The Columbia River isn't just one of the largest waterways in United States; it's also a gateway for a mass exodus of migrating fish. Think of it as the Route 66 of the fish world.
Along this main arterial freeway, highways break off and head towards the mountains. These are the conduits the fish are looking for; roads leading them to the clean gravel beds where they were spawned.
It's these arteries off the Columbia River system that make the Northwest so famous for its fishing. Salmon and Steelhead thrive in these cold rivers and eager fishermen flock from around the country for a chance at catching them. Perhaps the most sought after are the winter Steelhead, prized for their size, fight and taste.
"Winter steelheading is about as pure Northwest as you can get, right up there with grunge, flannel shirts and coffee," says Andy Walgamott, an editor for the Washington and Oregon editions of Fishing and Hunting News Magazine. "If Lewis and Clark had tried it, they wouldn't have gone back."
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Some Northwest Guides to Check Out
Cowlitz: Rich Mercado, Rich's N.W. Guide Service, call (253) 376-8004, or online at www.richsnwguideservice.com
Clackamas: David Johnson at (503) 201-4292, or www.davidjohnsonfishing.com
Lewis: Curt Carlisle, (253) 921-3334
Big, Gnat Creeks: Big Creek Fishing hotline (503) 458-6512; Sporty's Guns and Ammo (503) 728-2712
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Walgamott says that if he had two months a year off he would spend all of December and January hammering those lower Columbia tributaries.
"Late fall and early winter (think Turkey Day to Santa Time to Bowl O' Rama) is historically when the bulk of the hatchery runs return. However, some hatcheries now stock late-arriving fish, which lengthen out the season nicely," says Walgamott.
Many of the rivers breaking off the Columbia boast nice Steelhead runs.
"By far the best river is the Cowlitz, which dumps into the Big C at Longview, Washington," says Walgamott. "It just flat-out puts out hatchery steelhead. The best way to fish is out of a sledboat, side-drifting a Corky or Cheater and egg cluster from the I-5 bridge at Vader upstream. Or you can bank the upper part at Blue Creek. That is, if you like crowds."
Another good Columbia River tributary to try on the Washington side is the Lewis River. It was once considered one of the top rivers, but hit some hard times. It's now recovering some of its former glory.
"The North Fork of the Lewis sees winter fish returning as early as late October, but comes into its own from Thanksgiving on," says Walgamott. "As with all hatchery-supported rivers, head to the barn for the best fishing."
On the Oregon side, Walgamott suggests the Clackamas River, outside of Portland. Use standard Steelhead drill here: Plunk Spin-N-Glos with shrimp, or fish pink, white, purple or cerise jigs under a float. The Clackamas River is a good close-to-town fishing spot, easily accessed off Hwy. 205.
"West of Portland, there's Big and Gnat creeks," says Walgamott. "They're smaller waters where you'll want to toss spinners like local-fave Fishy-On or Blue Fox Vibrax, Rooster Tails or drift red, pearl or orange Corkies and yarn or bait."
David Johnson, a Salmon, Sturgeon and Steelhead guide from Oregon, loves taking clients down the Clackamas for Winter Steelhead, though the weather often has an impact on the fishing.
"If it rains too much, the water turns murky and fishing is impacted," says Johnson, "I missed about ten days of fishing last year due to the weather."
No matter what the weather is like, people line up to catch these beautiful fish and most find the cold a small price to pay for the quintessential Northwest fishing experience.
Get Your Guide
How to choose a fishing guide
by Teri Brown
Rich Mercado, a fishing guide based in Washington, says you often get what you pay for when it comes to fishing guides.
"There are fishing guides out there who are in it just to make a boat payment," says Mercado. "The going rate is generally around $150. People should beware of guides who charge half that amount. You want to find someone who has a good reputation and has put in the effort to make sure his clients are safe and have the best experience possible."
According to Mercado, this includes having a coast guard certification, a charter license, and certification in first aid as well as being an experienced fisherman.
"Keep in mind that you are not just buying the fish…you can get that a lot cheaper down at the fish market. You are buying the experience."
One way to find a qualified guide is to talk to people at the local sporting goods stores. Just make sure you reserve a spot early.
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