Productive is not the word I would use to describe the overall catching down here at Virnita bridge. During a typical year it is not uncommon to watch a couple dozen fish get landed during the morning bite. That has not been the case this year from my observations. In years past I have been able to fish several different spots throughout the day and pull fish from every spot. This year I have had to change my tactics in order to put fish in the boat. Instead of running the boat all over looking for easy fish I have had to remain persistent and grind the same water hour after hour. In doing so we are rewarded with the king here and the king there, and then here a king and there a king, but not everywhere a king king.

My main plan of attack is a chrome dodger trailed by a hotter tamale super bait fished really close to the bottom. Normally I try to front troll these baits between 2.3 and 3 mph. However I have caught fish while maintaining position in a 4 mph current. Between the use of super baits and back trolled salmon eggs we have managed to land 46 Kings in the last seven days. The largest of these was an awesome fish that weighed 33 pounds.

I really hope the bite picks up around here soon. I like the vibe and atmosphere on the water when everybody is hooking fish. In spite of the slow catching, fishing around here has been pretty enjoyable. The weather has been absolutely beautiful and the scenery down here is hard to beat this time of year. I like to watch the coyotes roaming the beaches in the morning and once in a while we get to see an elk herd.

If you'd like to know more about my services, check out my website at captaindavesguideservice.com

Captain Dave's Guide Service, Booking Now! Columbia River salmon - including Summer &
Fall Chinook and Sockeye, and Lake Roosevelt Kokanee and Trout.
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