Even almost two years later, such great advice and what a great source of wisdom for us relative newbies! Thank you for taking the time to share all these videos! God bless - hope to see you out there!
I've done a lot of fishing and I still feel like a newbie! You never stop adjusting and learning when it comes to fishing. Thank you for the kind comments.
Mary, every year is different but the general rule is to use herring until the water temperature reaches mid to high 50s, then transition to spinners but keep using herring as well. Once June rolls around we are mostly using Brad's superbait and spinners.
What are you favorite tides to fish the lower Willamette? I was told try to pick a day with two tides. If only one tide would it be better to fish incoming or outgoing? I guess that leaves a lot of other possibilities either direction.
When I've fished it seems that high tide and a few hours afterward can be productive. I haven't had a real good low tide bite but it probably happens. Don't miss the "first light" bite of course and evening can be fair too.
@@DavidPyle I'm looking at a high tide at 4:20 am and a low at 2:01 pm. I was trying to figure out a different tide for June but that is the day that will work for us so far.
Great video David. I really enjoy the in-depth knowledge you share. I was always curious as to when/how to bounce bottom on the Willamette. We trolled today using 4 and 6 oz weights on our flashers. The longer video is great!
Thank you for the feedback. I had an idea of what I wanted to cover but just started winging it. I left out the fact that you can/should bounce the bottom in the flats above the Spaghetti Factory (how could I forget that). Also, I didn't talk about the "Head of the Channel" where we were bouncing the bottom today. The Willamette is just an enjoyable river to fish for Springers.
You're welcome. The channel could be very productive this year. Last year the water was too high and it just didn't produce. If the water is close to 70 degrees I can forget to wear my PFD but I certainly make an effort.
Collin, my main focus is on educational guided trips. I can give you a big jump start on how to catch salmon. Contact me at FishingWithDavidPyle@gmail.com and leave your phone number, a brief summary of your salmon fishing experience, area you want to focus on, and some info on the boat you would like to buy.
Another great video, thanks for posting. I am going to be fishing the Columbia near Portland on March 26-30. I've fished the Longview area many times, but never the Vancouver/Portland area. Do you have any suggestions on where to target, or any videos on fishing that area?
John,From Gleason boat ramp you can fish the Airport area. From the ramp run up river to the airport tower and fish the Washington side in 18-25 feet of water. If fish are being caught stay there and work it (run laps). If not, drift down river and fish the center/Washington side in 20-30 feet. The area before you reach the I-5 bridge is where you should focus your energy. After passing under the bridge, do a diagonal to the Oregon side and fish the 25-35 feet of water until you reach the rail road bridge. Again, if fish are being caught, run several laps. You won't be alone so you'll figure out the patterns.If you launch at Cathedral park in St. Johns you can fish the Willamette or run out to the Columbia. The head of the Multnomah channel is a great place to fish but if you want the Columbia, get out there first thing (you can always come back into the Willamette to fish). Once you get the Mouth of the Willamette (Columbia river), Head up river and about 1/2 mile and start your troll on the Washington Side. This is called Davis Bar. Work that area if fish are being caught. If not, continue down river and stay on the Washington side. You come to Frenchmen's bar and Caterpillar Island. Once you've worked those areas, from the bottom of Caterpillar, cross to the Oregon side and fish Willow bar down to St. Helens if you want to go that far. Hope this helps. It'll be easy to see the patterns because there will be lots of boats fishing.Good luck.
You can't buy info like this, Thank You David. Spent all day Sunday around Sellwood, no fish being caught, lots of boats. Really worked on bouncing bottom and logging the flat bottoms there. Bouncing bottom still worries me due to fishing on Siletz. Getting close to bottom there is a recipe for disaster. Where are you getting the turbidity readings? Fish count site? Good luck to all.
Hi David!! Thanks for all the information you give us, very useful for aprentices like me. I have a 12 foot boat you recommend fishing with that willamete river?
Leo, you're welcome. Glad I can assist you in learning. You're 12 footer will be just fine in the Willamette. Be safe out there and wear a PFD and some highly visible clothes.
Frank, you can launch at Willamette Park, Swan Island, Cathedral Park, or Scappoose Bay for the Willamette river and Multnomah channel. If you want to fish the Columbia you can launch at Cathedral Park, Scappoose Bay, or Gleason ramp on Marine Drive. On any given day I'm talking to my network trying to figure out where the fish may be stacked up. If the turbidity on the Willamette gets above 8 you should consider going to the Columbia which is only open until April 7th I believe. After that, it will be determined if an extension will happen on the Columbia. Good luck out there. By the way, the techniques used on the Willamette are the same for the Columbia but you probably already know that.
David Pyle, thanks for the valuable information. Watching your technique is the same as I've used from Buoy 10 to the Umpqua. I'm setup for Odell at the moment, but watching your recent videos is making me want to drag out the salmon rods. Thanks again, and see you on the water.
Frank, you're correct. These techniques are pretty much the same for all stretches of the Columbia, Willamette, and the Ocean (Long Beach). Oregon City has a little bit of everything - Anchor fishing, back bouncing, back trolling, and jigging to name a few. Have fun and I hope to see you out there.
My understanding is that you CAN use barbed hooks in 2019. I haven't found anything in the regulations that indicates that you need to use barbless hooks. I'll be out there with barbed hooks for sure.
Lee,I wish there was a simple answer... but here goes. If the current is running and I'm going down stream, I troll just enough to keep my herring rolling. If it's incoming tide or you're in the slower reaches, I troll fast enough to keep 8 to 10 oz at a 45 degree angle when I have 20 feet of line out. If I'm going up river (against the current), I try to troll about 1 mph in moderate current, .5 - .8 in a little faster current, and as fast as 2 mph if the tide is incoming or I'm in the slower reaches. Once the water temp gets above 60 I start trolling faster - especially if I've switched over to spinners.
Would you share how you know when to switch to spinners? Went out yesterday for the first time on my own with a flasher and spinner but got some herring for my next trip.
Water temp below 50 degrees, use herring. From 50 to 65 you can fish spinner or herring. Above 65, mostly fishing spinners but you can still catch on herring. 70 degrees, almost always using spinners. For the sake of simplicity I've only mentioned spinners but you could also substitute superbait anytime you'd use spinners.
Hi David, I had (2) drive by's while I was watching this video... LOL... You know I like to stick-up for Dirk, and I just want to throw this out to you. I see he was sneaking into the video for a cameo, B-U-T could you give him a TALKING part? Nothing too difficult. Maybe his lines could be as simple as " Yes David " or " I sure like to fish with David Pyle " and when he get's really polished he can attempt. " Fishin been berry, berry good to me " Hahahaha... Another GREAT Video my friend. Tight Lines. ;-)
Paul, I was just telling Dirk how funny your comments are. Send me you phone number on FishingWithDavidPyle@gmail.com. Maybe you want to talk to the camera? Haha.
I watch and rewatch this video. Great info. Thank you
That is exactly how we fish in the early spring. We'll be on it soon.
thank you actually posting good videos!! you have helped me in ,y fishing ventures!!!!!
You're welcome John. There's a lot of good content out there and I'm happy to contribute to the fishing community.
Awesome video David! Looking forward to seeing you on the river. Hey! I bought a BOAT! Fish on David, Mark
Mark, congrats. The price of boats has gone through the roof. I look forward to seeing you out there.
Even almost two years later, such great advice and what a great source of wisdom for us relative newbies! Thank you for taking the time to share all these videos! God bless - hope to see you out there!
I've done a lot of fishing and I still feel like a newbie! You never stop adjusting and learning when it comes to fishing. Thank you for the kind comments.
Going fishing Monday on the Columbia, going to be putting in off of Vancouver way, first time on the Columbia.where and what do I use
thank you for your videos. what is your favorite set up on the willamette?
Mary, every year is different but the general rule is to use herring until the water temperature reaches mid to high 50s, then transition to spinners but keep using herring as well. Once June rolls around we are mostly using Brad's superbait and spinners.
What are you favorite tides to fish the lower Willamette? I was told try to pick a day with two tides. If only one tide would it be better to fish incoming or outgoing? I guess that leaves a lot of other possibilities either direction.
When I've fished it seems that high tide and a few hours afterward can be productive. I haven't had a real good low tide bite but it probably happens. Don't miss the "first light" bite of course and evening can be fair too.
@@DavidPyle I'm looking at a high tide at 4:20 am and a low at 2:01 pm. I was trying to figure out a different tide for June but that is the day that will work for us so far.
Great video David. I really enjoy the in-depth knowledge you share. I was always curious as to when/how to bounce bottom on the Willamette. We trolled today using 4 and 6 oz weights on our flashers. The longer video is great!
Thank you for the feedback. I had an idea of what I wanted to cover but just started winging it. I left out the fact that you can/should bounce the bottom in the flats above the Spaghetti Factory (how could I forget that). Also, I didn't talk about the "Head of the Channel" where we were bouncing the bottom today. The Willamette is just an enjoyable river to fish for Springers.
Question? willamette river salmon hook requirements 2022 are barbed hooks required or not?
David, you can use barbs on the Willamette. The Columbia is barbless.
Thanks David for the information about the shallow areas. Also, glad to see you wearing your pfd.
You're welcome. The channel could be very productive this year. Last year the water was too high and it just didn't produce. If the water is close to 70 degrees I can forget to wear my PFD but I certainly make an effort.
Hey David by flats do you mean shallow areas??
Yes, that is correct.
Awesome David! Thanks for the detail and depth you went into. I always enjoy your videos!🐟
Anytime Brandon.
was out there yesterday as well. we had 3 drive by's and hooked 2 smolt. still nice to be on the water
Jordan,
It's always great to be on the water. Sounds like you had more action than most - you must be doing something right.
David, I'm buying my first boat to learn how to troll in the Willamette. DO you still offer guided trips?
Collin, my main focus is on educational guided trips. I can give you a big jump start on how to catch salmon. Contact me at FishingWithDavidPyle@gmail.com and leave your phone number, a brief summary of your salmon fishing experience, area you want to focus on, and some info on the boat you would like to buy.
Another great video, thanks for posting. I am going to be fishing the Columbia near Portland on March 26-30. I've fished the Longview area many times, but never the Vancouver/Portland area. Do you have any suggestions on where to target, or any videos on fishing that area?
John,From Gleason boat ramp you can fish the Airport area. From the ramp run up river to the airport tower and fish the Washington side in 18-25 feet of water. If fish are being caught stay there and work it (run laps). If not, drift down river and fish the center/Washington side in 20-30 feet. The area before you reach the I-5 bridge is where you should focus your energy. After passing under the bridge, do a diagonal to the Oregon side and fish the 25-35 feet of water until you reach the rail road bridge. Again, if fish are being caught, run several laps. You won't be alone so you'll figure out the patterns.If you launch at Cathedral park in St. Johns you can fish the Willamette or run out to the Columbia. The head of the Multnomah channel is a great place to fish but if you want the Columbia, get out there first thing (you can always come back into the Willamette to fish). Once you get the Mouth of the Willamette (Columbia river), Head up river and about 1/2 mile and start your troll on the Washington Side. This is called Davis Bar. Work that area if fish are being caught. If not, continue down river and stay on the Washington side. You come to Frenchmen's bar and Caterpillar Island. Once you've worked those areas, from the bottom of Caterpillar, cross to the Oregon side and fish Willow bar down to St. Helens if you want to go that far. Hope this helps. It'll be easy to see the patterns because there will be lots of boats fishing.Good luck.
Thanks for the great information, maybe I'll see you out there! If you see a green/aluminum Thunder Jet "Kingslayer", say hello!
John, I hope to see you out there catching a salmon. Tight lines.
You can't buy info like this, Thank You David. Spent all day Sunday around Sellwood, no fish being caught, lots of boats. Really worked on bouncing bottom and logging the flat bottoms there. Bouncing bottom still worries me due to fishing on Siletz. Getting close to bottom there is a recipe for disaster. Where are you getting the turbidity readings? Fish count site? Good luck to all.
Found the turbidity readings, USGS, Duh!! At least you made me aware of such readings are easy to come by. Thanks
Hi David!! Thanks for all the information you give us, very useful for aprentices like me. I have a 12 foot boat you recommend fishing with that willamete river?
Leo, you're welcome. Glad I can assist you in learning. You're 12 footer will be just fine in the Willamette. Be safe out there and wear a PFD and some highly visible clothes.
Thanks david!!!
Thanks a million for the info. I've fished the coast rivers, but just moved to Sherwood. Where do you suggest launching?
Frank, you can launch at Willamette Park, Swan Island, Cathedral Park, or Scappoose Bay for the Willamette river and Multnomah channel. If you want to fish the Columbia you can launch at Cathedral Park, Scappoose Bay, or Gleason ramp on Marine Drive. On any given day I'm talking to my network trying to figure out where the fish may be stacked up. If the turbidity on the Willamette gets above 8 you should consider going to the Columbia which is only open until April 7th I believe. After that, it will be determined if an extension will happen on the Columbia. Good luck out there. By the way, the techniques used on the Willamette are the same for the Columbia but you probably already know that.
David Pyle, thanks for the valuable information. Watching your technique is the same as I've used from Buoy 10 to the Umpqua. I'm setup for Odell at the moment, but watching your recent videos is making me want to drag out the salmon rods. Thanks again, and see you on the water.
Frank, you're correct. These techniques are pretty much the same for all stretches of the Columbia, Willamette, and the Ocean (Long Beach). Oregon City has a little bit of everything - Anchor fishing, back bouncing, back trolling, and jigging to name a few. Have fun and I hope to see you out there.
When I go fishing for salmon in Willamette zone I must remove barbless on hook or not... Thanks so mush
My understanding is that you CAN use barbed hooks in 2019. I haven't found anything in the regulations that indicates that you need to use barbless hooks. I'll be out there with barbed hooks for sure.
Dam counts are really low I'd wait for the next rain.
Rocky, you're right. The counts are low. The fish have been arriving later each year which is a real bummer.
Another good one🖒🖒
Thank you.
David... Great Video! I was wondering what speed you are normally trolling at on the Willamette?
Lee,I wish there was a simple answer... but here goes. If the current is running and I'm going down stream, I troll just enough to keep my herring rolling. If it's incoming tide or you're in the slower reaches, I troll fast enough to keep 8 to 10 oz at a 45 degree angle when I have 20 feet of line out. If I'm going up river (against the current), I try to troll about 1 mph in moderate current, .5 - .8 in a little faster current, and as fast as 2 mph if the tide is incoming or I'm in the slower reaches. Once the water temp gets above 60 I start trolling faster - especially if I've switched over to spinners.
Would you share how you know when to switch to spinners? Went out yesterday for the first time on my own with a flasher and spinner but got some herring for my next trip.
Btw appreciate your videos and all the info shared.
Water temp below 50 degrees, use herring. From 50 to 65 you can fish spinner or herring. Above 65, mostly fishing spinners but you can still catch on herring. 70 degrees, almost always using spinners. For the sake of simplicity I've only mentioned spinners but you could also substitute superbait anytime you'd use spinners.
Thanks again for the info
You welcome. I enjoy sharing what I've learned and hope that something in there helps you in catching salmon.
Happy fishing👍🏼
It's really nice to be out trolling again after taking the winter off.
David Pyle For sure....Headed to the Wilson in the morning🤞🏼
Hope you get a nice steely!
Hi David, I had (2) drive by's while I was watching this video... LOL... You know I like to stick-up for Dirk, and I just want to throw this out to you. I see he was sneaking into the video for a cameo, B-U-T could you give him a TALKING part? Nothing too difficult. Maybe his lines could be as simple as " Yes David " or " I sure like to fish with David Pyle " and when he get's really polished he can attempt. " Fishin been berry, berry good to me " Hahahaha... Another GREAT Video my friend. Tight Lines. ;-)
Paul, I was just telling Dirk how funny your comments are. Send me you phone number on FishingWithDavidPyle@gmail.com. Maybe you want to talk to the camera? Haha.