regularly pile into that boat with a case of beer and fish Clifton channel out of Cathlamet. I don't remember getting into any trouble and do remember catching lots of nice fish and being unable to get up on the step on the way back the boat was so overloaded. So if you are remotely careful you can fish that thing anywhere down there

It is between Cathlamet and Kalama, due west from Longview:

http://www.cowlitzcounty.org/launch.html

If you want directions to it let me know.They might be On Cowlits co, web site that Fine grain posted

Thanks HF I found a spot to launch off of HI 4. Fishing was slow but saw some fish caught. I had one take and saw 4 fish caught all day. Ill be back at it tomorrow hoping to do better.

Was it the old garbage dump launch?Just past the last light and on the left.
If so thats a lot longer run than W.G. is.I would worry about vandalism there also.
At the light take a left.Go 1/2 mile turn right and the launch is 2 or 3 miles on the left.

I launched about 12-15mi west of longview. It isnt a launch. It is just a turn-out, but its close enough to the river that you can carry the boat down tha bank to the beach..... and off you go.
Today was much slower than yesterday. I only saw three hits in the group of ten boats. Only one of those landed. I may head down again sunday. I gotta get one.

I have a pretty good idea where your talking about.Your in good water so keep trying.The wife and I have been out 4 times with none to the boat yet.I know were going to get into fish though.Probably tomorrow.So will you.

Good luck