I am planning to take two days this next week and fish for springers. Had planned on fishing Drano both days until finding out it's closed on Wednesdays. Can someone give me an idea of what it takes to fish below Bonneville? Will it take a large boat? Does a guy have a fairly good chance plunking off the shore? Thanks in advance. Happy Angling!!!

RM

I hadn't been up there prior to the closing. I am going to make up for it starting with the Wednesday re-opener. The fishing was hot and should still be good even though over half the run has gone over the dam. I need to get dialed in to what it's taking to hammer fish up there. From both reports and info from friends, the boats fishing right up near the deadline are bacbouncing egg clusters or prawns in deep water. Likely an 8 oz. bouncer or so up there. They are also doing well on K-14/15 scented or wrapped Kwikfish either backbounced with a lead dropper or with a large Jet Planer. In areas not as deep, between 15 to 25 ft., Mag Warts in orange or anything with chrome and a good secondary color such as chartruse on it are taking plenty of fish too. And yes, the bank fishers are getting them also! Most cast out scented or bait enhanced Spin N Glos from the observable bank fishing spots. Use about a 30" leader with 4/0 hook and about an 8" dropper with plenty heavy (6 to 10 oz. ??) pyramid sinkers. Cast out and get it to stop out in the fish lanes. One place to drive into on the Oregon side is right thru the Bonneville fish hatchery across Tanner Creek to a parking area. A trail takes you right down to god bank access on a very good fishing area. And many fish by accessing the Washington side Island up near the fishing deadline (called Bradford Island?). If you can find room enough I suggest trying casting out size 5 silver and blue Vibrax spinners on a long leader, with some extra pencil lead weight added at the swivel as needed, and retreive slowly and deeply with a good steady flutter action. Good luck up there. Oh ya, bring a flack jacket and combat helmut .

Thank RT, I sincerely appreciate it. If I can return the favor to you with info in my region just ask. I will give Bonneville a try on Wednesday....and yes have the helmet and a whole bunch of patience.

RM

Thank RT, I sincerely appreciate it. If I can return the favor to you with info in my region just ask. I will give Bonneville a try on Wednesday....and yes have the helmet and a whole bunch of patience.

RM

I fished from the bank below the bonneville before it closed. I was using an 8-12" dropper and 4-5ft leader with spinglo and sharp treble hook. Solid red/silver blade and chartruese/silver blade spinglos worked for me. Also heard red top and silver body spinglos worked good. I saw limits taken without using bait. Just watch what the people are using who are catching the fish and watch how far out they are casting. I would check my gear at least every hour. Sometimes the spinglo gets twisted on your line. Also it sometimes makes a difference to ajust your casting distance if you are not getting any hits. I noticed when plunking that most of the fish are hooking themselves. Good luck