Upper Columbia River Sockeye and Summer Chinook Report 7/7/24: Amazing First Week of fishing!

We had an amazing first week of our upper Columbia Summer Chinook season. Lots of sockeye to go around, and some decent chinook action as well.

[@morgankruse4666]

So you're fishing below Wells, down at Chelan?

[@jonessportfishing]

Yes and no

[@nolebrady8256]

Down last weekend got my butt handed to me 3 fish two days .. wth dodgers last year in August couldn't find one on the planet. This year early running dodgers then find out should be flashers man confusing crap bro .. Then we heard bare Red hooks behind dodgers 14 inches 10 feet deep tried it all. Running Columbia basin shrimp . But also found out need to put xxx slamon salmon can't find it anywhere.. Frustrated as hell. My father in laws is 74 years young never got a bite in two days.. Bro I'm from North Idaho this was. Stuff is kicking my butt . And what time can you drop your gear in the morning? Cause I don't have a lawyer to read the regs to me lol😅..

[@j-swizzyswoll8000]

Hooked on Toys has all that in Wenatchee.
Typically running flashers faster than dodgers, "easier" to catch lings on flashers like this guy fishes.
Dodgers .8-1.6 speed
Kings faster
Need cured shrimp and/or throw some scent on there salmon krill etc.
Look at your rigs to make sure they running right in the water before you drop em, if the action isnt right then you wont be running doodoofire all day. Check your gear one at a time as well after every turn or pass through an area.
Typically kings in the darkish, sockeye when the sun comes up but can catch em any time. I dont think we have night closure do we?
When in doubt get your binos out and mirror what the boats that are catching fish are doing speed and color wise. Dont stay in an area that isnt producing, go somewhere new or outside the other boats.
Also depending on where you are fishing the dam flows can turn a bite on or off.
Also change your hooks every day, or sharpen them as they get dull and will stop producing.
Change your speeds and do some turns as well.

[@jonessportfishing]

Posting a video I just filmed that will hopefully be helpful

[@nolebrady8256]

@@jonessportfishing sweet I need help brother just fished all day down there never got a bite . second trip down. He said he's never going back..sad

[@j-swizzyswoll8000]

The secret is...pee on your hands before you bait your hooks....60% of the time it works..every time

[@jonessportfishing]

You got it! Pissing excellence