First of all , just wondering if anyone has got any news on these big ones showing yet? Another question I was pondering was, has anybody heard the projected numbers for run size? And last but not least, does anybody have info on where a guy might fish and launch in the Cathlamet area? Thanks in advance! Sid

Mike,
I used the Cathlamet launch my first try at Springers. It is well marked on hwy 4 and is on the west side of town. good sized marina with fuel and two paved launches. Lots of parking but can be full if fish are around. I think it might be a state park.
Most of the fishing was on anchor on the North side of the island that is west of the launch (Tenasillahe?)
Good luck.
Dan

Goforchrome, Thanks for the response it is much appreciated! What do ya say for my gratitude I take us down there for a bloodbath when the run gets going? Call me at 206-2426347 or e-mail back. Hey guys anyone else have some info on run size , timing,etc.?

Just say the word!

The forecast for springers to points upstream of Bonneville is 145,400, down from 295,100 last year but still above the 10-year average. The forecast for Willamette springers is 109,800, compared to 121,700 last year, but still a large run. Cowlitz: 4,900 (3,700); Kalama: 3,600 (2,800); Lewis: 2,300 (2,000). A preponderance of the Willamette run will be large five-year olds, which tend to arrive early. Be sure to release unmarked fish downstream of Bonneville as required by regs.

Wow, shows you how much atention I have been paying this year, man that run size is way down from the previuos 3 years. Maybe it will help bring the limit down and help keep all the white trash freaks out of my favorite haunts.


peace Superfly

Salmonbelly, Thanks for the reply. It sounds like you've done your homework. Even if the numbers are down from the last couple years it's still fun to go chase them , especially if they are as big as forecasted. You can be sure I'll be releasing any unclipped fish below Bonneville. It's the poachers that ruin it for all of us who really do care about our resources!

Fishious, numbers are down, but overall there'll still be maybe 300,000-some in the lower Columbia -- that's good mess worth chasin', yeah?

Sid: After launching at Cathlamet, run downstream to get out of the slough and out around the first channel marker. From there run almost straight across the main channel. Shoreline on opposite side of main river channel is actually north shoreline of Tenasillahe Island. Fish the north side of the island during the out tide. Near shore in 5-30' deep water. Anchor up or tie off to a piling. Use your sardine wrapped Kwickies for this with a 1-3 oz lead dropper, depending on depth & current.
When the tide turns to slack and/or starts coming in, go upstream around the end of the island and drop down into Clifton Channel (south side of Tenasillahe Island. This is all a trolling game, mostly with plug cut or whole herring. Lets us know how you did when you go. I will be there the first week in April for a couple of days.