Monday, November 2, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Late Winter Steel
After nearly month without rain, the Oregon north coast had been reduced to summer conditions. Thankfully last week, we finally got 3 days of good rainfall. The Wilson river came up to almost 6ft.and by Wednesday and we knew it was time. By Saturday the river was back down around 5 ft.and the color turned out to be perfect. When we arrived at Mills bridge to launch around 6:00 the wind was wailing at about 25 mph. out of the East. A bummer to say the least, but you take what Mother nature gives you and make the best of it. We launched and made our way down, attempting to drift fish, but the wind didn't allow for much of it. Eventually we switched to diver and bait rigs and even that was tough. Our oar man Pete had to work at peak paddle just to keep our baits working. By the time we got down by the farmlands, we found some other anglers that had just lost a fish and decided to get out of the boat for a while. The wind still rippin from the East made drifting even the longest piece of lead almost impossible to feel, we had to get out of the wind. Back in the boat and down to the Thanksgiving hole. When we arrived there were a few boats anchored up, but room enough to weasel our way in. This was the one place on the lower river that we could manage a drift. After about an hour, the 3 of us had managed to get the position on our fellow anglers and Kim was the first to hook up with a chrome bright 9 lb. hatchery hen. Maybe 2 hours later, Pete had moved upstream to the fast water and hooked another 9 lb. mint hatchery buck. After that we fished hard for another 3 hours with no more action aside from one guy who caught a downstreamer on a plug just above us. By 3:00 we were ready to move. Back in the boat and before the anchor rope was fully reeled in, I had one take my easy egg rig down in the same water we had been fishing all day long. I guess I needed to be in the boat to make it happen. After a nice fight, it turned out to be a chrome 8 lb. nate. Let her go and moved down to the next hole. Dropped anchor and first cast again with the same easy egg rig, I hooked another fish. This was was a little bigger and allot more sporty. After a couple jumps, a few bouts of the steely gator roll, this fish decided the best place for him was underneath the boat. That is were he proceeded to stay for the next 5 minutes of the fight, directly under the bow of the boat. I was using my light Fenwick and didn't have enough stick to move him much, but eventually he pooped out enough to get him in the net. Another chrome nate, about a 12 lb. buck. Back in the water and with 2 in the box and 2 released we were ready for the ramp and a vb. Another great day on the mighty Wilson. Windy and frustrating, but we wound the day up with some good fish and I'm an easy egg convert. May never buy another corky! Until next time...
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Ray Currie on Hagg
Hagg Lake, for most of the country, would be considered a small lake...it is certainly no pond, but the lake can be fished in its entirety over a long day. For bass anglers, the attraction to Hagg Lake has been the rash of state record smallmouth bass that have been produced over the last four years or so.
Fish in excess of 7 pounds are caught each year, with fish over 8 pounds reported. The growth rate of these fish is relatively fast with a rich food base that includes hatchery rainbow trout, an overpopulation of perch, bullhead, bluegill, crappie, and crawfish.
Our goal in filming this show was to spend a couple of days during the time when catching a trophy smallmouth bass was best. Unfortunately, an unseasonably long winter, a late spawn, and bite-killing fronts moved in to make fishing difficult at best.
My guest, Ray Currie, is, without a doubt, one of the most gifted anglers I've ever met. His string of tournament wins throughout the N.W. is as impressive as the dozens of trophy fish he's landed and released over the years. His knowledge, intensity, skill and love of the sport and fish make him one of the area's most productive bass fishermen, and I felt lucky and privileged to have spent two days, one-on-one, with this talented angler.
Ray has to his credit two Oregon state records, both for smallmouth bass, and is the current record holder with his most recent 1998 catch of 7 pounds 9 ounces.
Ray's ability to distill his knowledge into a few simple frames is another feature of his approach that really opened my eyes to the skills necessary in catching trophy bass.
Here's a sampling of the information I gleaned over the time I fished with him.
Ray likes points, road beds, and flats with boulders..all the typical smallmouth bass habitat. He generally focuses on water that's less than 20' deep and prefers to fish plastics rigged either "split shot" style or "Carolina-rigged."
The plastics he prefers are 4" hand poured worms in drab colors (i.e. "green weenies," ox blood, brown, smoke salt and pepper.) He fishes these baits with a size 3 split shot pinched 18" to 22" ahead of the hook. This allows the bait to float up off the bottom and imparts a subtle action to the presentation, as he picks it up off the bottom, reels in a foot or two of line and allows it to fall.
He likes to fish these baits relatively fast and prefers 8 lb. test line. By fast, I mean as the weight touches the bottom and a belly develops in the line, he picks it up and continues to work it back to the boat.
Ray also relies heavily on crawdad scent to mask his odors and attract fish.
The second method he prefers is to "Carolina-Rig" 4" plastic lizards in watermelon. He feels these represent the perch that are in the lake and uses a medium heavy casting rig with a 3/4 ounce egg sinker and about 30" of leader.
Again, he fishes this relatively fast, using a glide/rest approach that involves him lifting his rod about 6", allowing the lizard to glide above the bottom and then drop to bottom. As it touches bottom, he lifts his rod again, and continues his retrieve back to the boat using this lift, glide, and drop method.
On any given point, or target, Ray will generally work both presentations.
That's only half the equation though. When hooked-up to a trophy fish, Ray uses a back reeling method to play his fish and doesn't rely on the reel's drag to do the work. He says the power and speed of the fish, more often than not, will quickly break 8 lb. test. To prevent break-offs. he back-reels to give the fish line quickly and keep up with speed and strength, while still applying adequate fish-tiring pressure.
Hagg Lake opens with the state wide trout opener and closes at the end of October. It's a very well maintained and supervised Washington County Park.
As a final note, Ray indicated that the number of trophy fish at Hagg Lake has been significantly reduced over the past couple of years with the notoriety the lake has received with its state record catches. Ray is a strong advocate for catch-and-release and is sure that Hagg Lake's continued success as a trophy bass lake rests in the general public's willingness to practice strict catch-and-release on all bass in the lake.
I agree. The downfall of many N.W. bass fisheries has been overharvest. With relatively slow growth rates, N.W. bass populations have difficulty recovering from heavy harvest years, while others thrive because they are either little known or are aggressively protected. We encourage you to capture your catch on film and take only what you need - - the future of N.W. bass fishing is everybody's responsibility.
Guest: Ray Currie
Location: Henry Hagg Lake is approximately 20 miles west of Portland, Oregon and just south of Forest Grove, Oregon.
Species: Trophy Smallmouth Bass
Equipment: Rod: Lamiglas IM700 6"6" Medium Light Spinning and Casting rods.
Reel: Spinning Reel or Casting Reel with excellent drag system.
Line: 100 yards (minimum) of 8 lb. Trilene Tournament.
Hook: Tru Turn 1/0 Split Shot.
Lures: 4" straight tail hand poured worms or 4" Lizards in watermelon
Fish in excess of 7 pounds are caught each year, with fish over 8 pounds reported. The growth rate of these fish is relatively fast with a rich food base that includes hatchery rainbow trout, an overpopulation of perch, bullhead, bluegill, crappie, and crawfish.
Our goal in filming this show was to spend a couple of days during the time when catching a trophy smallmouth bass was best. Unfortunately, an unseasonably long winter, a late spawn, and bite-killing fronts moved in to make fishing difficult at best.
My guest, Ray Currie, is, without a doubt, one of the most gifted anglers I've ever met. His string of tournament wins throughout the N.W. is as impressive as the dozens of trophy fish he's landed and released over the years. His knowledge, intensity, skill and love of the sport and fish make him one of the area's most productive bass fishermen, and I felt lucky and privileged to have spent two days, one-on-one, with this talented angler.
Ray has to his credit two Oregon state records, both for smallmouth bass, and is the current record holder with his most recent 1998 catch of 7 pounds 9 ounces.
Ray's ability to distill his knowledge into a few simple frames is another feature of his approach that really opened my eyes to the skills necessary in catching trophy bass.
Here's a sampling of the information I gleaned over the time I fished with him.
Ray likes points, road beds, and flats with boulders..all the typical smallmouth bass habitat. He generally focuses on water that's less than 20' deep and prefers to fish plastics rigged either "split shot" style or "Carolina-rigged."
The plastics he prefers are 4" hand poured worms in drab colors (i.e. "green weenies," ox blood, brown, smoke salt and pepper.) He fishes these baits with a size 3 split shot pinched 18" to 22" ahead of the hook. This allows the bait to float up off the bottom and imparts a subtle action to the presentation, as he picks it up off the bottom, reels in a foot or two of line and allows it to fall.
He likes to fish these baits relatively fast and prefers 8 lb. test line. By fast, I mean as the weight touches the bottom and a belly develops in the line, he picks it up and continues to work it back to the boat.
Ray also relies heavily on crawdad scent to mask his odors and attract fish.
The second method he prefers is to "Carolina-Rig" 4" plastic lizards in watermelon. He feels these represent the perch that are in the lake and uses a medium heavy casting rig with a 3/4 ounce egg sinker and about 30" of leader.
Again, he fishes this relatively fast, using a glide/rest approach that involves him lifting his rod about 6", allowing the lizard to glide above the bottom and then drop to bottom. As it touches bottom, he lifts his rod again, and continues his retrieve back to the boat using this lift, glide, and drop method.
On any given point, or target, Ray will generally work both presentations.
That's only half the equation though. When hooked-up to a trophy fish, Ray uses a back reeling method to play his fish and doesn't rely on the reel's drag to do the work. He says the power and speed of the fish, more often than not, will quickly break 8 lb. test. To prevent break-offs. he back-reels to give the fish line quickly and keep up with speed and strength, while still applying adequate fish-tiring pressure.
Hagg Lake opens with the state wide trout opener and closes at the end of October. It's a very well maintained and supervised Washington County Park.
As a final note, Ray indicated that the number of trophy fish at Hagg Lake has been significantly reduced over the past couple of years with the notoriety the lake has received with its state record catches. Ray is a strong advocate for catch-and-release and is sure that Hagg Lake's continued success as a trophy bass lake rests in the general public's willingness to practice strict catch-and-release on all bass in the lake.
I agree. The downfall of many N.W. bass fisheries has been overharvest. With relatively slow growth rates, N.W. bass populations have difficulty recovering from heavy harvest years, while others thrive because they are either little known or are aggressively protected. We encourage you to capture your catch on film and take only what you need - - the future of N.W. bass fishing is everybody's responsibility.
Guest: Ray Currie
Location: Henry Hagg Lake is approximately 20 miles west of Portland, Oregon and just south of Forest Grove, Oregon.
Species: Trophy Smallmouth Bass
Equipment: Rod: Lamiglas IM700 6"6" Medium Light Spinning and Casting rods.
Reel: Spinning Reel or Casting Reel with excellent drag system.
Line: 100 yards (minimum) of 8 lb. Trilene Tournament.
Hook: Tru Turn 1/0 Split Shot.
Lures: 4" straight tail hand poured worms or 4" Lizards in watermelon
Friday, February 20, 2009
Henry Hagg Lake
Constructed in the mid-1970s and fast becoming one of the
best smallmouth bass lakes in the Portland area, Henry Hagg lake
has been yielding some in the 6-lb. plus category! This 1,113-acre
impoundment is located west of Portland. To get there, go on the
Tualatin Valley Highway (Hwy 8) through Hillsboro to Forest
Grove. Turn left on Hwy 47 approximately 6 miles until you see
the Hagg Lake/Scoggins Valley Park signs. Turn right and go 3.7
miles to the park entrance. There is a nominal fee for day use of
the park, which is open from sunrise to sunset. Owned by the U.S.
Bureau of Reclamation and maintained and operated by Washington
County, the park has numerous picnic areas; two boat
launching facilities; the lake is stocked with rainbow trout,
smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, perch, crappie and bluegills
for angling; 15-plus miles of hiking trails; observation decks for
wildlife- and bird-watching and extensive facilities for disabled
visitors. Washington County has provided excellent handicap
facilities and the boat docks are fully automatic for those confined
to a wheel chair.
SPRING STARTS TROUT ANGLING ACTIVITY
In the spring hot spots are found at the south end, by the dam
and at the boat ramp C area. Scoggins Creek is also good early in
the season. Bank fishing is good April and May, slowing from June
through August because of the warmer weather. You should try out
deep, just off the bottom. Trolling is good all through the year in the
Sain Creek Arm and in the deep channels in the middle of the lake
as the water begins to recede.
SUMMER SEASON
This is the time to start using lake trolls. Because of their
popularity, effectiveness and ease of use, a wide variety are available
They are particularly effective in deep, murky waters or on
days with overcast skies.
The basic difference between lake trolls is the number and
shape of the blades and the length of the shaft (cable). The blade
shape determines rotation speed and the particular underwater
sound vibration produced. A round or nearly round blade such as
the Colorado or Bear Valley swings slow and wide from the shaft,
while narrow blades like the Willowleaf are best suited for faster
trolling because they have less resistance in the water.
A troll can be used in conjunction with just about any lure or
bait such as a small spoon (Needlefish®, Super Duper®) live bait
(worm) or a small plug (Hot Shot®). From the end of the troll, a
leader should extend at least 12 inches back to the lure (many prefer
leaders of 18 to 24 inches - some 36").
Larger and more blades should be used for deep trolling or for
working murky water. Clear water or depths of 10 to 20 feet require
fewer blades which can also be smaller. Nickel finishes work best
on bright days or in clear water brass and copper finishes produce
better in murky, deep or tea-colored water. Brass, 50/50 brass/
Nickel or Copper finishes work well on overcast days.
Some of the best lake trolls for Hagg Lake are Doc Shelton™,
Ford Fender® or other rigs such as Bear Valley, Willow Leaf and
Baby Gangs™ with a snubber and two feet of leader followed by
Hot Shots. Strikes that come when trolling usually are vicious so
use the snubber to absorb the impact and prevent tearing the hook
out of a fish's tender mouth.
When varying trolling speed and working is "S" curves and just
about everything else has failed to outwit a trout, try these tips. Give
your line a sharp jerk or two every few minutes or allow the troll to
go dead in the water and sink for a few feet before continuing. Also
try doubling your speed for several feet and then slow down
quickly. You will receive the most hits just after the lure has been
quickly and erratically moved and is beginning to slow down.
Another thing to consider is going to a lighter, longer leader from
troll-to-lure. Berkley® 6-lb. Trilene® XT or XL has high know
strength and very high tensile strength in relation to line diameter
and is difficult for finicky trout to see.
Bang-Tail® spinners can also be very hot now. Try fishing for
bass with crankbaits such as a shallow-diving Speed Trap® up in the
rocks by the dam and by the boat ramps, or the deep-diving Hot Lips
Express® for fast drop-offs and deeper water. Night crawlers can
also be very effective.
UNDERSTANDING BASS
Bass first become vulnerable to surface lures when the water
warms up in the spring. As water nears 60 degrees, both largemouth
and smallmouth move into shallow bays and pockets looking for
food and readying themselves for spawning. Once the water
temperature has stabilized and spawning if finished, these shallow
spots pay off only in low-light situations.
Bass are especially susceptible to wood surface baits such as
the Bass-Oreno® in the fall, when they stay in warmer, shallower
water for long periods. They seem to sense that winter is on the way
and increase their feeding activity.
COLORS / SIZES
Bass do react differently to different surface lure types and
finishes. They normally only see the silhouette of the plug on dark
or cloudy days so that's when dark lures work best. When there are
bright light conditions, lighter shades work best. On calm days,
smaller plugs with less noisemaking capabilities work better, while
you need a real noisy plug such as a Nip-I-Diddee® to create
disturbance on windy days.
Accurate casting is essential. Mere inches can mean the difference
between a fish and none. Casts should be made to openings in
or near cover such as underneath or alongside a dock, inches away
from a stickup, between lily pads, over submerged objects which lie
just under the surface, etc.
Bass feed on large organisms such as crayfish, minnows,
salamanders or frogs. Any small animal or bug that lands near a
bass in ambush is a likely meal and this is what makes surface lures
so deadly . . . the imitate these easy meals.
TOPWATER TECHNIQUES
Two basic options for fishing wood surface chuggers/darters
such as the Bass-Oreno which darts underwater when twitched and
then floats back to the top are:
1. For fishing near deep dropoffs and points, it can be used
either as a darter or subsurface wobbling bait. A unique feature of
the Bass-Oreno is its ability to pop back almost to its original
starting position, after being twitched under the surface. To fish as
a darter, use a sharp jerk which causes the bait to splash and pop
water on the surface before darting under. Then pause, allowing the
bait to resurface. Jerk again, pause and repeat. Many anglers prefer
to fish the plug with the sharp-jerk, pause pattern for several feet,
switch to a straight subsurface retrieve for the next several feet and
then allow the bait to resurface and start the process over again.
2. Use a twitch-and-pause pattern when fishing shorelines or
water adjacent to cover. Work it all the way to the boat, keeping
your eyes open for a boil adjacent to it. If one is observed, lengthen
the pause time between twitches on the next cast.
PROP BAITS
There are three basic options available for fishing propeller
baits such as the Nip-I-Diddee or Woodchopper™:
1. Cast to the edge of cover and let the impact rings move about
three feet away from the lure. Twitch once, stop, twitch again, stop.
Make a short, sharp jerk, stop, jerk, stop and continue this pattern
until the plug is only a few feet away from you. Watch the lure
carefully as you lift it from the water. If a boil appears, slow down
the retrieve on your next cast as you have been moving the lure too
fast to achieve a strike.
2. Cast to the edge of cover. Make two quick jerks, stop and
then continue this pattern until the plug is a few feet from you.
Follow the lift-out procedure as in #1.
3. Cast to the edge of cover. Wait for one full minute. Twitch
the plug twice, stop, jerk once, stop, twitch twice, etc. Use this
alternating pattern until the bait is a few feet from you, again lifting
out as in #1.
LAKE TROLLING TIPS
1. TROLL SLOWLY: One of the biggest mistakes made by anglers
is working a lure too fast. Large fish will not spend any more energy
than necessary to catch a meal. Also, most lures will not perform
correctly at fast speeds. The best advice is to troll s-l-o-w-l-y — the
slower the better. Many expert trout trollers refuse to use a motor
as they feel it's just too fast. They use oars instead. If you're going
to use a motor, make sure it will throttle down to a crawl. Other
prefer a multispeed electric.
2. VARY YOUR SPEED: While slow is the password to successful
trolling, this does not mean slow all the time. A lure running
through the water at a constant speed, at a constant depth and giving
off the same vibration pattern will not catch many fish . . . there’s
just nothing there to indicate an easy meal is available or that
something is in trouble. Slowly, yes, but adjust your speed every
few minutes to change the lure’s speed and vibration pattern.
3. WORK IN “S” CURVES: Consistent trolling results require that
you do everything possible to keep from running in a straight line.
An “S” pattern will produce many more strikes and fish. Every time
the troll and lure are on the inside swing of the boat, the lure will
drop deeper and slow down. On an outside turn, it will speed up and
rise. With each turn you will impart a different action to the troll and
trailing lure, signaling “Meal Time” to nearby fish.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bob and wife Cherri Klaumann own and operate Lake Stop
Grocery at nearby Gaston, Oregon where they offer a full line of
fishing tackle and food items. Call 503-357-4270.
The best baked fried goods this side of Gaston Market. The chili's not bad either.
best smallmouth bass lakes in the Portland area, Henry Hagg lake
has been yielding some in the 6-lb. plus category! This 1,113-acre
impoundment is located west of Portland. To get there, go on the
Tualatin Valley Highway (Hwy 8) through Hillsboro to Forest
Grove. Turn left on Hwy 47 approximately 6 miles until you see
the Hagg Lake/Scoggins Valley Park signs. Turn right and go 3.7
miles to the park entrance. There is a nominal fee for day use of
the park, which is open from sunrise to sunset. Owned by the U.S.
Bureau of Reclamation and maintained and operated by Washington
County, the park has numerous picnic areas; two boat
launching facilities; the lake is stocked with rainbow trout,
smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, perch, crappie and bluegills
for angling; 15-plus miles of hiking trails; observation decks for
wildlife- and bird-watching and extensive facilities for disabled
visitors. Washington County has provided excellent handicap
facilities and the boat docks are fully automatic for those confined
to a wheel chair.
SPRING STARTS TROUT ANGLING ACTIVITY
In the spring hot spots are found at the south end, by the dam
and at the boat ramp C area. Scoggins Creek is also good early in
the season. Bank fishing is good April and May, slowing from June
through August because of the warmer weather. You should try out
deep, just off the bottom. Trolling is good all through the year in the
Sain Creek Arm and in the deep channels in the middle of the lake
as the water begins to recede.
SUMMER SEASON
This is the time to start using lake trolls. Because of their
popularity, effectiveness and ease of use, a wide variety are available
They are particularly effective in deep, murky waters or on
days with overcast skies.
The basic difference between lake trolls is the number and
shape of the blades and the length of the shaft (cable). The blade
shape determines rotation speed and the particular underwater
sound vibration produced. A round or nearly round blade such as
the Colorado or Bear Valley swings slow and wide from the shaft,
while narrow blades like the Willowleaf are best suited for faster
trolling because they have less resistance in the water.
A troll can be used in conjunction with just about any lure or
bait such as a small spoon (Needlefish®, Super Duper®) live bait
(worm) or a small plug (Hot Shot®). From the end of the troll, a
leader should extend at least 12 inches back to the lure (many prefer
leaders of 18 to 24 inches - some 36").
Larger and more blades should be used for deep trolling or for
working murky water. Clear water or depths of 10 to 20 feet require
fewer blades which can also be smaller. Nickel finishes work best
on bright days or in clear water brass and copper finishes produce
better in murky, deep or tea-colored water. Brass, 50/50 brass/
Nickel or Copper finishes work well on overcast days.
Some of the best lake trolls for Hagg Lake are Doc Shelton™,
Ford Fender® or other rigs such as Bear Valley, Willow Leaf and
Baby Gangs™ with a snubber and two feet of leader followed by
Hot Shots. Strikes that come when trolling usually are vicious so
use the snubber to absorb the impact and prevent tearing the hook
out of a fish's tender mouth.
When varying trolling speed and working is "S" curves and just
about everything else has failed to outwit a trout, try these tips. Give
your line a sharp jerk or two every few minutes or allow the troll to
go dead in the water and sink for a few feet before continuing. Also
try doubling your speed for several feet and then slow down
quickly. You will receive the most hits just after the lure has been
quickly and erratically moved and is beginning to slow down.
Another thing to consider is going to a lighter, longer leader from
troll-to-lure. Berkley® 6-lb. Trilene® XT or XL has high know
strength and very high tensile strength in relation to line diameter
and is difficult for finicky trout to see.
Bang-Tail® spinners can also be very hot now. Try fishing for
bass with crankbaits such as a shallow-diving Speed Trap® up in the
rocks by the dam and by the boat ramps, or the deep-diving Hot Lips
Express® for fast drop-offs and deeper water. Night crawlers can
also be very effective.
UNDERSTANDING BASS
Bass first become vulnerable to surface lures when the water
warms up in the spring. As water nears 60 degrees, both largemouth
and smallmouth move into shallow bays and pockets looking for
food and readying themselves for spawning. Once the water
temperature has stabilized and spawning if finished, these shallow
spots pay off only in low-light situations.
Bass are especially susceptible to wood surface baits such as
the Bass-Oreno® in the fall, when they stay in warmer, shallower
water for long periods. They seem to sense that winter is on the way
and increase their feeding activity.
COLORS / SIZES
Bass do react differently to different surface lure types and
finishes. They normally only see the silhouette of the plug on dark
or cloudy days so that's when dark lures work best. When there are
bright light conditions, lighter shades work best. On calm days,
smaller plugs with less noisemaking capabilities work better, while
you need a real noisy plug such as a Nip-I-Diddee® to create
disturbance on windy days.
Accurate casting is essential. Mere inches can mean the difference
between a fish and none. Casts should be made to openings in
or near cover such as underneath or alongside a dock, inches away
from a stickup, between lily pads, over submerged objects which lie
just under the surface, etc.
Bass feed on large organisms such as crayfish, minnows,
salamanders or frogs. Any small animal or bug that lands near a
bass in ambush is a likely meal and this is what makes surface lures
so deadly . . . the imitate these easy meals.
TOPWATER TECHNIQUES
Two basic options for fishing wood surface chuggers/darters
such as the Bass-Oreno which darts underwater when twitched and
then floats back to the top are:
1. For fishing near deep dropoffs and points, it can be used
either as a darter or subsurface wobbling bait. A unique feature of
the Bass-Oreno is its ability to pop back almost to its original
starting position, after being twitched under the surface. To fish as
a darter, use a sharp jerk which causes the bait to splash and pop
water on the surface before darting under. Then pause, allowing the
bait to resurface. Jerk again, pause and repeat. Many anglers prefer
to fish the plug with the sharp-jerk, pause pattern for several feet,
switch to a straight subsurface retrieve for the next several feet and
then allow the bait to resurface and start the process over again.
2. Use a twitch-and-pause pattern when fishing shorelines or
water adjacent to cover. Work it all the way to the boat, keeping
your eyes open for a boil adjacent to it. If one is observed, lengthen
the pause time between twitches on the next cast.
PROP BAITS
There are three basic options available for fishing propeller
baits such as the Nip-I-Diddee or Woodchopper™:
1. Cast to the edge of cover and let the impact rings move about
three feet away from the lure. Twitch once, stop, twitch again, stop.
Make a short, sharp jerk, stop, jerk, stop and continue this pattern
until the plug is only a few feet away from you. Watch the lure
carefully as you lift it from the water. If a boil appears, slow down
the retrieve on your next cast as you have been moving the lure too
fast to achieve a strike.
2. Cast to the edge of cover. Make two quick jerks, stop and
then continue this pattern until the plug is a few feet from you.
Follow the lift-out procedure as in #1.
3. Cast to the edge of cover. Wait for one full minute. Twitch
the plug twice, stop, jerk once, stop, twitch twice, etc. Use this
alternating pattern until the bait is a few feet from you, again lifting
out as in #1.
LAKE TROLLING TIPS
1. TROLL SLOWLY: One of the biggest mistakes made by anglers
is working a lure too fast. Large fish will not spend any more energy
than necessary to catch a meal. Also, most lures will not perform
correctly at fast speeds. The best advice is to troll s-l-o-w-l-y — the
slower the better. Many expert trout trollers refuse to use a motor
as they feel it's just too fast. They use oars instead. If you're going
to use a motor, make sure it will throttle down to a crawl. Other
prefer a multispeed electric.
2. VARY YOUR SPEED: While slow is the password to successful
trolling, this does not mean slow all the time. A lure running
through the water at a constant speed, at a constant depth and giving
off the same vibration pattern will not catch many fish . . . there’s
just nothing there to indicate an easy meal is available or that
something is in trouble. Slowly, yes, but adjust your speed every
few minutes to change the lure’s speed and vibration pattern.
3. WORK IN “S” CURVES: Consistent trolling results require that
you do everything possible to keep from running in a straight line.
An “S” pattern will produce many more strikes and fish. Every time
the troll and lure are on the inside swing of the boat, the lure will
drop deeper and slow down. On an outside turn, it will speed up and
rise. With each turn you will impart a different action to the troll and
trailing lure, signaling “Meal Time” to nearby fish.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bob and wife Cherri Klaumann own and operate Lake Stop
Grocery at nearby Gaston, Oregon where they offer a full line of
fishing tackle and food items. Call 503-357-4270.
The best baked fried goods this side of Gaston Market. The chili's not bad either.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
10 Steps to Better Jigging
Most anglers believe that they know all about jigs just because jigs have been around ever since man first pinched lead shot on a hook. But, that's just not so. Jigging basics may seem simple enough and mastering the fundamental of jigging technique can mean the difference between catching fish and not. Try this 10-step program to better jigging.
Step 1: Stay on the bottom
Lake, river or reservoir, walleyes relating to structure and current spend most of their time on or near the bottom. Choose the right-sized jig to keep your minnow, leech or nightcrawler down amongst them.
Walleyes eat by inhaling the water around their target. A light jig may make it easier to engulf. But, be prepared to adapt. Jigs that are too small for the conditions may keep you out of the strike zone entirely.
They may also make it impossible to keep your line vertical to sense light bites. Increase the weight of your jig as depth, wind or current increase. When in doubt, go heavier. There might even be times when only a 1-ounce jig will do. If you miss strikes with a big jig, add a stinger to increase odds of a hook-up. Try leaving the barbs of the stinger hook completely out of your bait. This will increase the natural action and appearance of your live bait.
Smaller is usually better when working the shallows. In lakes, cast or flip 1/16th or 1/8th-ounce jigs to rip-rap or to pockets in the weeds. In rivers, use just enough weight to take the jig to the bottom when you cast upstream. Lift it. The flow should move it downstream just off the bottom until it comes to rest again. Repeat.
Step 2: Consider the forage
Although a light jig will often accomplish the primary goal of bottom contact, jigs with a bigger profiles might still be the answer if walleyes are keying on larger forage. Don't assume. Let the fish tell you what they want.
Step 3: Use the right tool
Jig heads come in several shapes for a reason. Use the right one for the job. Ball-style jigs are most common. They work well in current or still water for casting and vertical jigging. Larger sizes can trolled or drifted. Swimming jigs have a long, flat design with the hook eye placed in front. They're best for casting in weeds, like Lindy's NO-SNAGG Veg-E-Jig. Current cutters, or pancake jigs, are designed to be hydro-dynamic in moving water. They are great for rivers. Larger sizes can be used on a dropper line of a three-way-rig to put an additional hook in the water where legal.
Step 4: Change colors
Admit it. We all go to the water with notions of what should work. No where is that more apparent than in choice of colors. Jig heads and plastics come in a thousand hues. Yet, we insist on using the same old favorites. Just because something worked yesterday or even this morning doesn't mean it will work now. Water clarity and light conditions change constantly. Use trial and error until you find a combination that triggers strikes. Try plastic trailers and without. Don't forget maribou-type jigs, such as Lindy's Fuzz-E-Grub. Don't stop switching even when you start catching fish. If chartreuse or orange or pink or blue seem to work, try different shades of those colors to fine-tune the presentation and see if a slight variation will entice the biggest fish. If action stops, change up again. For starters, try brighter colors in stained or dirty water and darker colors for clear.
Step 5: Vary live bait, too
Since jigs are one of the oldest, most effective live-bait delivery systems we have, we've developed "rules" over the years on when minnows, nightcrawlers or leeches should work best. Minnows are the choice in the cold water of spring and fall. Leeches are the favored bait in warm water. Nightcrawlers seem good across the calendar. But, don't be afraid to break the rules. There's been many times during spring floods when walleyes inhale worms and ignore minnows. See what works. The fish will let you know.
Step 6: Alter jig action
Walleyes will absolutely destroy a bait at times. At others, they don't seem interested at all. Perhaps a cold front has passed through or the wind direction changed. Keep testing their mood. Attract the most-aggressive fish by popping your jig up, then letting it fall back to the bottom. Follow the jig down with the rod tip to keep your line taut in order to maintain control of the jig. Next, try a slow lift-drop, lift-drop. Then, drag it on the bottom or quiver it slightly.
Step 7: Concentrate
Visualize your jig. Imagine where it is in the water and what it looks like to fish. Better yet, use an underwater fish cam like the Aqua-Vu to see exactly how walleyes react to your bait. We've found most anglers often "over-jig." Use your jig as a tool to gather information. For example, try to feel subtle changes in the bottom. Spots where it changes from hard to soft can be key. Intense focus also helps when bites are so light that nothing at all is telegraphed up your line through your rod. A slight movement or "heavy" feel may be all the notice you get. Set the hook at the slightest change.
Step 8: Two rods better than one
Practice using two matched rod and reel combos, if your state allows. Test different colors and livebait on each. But, if you find it hard to control both rods to keep both jigs in the strike zone, put one rod down or use it as a "dead-stick" in a rod-holder. One jig fished correctly is better than two fished poorly.
Step 9: Practice boat control
Boat control is essential to good jigging. In current, point your bow upstream or into the wind and use short bursts from an electric trolling motor to match your boat speed with the water flow. Keep your line vertical below the boat and watch your rod tip for a slight bow to signal bottom contact. All rules have exceptions. There are places like the Rainy River where walleyes seem to prefer stationary jigs below anchored boats. Try that, too. In absence of current, a puck transducer mounted on your trolling motor to feed data to your bow-mounted sonar or flasher helps keep your jig on the critical "spot on a spot."
Step 10: Fish fish
The best jigging mechanics won't do any good if you aren't fishing where the fish are. Study the map of lake or river section you are targeting to find likely spots using what you know about walleye movements in the calendar period. Along the way , stop at more than one bait shop for the latest word on where the bigger schools are located and for an idea of what presentations others are using. Ask questions at the ramp. Once on the water, move from spot to spot using your electronics to find forage fish and likely walleyes before you start to fish.
These tips are sure to make you a better walleye angler. Jigging is one of the key fundamental presentations to master.
Step 1: Stay on the bottom
Lake, river or reservoir, walleyes relating to structure and current spend most of their time on or near the bottom. Choose the right-sized jig to keep your minnow, leech or nightcrawler down amongst them.
Walleyes eat by inhaling the water around their target. A light jig may make it easier to engulf. But, be prepared to adapt. Jigs that are too small for the conditions may keep you out of the strike zone entirely.
They may also make it impossible to keep your line vertical to sense light bites. Increase the weight of your jig as depth, wind or current increase. When in doubt, go heavier. There might even be times when only a 1-ounce jig will do. If you miss strikes with a big jig, add a stinger to increase odds of a hook-up. Try leaving the barbs of the stinger hook completely out of your bait. This will increase the natural action and appearance of your live bait.
Smaller is usually better when working the shallows. In lakes, cast or flip 1/16th or 1/8th-ounce jigs to rip-rap or to pockets in the weeds. In rivers, use just enough weight to take the jig to the bottom when you cast upstream. Lift it. The flow should move it downstream just off the bottom until it comes to rest again. Repeat.
Step 2: Consider the forage
Although a light jig will often accomplish the primary goal of bottom contact, jigs with a bigger profiles might still be the answer if walleyes are keying on larger forage. Don't assume. Let the fish tell you what they want.
Step 3: Use the right tool
Jig heads come in several shapes for a reason. Use the right one for the job. Ball-style jigs are most common. They work well in current or still water for casting and vertical jigging. Larger sizes can trolled or drifted. Swimming jigs have a long, flat design with the hook eye placed in front. They're best for casting in weeds, like Lindy's NO-SNAGG Veg-E-Jig. Current cutters, or pancake jigs, are designed to be hydro-dynamic in moving water. They are great for rivers. Larger sizes can be used on a dropper line of a three-way-rig to put an additional hook in the water where legal.
Step 4: Change colors
Admit it. We all go to the water with notions of what should work. No where is that more apparent than in choice of colors. Jig heads and plastics come in a thousand hues. Yet, we insist on using the same old favorites. Just because something worked yesterday or even this morning doesn't mean it will work now. Water clarity and light conditions change constantly. Use trial and error until you find a combination that triggers strikes. Try plastic trailers and without. Don't forget maribou-type jigs, such as Lindy's Fuzz-E-Grub. Don't stop switching even when you start catching fish. If chartreuse or orange or pink or blue seem to work, try different shades of those colors to fine-tune the presentation and see if a slight variation will entice the biggest fish. If action stops, change up again. For starters, try brighter colors in stained or dirty water and darker colors for clear.
Step 5: Vary live bait, too
Since jigs are one of the oldest, most effective live-bait delivery systems we have, we've developed "rules" over the years on when minnows, nightcrawlers or leeches should work best. Minnows are the choice in the cold water of spring and fall. Leeches are the favored bait in warm water. Nightcrawlers seem good across the calendar. But, don't be afraid to break the rules. There's been many times during spring floods when walleyes inhale worms and ignore minnows. See what works. The fish will let you know.
Step 6: Alter jig action
Walleyes will absolutely destroy a bait at times. At others, they don't seem interested at all. Perhaps a cold front has passed through or the wind direction changed. Keep testing their mood. Attract the most-aggressive fish by popping your jig up, then letting it fall back to the bottom. Follow the jig down with the rod tip to keep your line taut in order to maintain control of the jig. Next, try a slow lift-drop, lift-drop. Then, drag it on the bottom or quiver it slightly.
Step 7: Concentrate
Visualize your jig. Imagine where it is in the water and what it looks like to fish. Better yet, use an underwater fish cam like the Aqua-Vu to see exactly how walleyes react to your bait. We've found most anglers often "over-jig." Use your jig as a tool to gather information. For example, try to feel subtle changes in the bottom. Spots where it changes from hard to soft can be key. Intense focus also helps when bites are so light that nothing at all is telegraphed up your line through your rod. A slight movement or "heavy" feel may be all the notice you get. Set the hook at the slightest change.
Step 8: Two rods better than one
Practice using two matched rod and reel combos, if your state allows. Test different colors and livebait on each. But, if you find it hard to control both rods to keep both jigs in the strike zone, put one rod down or use it as a "dead-stick" in a rod-holder. One jig fished correctly is better than two fished poorly.
Step 9: Practice boat control
Boat control is essential to good jigging. In current, point your bow upstream or into the wind and use short bursts from an electric trolling motor to match your boat speed with the water flow. Keep your line vertical below the boat and watch your rod tip for a slight bow to signal bottom contact. All rules have exceptions. There are places like the Rainy River where walleyes seem to prefer stationary jigs below anchored boats. Try that, too. In absence of current, a puck transducer mounted on your trolling motor to feed data to your bow-mounted sonar or flasher helps keep your jig on the critical "spot on a spot."
Step 10: Fish fish
The best jigging mechanics won't do any good if you aren't fishing where the fish are. Study the map of lake or river section you are targeting to find likely spots using what you know about walleye movements in the calendar period. Along the way , stop at more than one bait shop for the latest word on where the bigger schools are located and for an idea of what presentations others are using. Ask questions at the ramp. Once on the water, move from spot to spot using your electronics to find forage fish and likely walleyes before you start to fish.
These tips are sure to make you a better walleye angler. Jigging is one of the key fundamental presentations to master.
Columbia River Walleye
The Columbia Has Your Walleyes
The word is out and experts agree, the next world-record walleye is likely to be lurking somewhere in the mighty Columbia River.
By A. Steven Payne
Walleye fishing guide Ed Iman eyed the water suspiciously as he sized up current and flow patterns, while we drifted slowly along a Columbia River shoreline studded with rock. Finally, his trained eye settled on a particularly interesting current swirl, and with a hard burst of throttle, the boat lurched upstream to a point just above where a racy side stream tumbled into the main river.
"Okay, you guys, we're gonna anchor just above where that stream's coming in," Iman said. "Then, we cast upstream, and the current's gonna carry our lures up onto the gravel bar at the mouth. Oughta be fish up on the bar or at the lower end." In a moment, the anchor caught, and we were in position.
My first cast easily cleared the stream's mouth, and the lure surged into the flow. I closed the spinning reel's bail, retrieved through the current and into the slick eddy-swirl where the stream joined the river. The intense throbbing of my deep diving steelhead lure vibrated up through the rod only briefly, and then it became alive with action. A dedicated hookset, and we stared as 6-pound line peeled from the reel. I tightened the drag, leaned into the fish and soon worked a chunky 8-pound walleye close enough so Iman could deftly scoop the fish into his net.
Before I could release the fish, both my partners were busy at the same game. Longtime friend and former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Dave Kreig and fishing buddy and professional guide Ed Iman both brought identical fish to the boat, so we readily shared netting duties. Over the next two days, we rarely boated a fish under six pounds!
Noted Western angling instructor Dick Lee hoists a chunky marble-eye from its Columbia River hideout. Photo by A. Steven Payne
Traditionally, most anglers consider walleyes the prime species to be sought across the Eastern and Midwest regions of the country, however, very quietly, that concept is changing, as the incredible walleye assumes a uniquely active role in Western waters as well. Indeed, many of the West's gigantic reservoirs and rivers have come to be recognized as providing some of the finest walleye fishing opportunities anywhere in the country. And it's important to note, this phenomenal walleye action is not limited to a single part of the West. They're everywhere, with the exception of California, where they are unwanted. The breakthrough news, however, includes tales of trophy-class fish in virtually untouched fisheries. Also, as a result of so many other angling opportunities available in the West, walleye fishermen are generally a lonely if not small bunch.
Professional and amateur anglers have traveled across the country just to experience the West's treasures of the dynamic walleye fisheries, and scores have been rewarded with superb fishing pleasure. Because of the huge amount of water in lakes, reservoirs and rivers they now inhabit, a distinct learning process is involved, and nowhere is that more important than on the giant Columbia River, as it tumbles and flows between Oregon and Washington on its way to the Pacific Ocean.
To take advantage of this unequalled, virtually untapped resource, gather an assortment of the most effective tackle, a few quality rods, and a big net! And never underestimate the weather out here, so toss in long johns, a warm jacket, raingear and a cowboy hat. Midday sunburn can be intense; thus, the key is to be prepared for some of everything, and then head out to some of the most exciting walleye fishing in the country.
STEPPING UP FOR THE RIDE
Enjoy the scenery along the way. Relish in the captivating grandeur of mountain splendor. Note where never-ending grain fields consume the landform, where wild horses, sage brush, antelope, and jack rabbits thrive on open range, and where sandy prairies give way to massive volcanic outcroppings, and finally, to where raging upstream winds can pummel the shorelines of perhaps the nation's premier walleye factory, the mighty Columbia River.
In some areas on the river, walleyes inhabit the water from shore to shore, but skilled guides and anglers have learned that the giants we seek are found primarily in select locations where they grow to phenomenal proportions. For example, here a walleye isn't considered in the trophy class until it reaches 15 pounds! Ten-pound fish are easy, 12s are common, and 14-pound walleyes happen frequently.
The Oregon record stands at an incredible 19 pounds, 15 1/4 ounces, and Washington's largest is excess of 18 pounds. Even here, where the river produces huge chinook salmon, giant steelhead, rainbows, bruiser-class largemouth and smallmouth bass, even 100-pound plus sturgeon, walleye fishing has made a limited impression on native sportsmen. Ironically though, many fish approaching such proportions never touch a scale because Western walleye anglers - the limited number who regularly fish for them - have learned that the species is superb table fare.
Although the Columbia is the premier walleye factory in the West, a number of huge impoundments created by massive dams and other current restrictors also grow big walleyes in ideal conditions. In Washington, unquestionably the prime region of Western walleye country, a series of Corps of Engineers dam projects include Banks, Billy Clapp, Potholes, Soda, Roosevelt and a number of other enormous walleye waters are scattered across the state's river corridor. All of them are continually kicking out the "easy" sizes for locals who fish for them.
The Columbia, however, contains a distinct variety of ideal fish-holding features. Coarse, rocky shoreline slopes extending to feeder streams all hold fish, as do the maze of backwater eddy pools, the secluded back bays and channels, untold numbers of underwater humps and protruding island sanctuaries. And then the pros will tell you the absolute choice fish magnets always involve the deep, backwater "slicks" below the many dams.
FISHING HOTSPOTS
Most side streams and in-flows entering the river are heavily laden with food nutrients and oxygen, tumbling from high mountain elevations or long distances through rugged terrain. Thus, in bright sunlight, fish often "stack up" in the shade provided by towering rock walls or in the off-color water that is created by raging upstream winds near these areas. In fact, master walleye expert Ed Iman and others prefer the churning effect of wind to create slightly stained water, where the large fish may be found. Some skilled anglers create this effect by racing their boats along suitable shorelines to create a muddy-like area where fish congregate to beat the overhead light, then returning later to reap the reward.
Prime forage for Western walleyes includes "slow" (to react) trout fingerlings among dozens of other fish species. Indeed, walleyes are simply not in the same speed league as salmon, rainbows, cutthroat or some other species, but due to the devastating effects of the many dams on the river, a never-ending supply of "easy prey" food is ensured by the dam's inner-working turbines. Hence, a prime fishing area is immediately downstream, or it is within a half-mile or so from the outfall where walleyes and other species congregate to forage with wild abandon. Also, juvenile salmon, crayfish, (a burgeoning population) whitefish and several "trash" species serve to grow big walleyes.
As early as late February or early March, the larger fish begin deep-water staging in anticipation of spawn activity. At this time, they may be found on the steep breaking edges of shoreline flats, along the edges of protruding rocks or submerged reefs, and as much as 30 to 50 feet deep, but never in the main current flow. Spawning areas include sandy/gravelly mouths of streams, broad gravel flats on outer bends in the river, or the long, tapering slopes of literally hundreds of islands or connecting underwater ridges.
POST-SPAWN FISHING
There is a brief recuperative time following spawn, and then fishing becomes really exciting! Due to the vastly changing terrain, fluctuating water levels and extreme depths coupled with gin-clear to chocolate-brown water, plus currents that change almost hourly, a select range of catching techniques learned over years on the river have proven more effective than others.
Iman, an unequalled local outdoor enthusiast, learned the ways of the walleye over decades of plying the river's deep-submerged secrets and also as a crew member working on the enormous tug boats that push huge strings of barges laden with all manner of freight up and down the river from port to port. During "slow time" while barges are being loaded or unloaded, Iman spent countless hours on the water, learning current patterns, the habits and preferred range of walleyes and virtually all the tidbits of information that have made him one of the most sought after fishing guides in the West. Here are his picks for the most productive regions of the mighty Columbia River and its many backwater walleye-holding areas.
"Given my options, I go up-stream," he said. "I like to call the small town of Boardman, Oregon my home during the busy guide season, since it's very near the best areas I know. There's a good launch there, and there's motels for my clients. Upstream from Boardman, the town of Umatilla has a good launch also, and the area between the dam and U.S. Highway 395 above Umatilla is a key walleye holding site, with lots of "slick" water below the dam and the rocky edges of both shores holding fish. Also, between Boardman and Umatilla, mostly on the Washington side of the river, there's a lot of good backwater and dozens of islands, bays and channels."
He noted the best areas to fish in this region include the downstream end of islands or the lower end of churning eddy pools.
"But don't limit yourself to just these hotspots," he noted. "On down-river, be sure to work the many islands and underwater humps. Best to use a depth locator to find the areas where the break-line drops into deeper water. Bigger fish tend to hang out on those edges. And if you remember, the Corps opened all the dams a few years back, and actually washed big walleyes all the way to Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington. So, it's kind of tough to say where the best fishing is gonna be. But give me half a chance, I'll be somewhere between the line from Hood River, Oregon/White Salmon, Washington and the John Day Dam way upstream.
"Best advice I could give anyone hoping to fish the river would be to pick up a contour map that shows the reefs and all the water depths. Then, depending on the season, work the deepest water earliest in the year, moving to the shorelines and drifting with leadhead jigs until water settles down some. Later, you can get into trolling with minnow plugs and my favorite, a spinner and worm set-up. And don't forget: When the weather breaks and it starts warming up, it is one of the best times to be out there. For me, the night bite is the right bite!"
My walleye fanatic friends and I prefer to troll. Trolling covers maximum amounts of productive water, and it allows the lure to be maintained directly in the fish-catching zone. In springtime, as air temps reach the low 60s and the river prepares for very warm weather ahead, weed growth emerges along back bay shorelines, and it's here that big fish lurk. Water may range from 12 to 20 feet, but experience has shown that the fish will generally be shallower, especially at low light times. A favorite time to be trolling these "hotspots" is the last couple hours of daylight and again prior to dawn. Big, noisy lures or larger plastic minnow-type baits are good producers in low light, and when trolled in an erratic, stop and go, zigzag pattern, strikes are not just subtle "takes" but rock-solid strikes!
A well-organized boat, free of obstacles to trip over or to produce unwanted noise is important at night or at low light times - or anytime for that matter. Trolling speed is very slow, and noisy activity will surely hamper your catch rate. At night, some anglers lay out a string of glow-in-the-dark floats to serve as control points, or they wait for sufficient moonlight. The best nighttime efforts are the result of a daytime trip or two on new water just to become totally familiar with after-dark conditions, although it all becomes a totally different world after dark. No question though, the effort is well worth the hassle.
SPINNERS & WORMS
Iman is a hardcore spinner-and-worm fisherman. The tactic is really quite simple, involving a spinning blade that rotates around his line with a night crawler or other enticement placed on the hook.
The set-up is fitted to a conventional "bottom walker" weight device, which keeps the lure directly on the bottom. A never-wavering eye on his locator keeps the boat directly along the deep-water edge where fish hold. Often, walleyes suspend several feet off the bottom along these break lines, and the locator will pinpoint this aspect. Then, merely adjusting the weight to raise or lower the lure keeps it directly in the "line of sight and sound," as Iman refers.
Overall, most Columbia River walleye anglers prefer just three proven methods. Either lead head jigs treated with a night crawler, piece of fish meat, or other such enticement account for fish at depths of more than 30 or so feet. Lighter weighted leadheads work well in the shallow back bays where current is lacking, however, in the main river flow, jigs weighing as much as 1/2- to 3/4-ounce and even more, are necessary to maintain bottom contact, and then, always worked in an up and down motion ultra-slowly along shorelines. Also, it's important to mention, jiggers and trollers alike have spent countless hours traversing deep-water haunts for walleyes with standard methods, only to retrace their paths with heavy, flashy jigging spoons, again sweetened with some form of dead bait for fantastic success.
Second, trolling minnow-imitating lures with sufficient weight fastened several feet above the lure, which allows it to reach the desired depth, can be very effective, especially in areas of off-colored water.
And third, the deadly spinner and worm combo, also trolled as noted, will round out a Columbia River angler's arsenal in any situation.
The word is out and experts agree, the next world-record walleye is likely to be lurking somewhere in the mighty Columbia River.
By A. Steven Payne
Walleye fishing guide Ed Iman eyed the water suspiciously as he sized up current and flow patterns, while we drifted slowly along a Columbia River shoreline studded with rock. Finally, his trained eye settled on a particularly interesting current swirl, and with a hard burst of throttle, the boat lurched upstream to a point just above where a racy side stream tumbled into the main river.
"Okay, you guys, we're gonna anchor just above where that stream's coming in," Iman said. "Then, we cast upstream, and the current's gonna carry our lures up onto the gravel bar at the mouth. Oughta be fish up on the bar or at the lower end." In a moment, the anchor caught, and we were in position.
My first cast easily cleared the stream's mouth, and the lure surged into the flow. I closed the spinning reel's bail, retrieved through the current and into the slick eddy-swirl where the stream joined the river. The intense throbbing of my deep diving steelhead lure vibrated up through the rod only briefly, and then it became alive with action. A dedicated hookset, and we stared as 6-pound line peeled from the reel. I tightened the drag, leaned into the fish and soon worked a chunky 8-pound walleye close enough so Iman could deftly scoop the fish into his net.
Before I could release the fish, both my partners were busy at the same game. Longtime friend and former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Dave Kreig and fishing buddy and professional guide Ed Iman both brought identical fish to the boat, so we readily shared netting duties. Over the next two days, we rarely boated a fish under six pounds!
Noted Western angling instructor Dick Lee hoists a chunky marble-eye from its Columbia River hideout. Photo by A. Steven Payne
Traditionally, most anglers consider walleyes the prime species to be sought across the Eastern and Midwest regions of the country, however, very quietly, that concept is changing, as the incredible walleye assumes a uniquely active role in Western waters as well. Indeed, many of the West's gigantic reservoirs and rivers have come to be recognized as providing some of the finest walleye fishing opportunities anywhere in the country. And it's important to note, this phenomenal walleye action is not limited to a single part of the West. They're everywhere, with the exception of California, where they are unwanted. The breakthrough news, however, includes tales of trophy-class fish in virtually untouched fisheries. Also, as a result of so many other angling opportunities available in the West, walleye fishermen are generally a lonely if not small bunch.
Professional and amateur anglers have traveled across the country just to experience the West's treasures of the dynamic walleye fisheries, and scores have been rewarded with superb fishing pleasure. Because of the huge amount of water in lakes, reservoirs and rivers they now inhabit, a distinct learning process is involved, and nowhere is that more important than on the giant Columbia River, as it tumbles and flows between Oregon and Washington on its way to the Pacific Ocean.
To take advantage of this unequalled, virtually untapped resource, gather an assortment of the most effective tackle, a few quality rods, and a big net! And never underestimate the weather out here, so toss in long johns, a warm jacket, raingear and a cowboy hat. Midday sunburn can be intense; thus, the key is to be prepared for some of everything, and then head out to some of the most exciting walleye fishing in the country.
STEPPING UP FOR THE RIDE
Enjoy the scenery along the way. Relish in the captivating grandeur of mountain splendor. Note where never-ending grain fields consume the landform, where wild horses, sage brush, antelope, and jack rabbits thrive on open range, and where sandy prairies give way to massive volcanic outcroppings, and finally, to where raging upstream winds can pummel the shorelines of perhaps the nation's premier walleye factory, the mighty Columbia River.
In some areas on the river, walleyes inhabit the water from shore to shore, but skilled guides and anglers have learned that the giants we seek are found primarily in select locations where they grow to phenomenal proportions. For example, here a walleye isn't considered in the trophy class until it reaches 15 pounds! Ten-pound fish are easy, 12s are common, and 14-pound walleyes happen frequently.
The Oregon record stands at an incredible 19 pounds, 15 1/4 ounces, and Washington's largest is excess of 18 pounds. Even here, where the river produces huge chinook salmon, giant steelhead, rainbows, bruiser-class largemouth and smallmouth bass, even 100-pound plus sturgeon, walleye fishing has made a limited impression on native sportsmen. Ironically though, many fish approaching such proportions never touch a scale because Western walleye anglers - the limited number who regularly fish for them - have learned that the species is superb table fare.
Although the Columbia is the premier walleye factory in the West, a number of huge impoundments created by massive dams and other current restrictors also grow big walleyes in ideal conditions. In Washington, unquestionably the prime region of Western walleye country, a series of Corps of Engineers dam projects include Banks, Billy Clapp, Potholes, Soda, Roosevelt and a number of other enormous walleye waters are scattered across the state's river corridor. All of them are continually kicking out the "easy" sizes for locals who fish for them.
The Columbia, however, contains a distinct variety of ideal fish-holding features. Coarse, rocky shoreline slopes extending to feeder streams all hold fish, as do the maze of backwater eddy pools, the secluded back bays and channels, untold numbers of underwater humps and protruding island sanctuaries. And then the pros will tell you the absolute choice fish magnets always involve the deep, backwater "slicks" below the many dams.
FISHING HOTSPOTS
Most side streams and in-flows entering the river are heavily laden with food nutrients and oxygen, tumbling from high mountain elevations or long distances through rugged terrain. Thus, in bright sunlight, fish often "stack up" in the shade provided by towering rock walls or in the off-color water that is created by raging upstream winds near these areas. In fact, master walleye expert Ed Iman and others prefer the churning effect of wind to create slightly stained water, where the large fish may be found. Some skilled anglers create this effect by racing their boats along suitable shorelines to create a muddy-like area where fish congregate to beat the overhead light, then returning later to reap the reward.
Prime forage for Western walleyes includes "slow" (to react) trout fingerlings among dozens of other fish species. Indeed, walleyes are simply not in the same speed league as salmon, rainbows, cutthroat or some other species, but due to the devastating effects of the many dams on the river, a never-ending supply of "easy prey" food is ensured by the dam's inner-working turbines. Hence, a prime fishing area is immediately downstream, or it is within a half-mile or so from the outfall where walleyes and other species congregate to forage with wild abandon. Also, juvenile salmon, crayfish, (a burgeoning population) whitefish and several "trash" species serve to grow big walleyes.
As early as late February or early March, the larger fish begin deep-water staging in anticipation of spawn activity. At this time, they may be found on the steep breaking edges of shoreline flats, along the edges of protruding rocks or submerged reefs, and as much as 30 to 50 feet deep, but never in the main current flow. Spawning areas include sandy/gravelly mouths of streams, broad gravel flats on outer bends in the river, or the long, tapering slopes of literally hundreds of islands or connecting underwater ridges.
POST-SPAWN FISHING
There is a brief recuperative time following spawn, and then fishing becomes really exciting! Due to the vastly changing terrain, fluctuating water levels and extreme depths coupled with gin-clear to chocolate-brown water, plus currents that change almost hourly, a select range of catching techniques learned over years on the river have proven more effective than others.
Iman, an unequalled local outdoor enthusiast, learned the ways of the walleye over decades of plying the river's deep-submerged secrets and also as a crew member working on the enormous tug boats that push huge strings of barges laden with all manner of freight up and down the river from port to port. During "slow time" while barges are being loaded or unloaded, Iman spent countless hours on the water, learning current patterns, the habits and preferred range of walleyes and virtually all the tidbits of information that have made him one of the most sought after fishing guides in the West. Here are his picks for the most productive regions of the mighty Columbia River and its many backwater walleye-holding areas.
"Given my options, I go up-stream," he said. "I like to call the small town of Boardman, Oregon my home during the busy guide season, since it's very near the best areas I know. There's a good launch there, and there's motels for my clients. Upstream from Boardman, the town of Umatilla has a good launch also, and the area between the dam and U.S. Highway 395 above Umatilla is a key walleye holding site, with lots of "slick" water below the dam and the rocky edges of both shores holding fish. Also, between Boardman and Umatilla, mostly on the Washington side of the river, there's a lot of good backwater and dozens of islands, bays and channels."
He noted the best areas to fish in this region include the downstream end of islands or the lower end of churning eddy pools.
"But don't limit yourself to just these hotspots," he noted. "On down-river, be sure to work the many islands and underwater humps. Best to use a depth locator to find the areas where the break-line drops into deeper water. Bigger fish tend to hang out on those edges. And if you remember, the Corps opened all the dams a few years back, and actually washed big walleyes all the way to Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington. So, it's kind of tough to say where the best fishing is gonna be. But give me half a chance, I'll be somewhere between the line from Hood River, Oregon/White Salmon, Washington and the John Day Dam way upstream.
"Best advice I could give anyone hoping to fish the river would be to pick up a contour map that shows the reefs and all the water depths. Then, depending on the season, work the deepest water earliest in the year, moving to the shorelines and drifting with leadhead jigs until water settles down some. Later, you can get into trolling with minnow plugs and my favorite, a spinner and worm set-up. And don't forget: When the weather breaks and it starts warming up, it is one of the best times to be out there. For me, the night bite is the right bite!"
My walleye fanatic friends and I prefer to troll. Trolling covers maximum amounts of productive water, and it allows the lure to be maintained directly in the fish-catching zone. In springtime, as air temps reach the low 60s and the river prepares for very warm weather ahead, weed growth emerges along back bay shorelines, and it's here that big fish lurk. Water may range from 12 to 20 feet, but experience has shown that the fish will generally be shallower, especially at low light times. A favorite time to be trolling these "hotspots" is the last couple hours of daylight and again prior to dawn. Big, noisy lures or larger plastic minnow-type baits are good producers in low light, and when trolled in an erratic, stop and go, zigzag pattern, strikes are not just subtle "takes" but rock-solid strikes!
A well-organized boat, free of obstacles to trip over or to produce unwanted noise is important at night or at low light times - or anytime for that matter. Trolling speed is very slow, and noisy activity will surely hamper your catch rate. At night, some anglers lay out a string of glow-in-the-dark floats to serve as control points, or they wait for sufficient moonlight. The best nighttime efforts are the result of a daytime trip or two on new water just to become totally familiar with after-dark conditions, although it all becomes a totally different world after dark. No question though, the effort is well worth the hassle.
SPINNERS & WORMS
Iman is a hardcore spinner-and-worm fisherman. The tactic is really quite simple, involving a spinning blade that rotates around his line with a night crawler or other enticement placed on the hook.
The set-up is fitted to a conventional "bottom walker" weight device, which keeps the lure directly on the bottom. A never-wavering eye on his locator keeps the boat directly along the deep-water edge where fish hold. Often, walleyes suspend several feet off the bottom along these break lines, and the locator will pinpoint this aspect. Then, merely adjusting the weight to raise or lower the lure keeps it directly in the "line of sight and sound," as Iman refers.
Overall, most Columbia River walleye anglers prefer just three proven methods. Either lead head jigs treated with a night crawler, piece of fish meat, or other such enticement account for fish at depths of more than 30 or so feet. Lighter weighted leadheads work well in the shallow back bays where current is lacking, however, in the main river flow, jigs weighing as much as 1/2- to 3/4-ounce and even more, are necessary to maintain bottom contact, and then, always worked in an up and down motion ultra-slowly along shorelines. Also, it's important to mention, jiggers and trollers alike have spent countless hours traversing deep-water haunts for walleyes with standard methods, only to retrace their paths with heavy, flashy jigging spoons, again sweetened with some form of dead bait for fantastic success.
Second, trolling minnow-imitating lures with sufficient weight fastened several feet above the lure, which allows it to reach the desired depth, can be very effective, especially in areas of off-colored water.
And third, the deadly spinner and worm combo, also trolled as noted, will round out a Columbia River angler's arsenal in any situation.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Watching the weather can improve your success
Weather and Fishing
Every angler is interested in catching larger fish, faster. Every angler also knows that the best fishing times are when the fish are feeding, which is typically at dusk and dawn. But there are other factors to consider, too. Here's more ...
A History of Solunar Tables
The quest to determine the best times to hunt and fish is not a recent project. For hundreds of years people that made their living hunting and fishing recognized that there were certain times when wildlife was more abundant. The lives of most Native Americans were completely dependent on knowing the best times to hunt and fish. People who base their existence on the ocean or lakes have long understood that solar and lunar influences help determine the best times to fish.
What is generally known and almost universally accepted is that fish and game are more active at certain times of the day, most noticeably at dawn and dusk. It is also generally agreed that many game species are more active during certain phases of the moon as well as when the moon is in certain positions in the sky each day. All of these influences have an individual effect that can be observed and in some instances measured.
Much of the early research and understanding of solar and lunar influences was pioneered by John Alden Knight. In 1926 Knight began his studies of various influences that affect wildlife activity. This research resulted in his publication of tables that illustrated periods in each day of major activity and minor activity. To substantiate his research and theory, Knight analyzed data for over 200 record catches of fish. His analysis concluded that 90% of the catches were made while in the effect of the new moon and while in a "solunar period".
Additional proof of Knight's theory was provided by a biologist at Northwestern University. Dr Frank A. Brown had live oysters flown in to his lab in Chicago, Illinois. Oysters open their shells at each high tide. Dr. Brown wanted to see if this opening and closing was the actual result of the changes in water flow from the tides or from lunar influences. Dr. Brown discovered that after about a week the oysters had changed their opening and closing to correspond to the times that the moon was directly overhead and underfoot for Chicago.
Solunar tables have been used in some form since 1936. Since that time, the most significant improvement in our understanding of influences on wildlife activity has come with more recent capabilities to calculate and observe the combined effect of multiple solar and lunar influences. The days and times of these combined influences result in periods of significantly increased activity, which are shown in Weather and Wildlife Charts.
Solar Influence
The sun is the largest body in our solar system and some would say exerts the greatest influence in our daily lives, as well as that of wildlife. The primary solar periods that are factored in Weather and Wildlife charts are dawn, dusk, midday and midnight. Each of these periods is determined based on the exact time of sunrise and sunset for that specific location and date.
The sun has its greatest influence when it is at its zenith or most directly overhead. That point occurs around June 21st each year in the northern hemisphere. Even though the solar influence on wildlife within each day is significant, the day-to-day and even the week-to-week change resulting from this solar influence is incremental and not very noticeable.
Lunar Influence
The moon is also a large factor in the day-to-day lives of people as well as wildlife. Some of the lunar influences are obvious while some are not. The most obvious and measurable affects of the moon on the earth are seen with tides. The gravitational force of the moon is one of the primary influences in the rise and fall of tides. The period that the moon exerts its greatest influence at any specific location on earth is based on the relative position of the moon, the distance the moon is from the earth, and the angle of the moon above a certain location at that specific time.
Most evidence and conventional wisdom indicate that the periods of greatest lunar influence on wildlife are when the moon is most directly overhead and then again when it is most directly underfoot (opposite side of the earth). These two positions are usually referred to as "major" activity periods or in other charts as "excellent" activity periods. There are two other daily periods of lunar influence that occur halfway between the overhead and underfoot positions, and they are usually called "minor" or "good" activity periods.
When the moon is at perigee (closest to earth) all other lunar influences are magnified. This is also the case when the moon is at its highest declination or so called high moon. The moon phase has also been shown to indicate, if not directly cause, certain heightened periods of activity.
Weather and Wildlife Charts
What determines why one specific day is a better day to fish than another? Why are you more likely to find fish feeding at certain times of the day than others? These are good questions that anyone is likely to have when looking at a solunar table.
Virtually all wildlife repeats certain activities each and every day. All fish and animals must eat and rest to sustain life. The movement necessary to accomplish these basic needs is what provides all of us with the opportunity to observe and to harvest more game and fish. Our ability to understand how these solar and lunar influences affect feeding activity has made hunting and fishing more predictable. Weather and Wildlife charts are a simple way to graphically combine the solar and lunar influences discussed above and illustrate the results in a clear and easy to read format.
Best Time of the Day or Peak Activity Time
During each day the sun and moon exert their individual influence on each and every hour. Each hour and day will have a different combination of these influences. The Best Time of the Day Chart shows the entire day graphically so that you can quickly determine the peak activity times for fishing at your specific location. Times that show a higher rating have a greater combination of solar and lunar influence and thus a higher probability of heightened wildlife activity. Sunrise and set, the two most significant solar periods, are also indicated on the chart. All Weather and Wildlife charts are generated for the specific latitude and longitude from the data entered. The Best Time of the Day Chart can also be viewed for a total of ten days including the current date.
Declination and Diurnal Inequality
Anyone who has used solunar charts or tables (sun and moon) to predict wildlife feeding activity is probably familiar with the terms "major" and "minor" period. As discussed earlier they are also often referred to as "excellent" or "good" times. These major times occur when the moon is directly overhead or underfoot and the minor times follow the major times by approximately 6 hours. The lunar event from which each of these times are calculated is called "transit", or the daily point that the moon passes the meridian at that specific location. Transit occurs sometime between moonrise and moonset, but not always halfway between.
The other two lunar events that affect the intensity of the feeding activity periods are "perigee" and "high moon". High moon is another name for the monthly point of maximum lunar declination.
To understand the "high moon" effect it is important to understand that the lunar orbit is not on the same plane as the earth's equator. The moon's orbit is tilted in two different planes 28.5 degrees off the earth's equator. At some point in its orbit, the moon will be 28.5 degrees above the equator and approximately two weeks later it will be 28.5 degrees below it. The moons orbit varies between these two positions during the month, appearing to advance to the north and then retreat back to the south. This advancing and retreating is what is called lunar declination. The highest declination or "high moon" is determined when the moon is at its highest altitude angle.
Diurnal inequality is what causes one of the "major periods" to be less intense or weaker than the other major period during the same day. This is also why the two high tides during the same day are almost never equal. Most solunar tables are based entirely on daily transit times. A few tables include a "high moon" effect with no consideration of declination. Only Weather and Wildlife charts incorporate all the above-mentioned factors to provide the most accurate ratings possible.
Game Fish
Understanding the affects of the sun and moon on wildlife is only one part of the complex puzzle that helps predict when game animals and fish are most active. First and perhaps most important to putting together the puzzle is a good understanding of the individual species being pursued. Most game fish species are carnivores and will eat a wide variety of foods, but quite frequently they feed on other smaller fish. Fish are opportunistic feeders and will feed ravenously when hungry, and when food is readily available. However when full they may totally ignore the food source. There is an extremely large number of different species of fish that are sought after in both fresh-water and salt-water. Weather and Wildlife charts rate the lunar and solar events that generally affect all fish. However, each species has certain specific habits and diet that requires specific knowledge and individual study in order to understand their feeding tendencies.
Weather is the single most significant factor that affects wildlife activity. Every one that has spent time fishing knows that changing barometric pressure or frontal activity can bring fishing activity to a halt even in peak activity times. Weather and Wildlife Charts are based on steady fair weather. Changing weather may result in activity levels less than what is shown in the chart. It is also true that knowing when weather will stabilize is equally important to predicting heightened feeding activity.
Understanding the impact of weather on the individual species of fish you are pursuing as well as other factors including depth fished, water temperature and clarity are also important factors in your success. Perhaps the most important reason for viewing and understanding weather as a factor in your fishing plans relates to safety. High winds and cold temperatures can be a deadly combination when you are unprepared. There is a great deal of information available on the Internet for people who want to learn about the anatomy, habits, diet, reproduction and many other facts about various game animals and fish.
Every angler is interested in catching larger fish, faster. Every angler also knows that the best fishing times are when the fish are feeding, which is typically at dusk and dawn. But there are other factors to consider, too. Here's more ...
A History of Solunar Tables
The quest to determine the best times to hunt and fish is not a recent project. For hundreds of years people that made their living hunting and fishing recognized that there were certain times when wildlife was more abundant. The lives of most Native Americans were completely dependent on knowing the best times to hunt and fish. People who base their existence on the ocean or lakes have long understood that solar and lunar influences help determine the best times to fish.
What is generally known and almost universally accepted is that fish and game are more active at certain times of the day, most noticeably at dawn and dusk. It is also generally agreed that many game species are more active during certain phases of the moon as well as when the moon is in certain positions in the sky each day. All of these influences have an individual effect that can be observed and in some instances measured.
Much of the early research and understanding of solar and lunar influences was pioneered by John Alden Knight. In 1926 Knight began his studies of various influences that affect wildlife activity. This research resulted in his publication of tables that illustrated periods in each day of major activity and minor activity. To substantiate his research and theory, Knight analyzed data for over 200 record catches of fish. His analysis concluded that 90% of the catches were made while in the effect of the new moon and while in a "solunar period".
Additional proof of Knight's theory was provided by a biologist at Northwestern University. Dr Frank A. Brown had live oysters flown in to his lab in Chicago, Illinois. Oysters open their shells at each high tide. Dr. Brown wanted to see if this opening and closing was the actual result of the changes in water flow from the tides or from lunar influences. Dr. Brown discovered that after about a week the oysters had changed their opening and closing to correspond to the times that the moon was directly overhead and underfoot for Chicago.
Solunar tables have been used in some form since 1936. Since that time, the most significant improvement in our understanding of influences on wildlife activity has come with more recent capabilities to calculate and observe the combined effect of multiple solar and lunar influences. The days and times of these combined influences result in periods of significantly increased activity, which are shown in Weather and Wildlife Charts.
Solar Influence
The sun is the largest body in our solar system and some would say exerts the greatest influence in our daily lives, as well as that of wildlife. The primary solar periods that are factored in Weather and Wildlife charts are dawn, dusk, midday and midnight. Each of these periods is determined based on the exact time of sunrise and sunset for that specific location and date.
The sun has its greatest influence when it is at its zenith or most directly overhead. That point occurs around June 21st each year in the northern hemisphere. Even though the solar influence on wildlife within each day is significant, the day-to-day and even the week-to-week change resulting from this solar influence is incremental and not very noticeable.
Lunar Influence
The moon is also a large factor in the day-to-day lives of people as well as wildlife. Some of the lunar influences are obvious while some are not. The most obvious and measurable affects of the moon on the earth are seen with tides. The gravitational force of the moon is one of the primary influences in the rise and fall of tides. The period that the moon exerts its greatest influence at any specific location on earth is based on the relative position of the moon, the distance the moon is from the earth, and the angle of the moon above a certain location at that specific time.
Most evidence and conventional wisdom indicate that the periods of greatest lunar influence on wildlife are when the moon is most directly overhead and then again when it is most directly underfoot (opposite side of the earth). These two positions are usually referred to as "major" activity periods or in other charts as "excellent" activity periods. There are two other daily periods of lunar influence that occur halfway between the overhead and underfoot positions, and they are usually called "minor" or "good" activity periods.
When the moon is at perigee (closest to earth) all other lunar influences are magnified. This is also the case when the moon is at its highest declination or so called high moon. The moon phase has also been shown to indicate, if not directly cause, certain heightened periods of activity.
Weather and Wildlife Charts
What determines why one specific day is a better day to fish than another? Why are you more likely to find fish feeding at certain times of the day than others? These are good questions that anyone is likely to have when looking at a solunar table.
Virtually all wildlife repeats certain activities each and every day. All fish and animals must eat and rest to sustain life. The movement necessary to accomplish these basic needs is what provides all of us with the opportunity to observe and to harvest more game and fish. Our ability to understand how these solar and lunar influences affect feeding activity has made hunting and fishing more predictable. Weather and Wildlife charts are a simple way to graphically combine the solar and lunar influences discussed above and illustrate the results in a clear and easy to read format.
Best Time of the Day or Peak Activity Time
During each day the sun and moon exert their individual influence on each and every hour. Each hour and day will have a different combination of these influences. The Best Time of the Day Chart shows the entire day graphically so that you can quickly determine the peak activity times for fishing at your specific location. Times that show a higher rating have a greater combination of solar and lunar influence and thus a higher probability of heightened wildlife activity. Sunrise and set, the two most significant solar periods, are also indicated on the chart. All Weather and Wildlife charts are generated for the specific latitude and longitude from the data entered. The Best Time of the Day Chart can also be viewed for a total of ten days including the current date.
Declination and Diurnal Inequality
Anyone who has used solunar charts or tables (sun and moon) to predict wildlife feeding activity is probably familiar with the terms "major" and "minor" period. As discussed earlier they are also often referred to as "excellent" or "good" times. These major times occur when the moon is directly overhead or underfoot and the minor times follow the major times by approximately 6 hours. The lunar event from which each of these times are calculated is called "transit", or the daily point that the moon passes the meridian at that specific location. Transit occurs sometime between moonrise and moonset, but not always halfway between.
The other two lunar events that affect the intensity of the feeding activity periods are "perigee" and "high moon". High moon is another name for the monthly point of maximum lunar declination.
To understand the "high moon" effect it is important to understand that the lunar orbit is not on the same plane as the earth's equator. The moon's orbit is tilted in two different planes 28.5 degrees off the earth's equator. At some point in its orbit, the moon will be 28.5 degrees above the equator and approximately two weeks later it will be 28.5 degrees below it. The moons orbit varies between these two positions during the month, appearing to advance to the north and then retreat back to the south. This advancing and retreating is what is called lunar declination. The highest declination or "high moon" is determined when the moon is at its highest altitude angle.
Diurnal inequality is what causes one of the "major periods" to be less intense or weaker than the other major period during the same day. This is also why the two high tides during the same day are almost never equal. Most solunar tables are based entirely on daily transit times. A few tables include a "high moon" effect with no consideration of declination. Only Weather and Wildlife charts incorporate all the above-mentioned factors to provide the most accurate ratings possible.
Game Fish
Understanding the affects of the sun and moon on wildlife is only one part of the complex puzzle that helps predict when game animals and fish are most active. First and perhaps most important to putting together the puzzle is a good understanding of the individual species being pursued. Most game fish species are carnivores and will eat a wide variety of foods, but quite frequently they feed on other smaller fish. Fish are opportunistic feeders and will feed ravenously when hungry, and when food is readily available. However when full they may totally ignore the food source. There is an extremely large number of different species of fish that are sought after in both fresh-water and salt-water. Weather and Wildlife charts rate the lunar and solar events that generally affect all fish. However, each species has certain specific habits and diet that requires specific knowledge and individual study in order to understand their feeding tendencies.
Weather is the single most significant factor that affects wildlife activity. Every one that has spent time fishing knows that changing barometric pressure or frontal activity can bring fishing activity to a halt even in peak activity times. Weather and Wildlife Charts are based on steady fair weather. Changing weather may result in activity levels less than what is shown in the chart. It is also true that knowing when weather will stabilize is equally important to predicting heightened feeding activity.
Understanding the impact of weather on the individual species of fish you are pursuing as well as other factors including depth fished, water temperature and clarity are also important factors in your success. Perhaps the most important reason for viewing and understanding weather as a factor in your fishing plans relates to safety. High winds and cold temperatures can be a deadly combination when you are unprepared. There is a great deal of information available on the Internet for people who want to learn about the anatomy, habits, diet, reproduction and many other facts about various game animals and fish.
Friday, February 6, 2009
The Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth are the most active of the bass family. If you hook into one, hold on, because you are in for a good fight. Unlike the largemouth, the smallmouth will leap, flip, flop, and spin to throw the hook. They fight like a largemouth that is twice their size. Since they are so active they will eat more prey than a largemouth will. A largemouth will wait for one or two big meals while a smallmouth is more active and will eat meals that vary from crawdads, to minnows, to worms.
How can I tell it apart from a Largemouth:
A smallmouth bass is a member of the bass family that is brownish and bronze in color. The largemouth bass is more greenish and has a tint of yellow. The body looks a lot like that of a largemouth except the coloration and the size of the mouth. If you can’t tell the difference between the two from color alone look at the point in the back of the jaw bone. Where it comes to a V. If that V is under the imaginary parallel line that the eye makes directly behind the eye than it is a smallmouth. If the V is above the eye line than it is a largemouth.
Where to Catch them:
You can catch a smallmouth in any part of a lake where they live but to consistently catch them and to catch the big ones fish around rocky points and shorelines. If you have a depth finder look for areas under the water where a hump rises or the bottom is real jagged. If there are rocks in the area there probably is crawfish and smallmouth and crawfish go hand in hand. They will go up into shallow coves at certain times of the year but they prefer deeper water. They spawn in about 10-15 feet of water.
Smallmouth prefer to live in cold and clear water. It is unlikely they will do well in a small warm and muddy pond. They just won’t survive.
They will stay around rocky and sandy shorelines but they school up more than largemouth so be prepared to find them chasing schools of bait. Look for ripples or disturbances on the top of the water. Most likely there are smallmouth below a school of bait fish. Cast to that spot and be ready.
Their Diet:
Smallmouth love Crawfish/Crawdads. This is their favorite foods do use lures that simulate that of a crawfish. They also feed on leeches, minnows, other bass, frogs, snakes, mice, bug, insects, grasshoppers, crickets, and basically anything alive in the water. This makes them easy to catch because they are not too picky.
Downsize Your Lure, To Upsize Your Catch!:
Believe it or not, if you want to consistently catch BIG SMALLMOUTH, downsize your bait. By downsizing your Rapala, grubs, jigs, and other lures you can better your chances of hooking into a real monster. You will also increase your chances of catching more fish, and isn't that what its all about anyway. One of the biggest Smallies’ I have ever caught came on a lure about the same size as its eyeball. Very tiny.
This is an opposite to the advice that most fisherman give. Everyone these days is saying, “get the biggest lure you can find, big lure means big fish.” While this does hold truth especially with Largemouth, it is not always or often the case with smallmouth.
Top Water Action:
If you want some serious excitement, go fish for smallmouth with top water lures. I recommend the Skitter Pop by Rapala, or the Super Spook Magnum by Excallibar, or the original Pop-R. Any prop-bait as well. A prop bait is a lure with a propeller on it that spins as you retrieve the lure. This adds a wake to the water and a splashing noise that fish can’t resist. It almost appears to be the tail of a minnow splashing back and forth on the top as the prey tries to escape from the predator. When the fishing is hot I recommend a fast top-water retrieve. Make as much noise and splash as much water as you can with it. When the fish are biting they will hammer the top for an easy meal. When the bite is slow I recommend a slow retrieve. Just twitch it on top and let it sit. One rule of thumb I have for a slow bite is to let the lure sit after you cast it until all the ripples have disappeared from around it, then begin your slow retrieve. This drives them crazy.
I really love seeing a smallmouth come to the top and drill a top-water lure. All Hell breaks loose when this happens.
It’s important to make a quick and swift hook-set after it bites. Keep tension on the fish the whole way and be prepared for it to jump and attempt to spit the lure. Smallmouth are notorious for that. They swim just as fast as any other freshwater fish I have caught as well so be ready when you set into a big one.
How can I tell it apart from a Largemouth:
A smallmouth bass is a member of the bass family that is brownish and bronze in color. The largemouth bass is more greenish and has a tint of yellow. The body looks a lot like that of a largemouth except the coloration and the size of the mouth. If you can’t tell the difference between the two from color alone look at the point in the back of the jaw bone. Where it comes to a V. If that V is under the imaginary parallel line that the eye makes directly behind the eye than it is a smallmouth. If the V is above the eye line than it is a largemouth.
Where to Catch them:
You can catch a smallmouth in any part of a lake where they live but to consistently catch them and to catch the big ones fish around rocky points and shorelines. If you have a depth finder look for areas under the water where a hump rises or the bottom is real jagged. If there are rocks in the area there probably is crawfish and smallmouth and crawfish go hand in hand. They will go up into shallow coves at certain times of the year but they prefer deeper water. They spawn in about 10-15 feet of water.
Smallmouth prefer to live in cold and clear water. It is unlikely they will do well in a small warm and muddy pond. They just won’t survive.
They will stay around rocky and sandy shorelines but they school up more than largemouth so be prepared to find them chasing schools of bait. Look for ripples or disturbances on the top of the water. Most likely there are smallmouth below a school of bait fish. Cast to that spot and be ready.
Their Diet:
Smallmouth love Crawfish/Crawdads. This is their favorite foods do use lures that simulate that of a crawfish. They also feed on leeches, minnows, other bass, frogs, snakes, mice, bug, insects, grasshoppers, crickets, and basically anything alive in the water. This makes them easy to catch because they are not too picky.
Downsize Your Lure, To Upsize Your Catch!:
Believe it or not, if you want to consistently catch BIG SMALLMOUTH, downsize your bait. By downsizing your Rapala, grubs, jigs, and other lures you can better your chances of hooking into a real monster. You will also increase your chances of catching more fish, and isn't that what its all about anyway. One of the biggest Smallies’ I have ever caught came on a lure about the same size as its eyeball. Very tiny.
This is an opposite to the advice that most fisherman give. Everyone these days is saying, “get the biggest lure you can find, big lure means big fish.” While this does hold truth especially with Largemouth, it is not always or often the case with smallmouth.
Top Water Action:
If you want some serious excitement, go fish for smallmouth with top water lures. I recommend the Skitter Pop by Rapala, or the Super Spook Magnum by Excallibar, or the original Pop-R. Any prop-bait as well. A prop bait is a lure with a propeller on it that spins as you retrieve the lure. This adds a wake to the water and a splashing noise that fish can’t resist. It almost appears to be the tail of a minnow splashing back and forth on the top as the prey tries to escape from the predator. When the fishing is hot I recommend a fast top-water retrieve. Make as much noise and splash as much water as you can with it. When the fish are biting they will hammer the top for an easy meal. When the bite is slow I recommend a slow retrieve. Just twitch it on top and let it sit. One rule of thumb I have for a slow bite is to let the lure sit after you cast it until all the ripples have disappeared from around it, then begin your slow retrieve. This drives them crazy.
I really love seeing a smallmouth come to the top and drill a top-water lure. All Hell breaks loose when this happens.
It’s important to make a quick and swift hook-set after it bites. Keep tension on the fish the whole way and be prepared for it to jump and attempt to spit the lure. Smallmouth are notorious for that. They swim just as fast as any other freshwater fish I have caught as well so be ready when you set into a big one.
Oregon Bass Fishing
Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass
Fishing in Oregon.
Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in the Oregon area.
Bass Fishing Lakes In Oregon
The major lakes with a healthy population of bass include Brownlee Reservoir, Crane Prarie Reservoir, Crump Lake, Davis Lake, Fern Ridge Reservoir, Lake Billy Chinook, Lake Owyhee, Phillips Lake, Prineville Reservoir, Siltcoos Lake, Tahkenitch Lake, Tenmile Lake and Warm Springs Reservoir. Other ponds and small lakes also contain bass. The Columbia River, Coos River and others also offer bass fishing opportunities.
Some of the Oregon waters preferred by tournament fisherman include the Columbia River, Willamette River, and Umpqua River for some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the world. Hagg Lake has the state record smallmouth but can be a very tough lake. It does have half of the lake reserved as a no wake zone and the other half for water sports so it is popular. Tenmile lake and all the coastal lakes, Crane Prarie, Dorena Res., Green Peter Res., Cottage Grove Res., all of these locations are excelent largemouth bass fisheries.
A private pond produced the Oregon state record largemouth bass and the OR state record smallmouth bass came out of Henry Hagg Lake.
Bass are aggressive feeders and agile enough to chase down and catch most of their favorite foods. They are most easily caught during a feeding spree but can be enticed into striking an anglers bait for reasons other than hunger. They are predatory by nature and at times will strike at anything that enters their world. They are also territorial and at times strike anything that ventures into their domain. If it moves and they can get it into their large mouth, bass will attempt to eat it.
Fishing in Oregon.
Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in the Oregon area.
Bass Fishing Lakes In Oregon
The major lakes with a healthy population of bass include Brownlee Reservoir, Crane Prarie Reservoir, Crump Lake, Davis Lake, Fern Ridge Reservoir, Lake Billy Chinook, Lake Owyhee, Phillips Lake, Prineville Reservoir, Siltcoos Lake, Tahkenitch Lake, Tenmile Lake and Warm Springs Reservoir. Other ponds and small lakes also contain bass. The Columbia River, Coos River and others also offer bass fishing opportunities.
Some of the Oregon waters preferred by tournament fisherman include the Columbia River, Willamette River, and Umpqua River for some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the world. Hagg Lake has the state record smallmouth but can be a very tough lake. It does have half of the lake reserved as a no wake zone and the other half for water sports so it is popular. Tenmile lake and all the coastal lakes, Crane Prarie, Dorena Res., Green Peter Res., Cottage Grove Res., all of these locations are excelent largemouth bass fisheries.
A private pond produced the Oregon state record largemouth bass and the OR state record smallmouth bass came out of Henry Hagg Lake.
Bass are aggressive feeders and agile enough to chase down and catch most of their favorite foods. They are most easily caught during a feeding spree but can be enticed into striking an anglers bait for reasons other than hunger. They are predatory by nature and at times will strike at anything that enters their world. They are also territorial and at times strike anything that ventures into their domain. If it moves and they can get it into their large mouth, bass will attempt to eat it.
US Smallmouth Records
Alabama 10 lbs 8 oz Wheeler Dam Tailwater Owen F.Smith 10/8/1950
Arizona 7 lbs.96 oz 22.75" Roosevelt Lake Dennis K. Barnhall 3/18/1988
Arkansas 7 lbs 5 oz Bull Shoals Lake Acie Dickerson 4/1/1969
California 9 lbs 1 oz Clair Engle Lake Tim Brady 3/20/1976
Colorado 5 lbs 12 oz 21" Navajo Reservoir Carl Dewey 1993
Connecticut 7 lbs 12 oz Shenipsit Lake Joseph Mankauskas Jr. 1980
Delaware 4 lbs 15 oz Brandywine River Jerry Proffitt 5/29/1989
Georgia 7 lbs 2 oz Lake Chatuge Jack Hall 3/28/1973
Hawaii 4 lbs 2.24 oz Manoa Stream Brian Suyeoka 3/25/1997
Idaho 9 lbs 11.5 oz 23.75" Dworshak Reservoir Dan Steigers 10/28/2006
Illinois 6 lbs 7 oz strip mine lake Mark Samp 3/26/1985
Indiana 7 lbs 4 oz Twin Lake Dana Yoder 1992
Iowa 7 lbs 12 oz 22.75" West Okoboji Lake Rick Gray 9/1990
Kansas 6 lbs 6 oz 21.25" Milford Reservoir Jimmy Gilreath 4/26/1997
Kentucky 8 lbs 7.36 oz Laurel River Lake Coolie Williams 5/16/1998
Maine 8 lbs 0 oz Thompson Lake George Dyer 1970
Manitoba 0 lbs 22.06"" Tooth Lake 1998
Maryland 8 lbs 4 oz Liberty Reservoir Gary Peters 10/4/1974
Massachusetts 8 lbs 2 oz Wachusett Reservoir Barbara Sasen 1991
Michigan 9 lbs 4 oz 27.25" Long Lake W.F. Shoemaker 1906
Minnesota 8 lbs 0 oz West Battle Lake John Creighton 1948
Mississippi 7 lbs 15 oz Pickwick Lake Thomas Wilbanks 1/24/1987
Missouri 7 lbs 2 oz Stockton Lake Kevin S. Clingan 12/18/1994
Montana 6 lbs 6.4 oz 21.25" Flathead River Ken Riska 4/16/2000
Montana 6 lbs 6. oz 21" Fort Peck Reservoir Mike Otten 7/30/2002
Nebraska 7 lbs 4 oz 22" MISSOURI RIVER DENNIS SWANSON 9/16/2000
Nevada 5 lbs 1 oz 20" South Fork Reservoir Tom R. Grant 2000
New Hampshire 7 lbs 14.5 oz 23.25" Goose Pond Francis H. Lord 8/1/1970
New Jersey 7 lbs 2 oz Round Valley Reservoir Carol Marciniak 1990
New Mexico 6 lbs 14 oz 22" Navajo Lake David L. Young 5/15/1999
New York 8 lbs 4 oz Lake Erie Andrew C. Kartesz 6/4/1995
North Carolina 10 lbs 0 oz Hiwassee Reservoir Archie Lampkin 6/1/1951
North Dakota 5 lbs 9 oz
Ohio 9 lbs 8 oz 23.5" Lake Erie Randy Van Dam 6/16/1993
Oklahoma 8 lbs 3 oz 23.5" Lake Eufaula Steve McLarty 3/4/2007
Ontario 9 lbs 84 oz N/A 0
Oregon 8 lbs 12 oz Henry Hagg Lake Nick Rubeo 10/8/2005
Pennsylvania 8 lbs 8 oz Scotts Run Lake Robert T. Steelman 1997
Rhode Island 5 lbs 15 oz 22" N/A 0
South Carolina 9 lbs 7 oz Lake Jocassee Terry Dodson 2001
South Dakota 6 lbs 2 oz Lewis & Clark Lake Loran Moore 10/3/1999
Tennessee 11 lbs 15 oz Dale Hollow Reservoir unknown 7/9/1955
Texas 7 lbs 14.88 oz 23" Lake Meredith Timothy Teague 3/13/1998
Utah 7 lbs 6 oz 22" Midview Reservoir (Lake Borham) Alan Iorg 1996
Vermont 6 lbs 12 oz Lake Champlain George Carlson 1978
Virginia 8 lbs 1 oz New River Donald S. Eaton, Jr 3/12/2003
Washington 8lbs 12oz Columbia River-Hanford Reach Ray Wonacott 4/23/1966
West Virginia 9 lbs 12 oz 24.25" South Branch David Lindsay 1971
Wisconsin 9 lbs 1 oz Indian Lake unknown 6/21/1950
Wyoming 5 lbs .94 oz 21" Flaming Gorge Reservoir Bubba O'Neil 2003
Arizona 7 lbs.96 oz 22.75" Roosevelt Lake Dennis K. Barnhall 3/18/1988
Arkansas 7 lbs 5 oz Bull Shoals Lake Acie Dickerson 4/1/1969
California 9 lbs 1 oz Clair Engle Lake Tim Brady 3/20/1976
Colorado 5 lbs 12 oz 21" Navajo Reservoir Carl Dewey 1993
Connecticut 7 lbs 12 oz Shenipsit Lake Joseph Mankauskas Jr. 1980
Delaware 4 lbs 15 oz Brandywine River Jerry Proffitt 5/29/1989
Georgia 7 lbs 2 oz Lake Chatuge Jack Hall 3/28/1973
Hawaii 4 lbs 2.24 oz Manoa Stream Brian Suyeoka 3/25/1997
Idaho 9 lbs 11.5 oz 23.75" Dworshak Reservoir Dan Steigers 10/28/2006
Illinois 6 lbs 7 oz strip mine lake Mark Samp 3/26/1985
Indiana 7 lbs 4 oz Twin Lake Dana Yoder 1992
Iowa 7 lbs 12 oz 22.75" West Okoboji Lake Rick Gray 9/1990
Kansas 6 lbs 6 oz 21.25" Milford Reservoir Jimmy Gilreath 4/26/1997
Kentucky 8 lbs 7.36 oz Laurel River Lake Coolie Williams 5/16/1998
Maine 8 lbs 0 oz Thompson Lake George Dyer 1970
Manitoba 0 lbs 22.06"" Tooth Lake 1998
Maryland 8 lbs 4 oz Liberty Reservoir Gary Peters 10/4/1974
Massachusetts 8 lbs 2 oz Wachusett Reservoir Barbara Sasen 1991
Michigan 9 lbs 4 oz 27.25" Long Lake W.F. Shoemaker 1906
Minnesota 8 lbs 0 oz West Battle Lake John Creighton 1948
Mississippi 7 lbs 15 oz Pickwick Lake Thomas Wilbanks 1/24/1987
Missouri 7 lbs 2 oz Stockton Lake Kevin S. Clingan 12/18/1994
Montana 6 lbs 6.4 oz 21.25" Flathead River Ken Riska 4/16/2000
Montana 6 lbs 6. oz 21" Fort Peck Reservoir Mike Otten 7/30/2002
Nebraska 7 lbs 4 oz 22" MISSOURI RIVER DENNIS SWANSON 9/16/2000
Nevada 5 lbs 1 oz 20" South Fork Reservoir Tom R. Grant 2000
New Hampshire 7 lbs 14.5 oz 23.25" Goose Pond Francis H. Lord 8/1/1970
New Jersey 7 lbs 2 oz Round Valley Reservoir Carol Marciniak 1990
New Mexico 6 lbs 14 oz 22" Navajo Lake David L. Young 5/15/1999
New York 8 lbs 4 oz Lake Erie Andrew C. Kartesz 6/4/1995
North Carolina 10 lbs 0 oz Hiwassee Reservoir Archie Lampkin 6/1/1951
North Dakota 5 lbs 9 oz
Ohio 9 lbs 8 oz 23.5" Lake Erie Randy Van Dam 6/16/1993
Oklahoma 8 lbs 3 oz 23.5" Lake Eufaula Steve McLarty 3/4/2007
Ontario 9 lbs 84 oz N/A 0
Oregon 8 lbs 12 oz Henry Hagg Lake Nick Rubeo 10/8/2005
Pennsylvania 8 lbs 8 oz Scotts Run Lake Robert T. Steelman 1997
Rhode Island 5 lbs 15 oz 22" N/A 0
South Carolina 9 lbs 7 oz Lake Jocassee Terry Dodson 2001
South Dakota 6 lbs 2 oz Lewis & Clark Lake Loran Moore 10/3/1999
Tennessee 11 lbs 15 oz Dale Hollow Reservoir unknown 7/9/1955
Texas 7 lbs 14.88 oz 23" Lake Meredith Timothy Teague 3/13/1998
Utah 7 lbs 6 oz 22" Midview Reservoir (Lake Borham) Alan Iorg 1996
Vermont 6 lbs 12 oz Lake Champlain George Carlson 1978
Virginia 8 lbs 1 oz New River Donald S. Eaton, Jr 3/12/2003
Washington 8lbs 12oz Columbia River-Hanford Reach Ray Wonacott 4/23/1966
West Virginia 9 lbs 12 oz 24.25" South Branch David Lindsay 1971
Wisconsin 9 lbs 1 oz Indian Lake unknown 6/21/1950
Wyoming 5 lbs .94 oz 21" Flaming Gorge Reservoir Bubba O'Neil 2003
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Smally Food
Smallmouth Bass Feeding Habits
Smallmouth bass will forage on a variety of creatures, depending on availablity and season. Crayfish tend to be the favored prey, but they will go after minnows in the spring, insects during hatches (especially Mayflies), hellgramites and other fish species.
Smallmouth are mainly ambush predators. They will dart out from behind boulders to grab their prey. They can also be followers, especially when young. Smallmooth can be skittish and easily spooked at times.
Smallmouth bass feed very little during cold-water periods. They usually begin feeding in spring when the water temperature reaches about 47º. Food consumption peaks at water temperatures around 78º. When the water temperature drops below 40º in fall, they will feed very little. However, in some high-competition waters, smallmouth continue to feed through the winter season.
Smallmouth bass will forage on a variety of creatures, depending on availablity and season. Crayfish tend to be the favored prey, but they will go after minnows in the spring, insects during hatches (especially Mayflies), hellgramites and other fish species.
Smallmouth are mainly ambush predators. They will dart out from behind boulders to grab their prey. They can also be followers, especially when young. Smallmooth can be skittish and easily spooked at times.
Smallmouth bass feed very little during cold-water periods. They usually begin feeding in spring when the water temperature reaches about 47º. Food consumption peaks at water temperatures around 78º. When the water temperature drops below 40º in fall, they will feed very little. However, in some high-competition waters, smallmouth continue to feed through the winter season.
Smally Spawning
Smallmouth bass spawn in spring, May to early June, when water temperatures reach 60 to 70 degrees. The male builds the nest. The male fans a circular depression in gravel or sand with his fins. The nest is 14 to 30 inches in diameter and usually in three or four feet of water, although it may be more than 20 feet deep in clear water, as in Lake Erie. Smallmouths in lakes often move into tributary streams to spawn. Several females spawn on the same nest, adding 2,000 to 7,000 eggs per pound of body weight. Because the females spawn at different times, the eggs the male is guarding do not all hatch at the same time. Depending on water temperature, the eggs hatch in two to nine days. The young fish are ready to leave the nest five or six days after that. In rivers and streams, flow and temperature can affect the survival of young smallmouth bass. High flows can sweep eggs and fry downriver, where they may perish. Conversely, moderate flows may lead to high fry survival. These early season events frequently lead to low or high densities of adult smallmouth bass. Young smallmouths eat tiny crustaceans. Then they graduate to insect larvae, crayfish and fish. Smallmouths may reach 20 inches or more in length. The Oregon smallmouth angling record is over eight pounds.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouths prefer cool water, but will tend to follow food sources. The smallmouth bass is sensitive to environmental factors, and can be greatly affected by polluted waters. Clean rivers and lakes are essential to smallmouth survival. Smallmouths will move from one habitat to another as temperature changes throughout the year.
Rivers
Smallmouths prefer rock strewn, gravelly, hard bottoms. You generally won't find smallmouths in areas with soft sandy or muddy bottoms. River smallmouths will hangout in shallow rocky pools and ledges during the cooler spring weather. You will also find them on grass beds nad weedy patches growing on small islands and along the banks, especially as the growth attracts forage. As the water heats up, they will tend to move to the deeper pools in the rivers main channel, or to the faster moving parts of the riffles that offer cooler water.
Lakes
In lakes, smallmouths generally move to deeper water as the water warms up. They hold around structure and shade. They can be found along sunken bars, submerged islands, off of points, and along drop offs an ledges. They can be found in deeper grass and weed beds, where forage and cover is available.
Spawning
Smallmouths prefer to spawn in water tempatures in the 62 to 65 degrees range. They can usually be found spawning sometime between April and June. They will spawn in depths of 2 to 10 feet. The male cleans debris from a small circular area to create the nest. The male then guards the nest for about a month after spawning to allow the fry to grow to swim freely.
Rivers
Smallmouths prefer rock strewn, gravelly, hard bottoms. You generally won't find smallmouths in areas with soft sandy or muddy bottoms. River smallmouths will hangout in shallow rocky pools and ledges during the cooler spring weather. You will also find them on grass beds nad weedy patches growing on small islands and along the banks, especially as the growth attracts forage. As the water heats up, they will tend to move to the deeper pools in the rivers main channel, or to the faster moving parts of the riffles that offer cooler water.
Lakes
In lakes, smallmouths generally move to deeper water as the water warms up. They hold around structure and shade. They can be found along sunken bars, submerged islands, off of points, and along drop offs an ledges. They can be found in deeper grass and weed beds, where forage and cover is available.
Spawning
Smallmouths prefer to spawn in water tempatures in the 62 to 65 degrees range. They can usually be found spawning sometime between April and June. They will spawn in depths of 2 to 10 feet. The male cleans debris from a small circular area to create the nest. The male then guards the nest for about a month after spawning to allow the fry to grow to swim freely.
It's Senko Time
Unless you've just crawled out from under a rock, you know that a Senko is one of the hottest baits on the bass tournament circuit. Professional anglers developed the lure, and pioneered the techniques that are now dominating many tournament podiums.
largemouth and sad to say, most of us are wasting fishing time and effort because we are not doing what they do. Here's the definitive way to fish that increasingly popular bait:
Fish it slow, and then slow down even more.
Stay in contact with the lure as it sinks as this is when most strikes take place. Keep a finger on the line, and while it should drift down without undue tension from the line, don't give too much slack.
Be patient; let the lure sink all the way to the bottom. This takes a while. For reference, drop it off the side of the boat and watch.
Be ready for subtle hits. A slowing of the lure's descent, line movement right at the water's surface, that "funny feeling," are all possible takes.
Because Senkos often twist line as they sink, you should consider rigging a small swivel about 12 inches above the lure.
Then, hold on (lightly) and be ready for some of the biggest bass of the season.
largemouth and sad to say, most of us are wasting fishing time and effort because we are not doing what they do. Here's the definitive way to fish that increasingly popular bait:
Fish it slow, and then slow down even more.
Stay in contact with the lure as it sinks as this is when most strikes take place. Keep a finger on the line, and while it should drift down without undue tension from the line, don't give too much slack.
Be patient; let the lure sink all the way to the bottom. This takes a while. For reference, drop it off the side of the boat and watch.
Be ready for subtle hits. A slowing of the lure's descent, line movement right at the water's surface, that "funny feeling," are all possible takes.
Because Senkos often twist line as they sink, you should consider rigging a small swivel about 12 inches above the lure.
Then, hold on (lightly) and be ready for some of the biggest bass of the season.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Salmo Mykiss
STEELHEAD TROUT - SALMO GAIRDNFRI OR SALMO MYKISS
The magnificent steelhead, a sea run rainbow trout obtaining weights ranging over 20lbs. are considered to be one of the most prized catches in all freshwater fishing. Steelhead are well known for their explosive fighting ability often displaying numerous aerobatic leaps from the fast flowing rivers they return to. When steelhead are landed, and many are not, the sheer beauty of these wonderfully marked fish with all the black spots is enough to take your breath away.
Names: Steelhead, steelhead trout, ironhead, steelie.
Bright steelhead refers to fish newly arrived from the ocean into the river, dark steelhead refers to fish close to or actually spawning, fall back or kelt refers to post spawners.
Identification: Bright (ocean phase or newly arrived in fresh water) steelhead are characterized by a bluish gray back and upper sides with a crisp demarcation between the bright silvery sides. The upper head, back, sides, tail fin and upper fins are profusely speckled with small black spots. The interior of the mouth gum line, tongue, roof is white, which distinguishes it from chinook which feature a black interior mouth, and from coho, which exhibit a grayish colored interior. After some days in the river system the fish develop a slight pink tinge on the gillplate which becomes more distinct as the days pass. At this point the males develop a red lateral stripe, reddish gillcovers and a duller hued to olivaceous colored back. The females at the same time are less brilliantly marked, showing primarily pinkish to reddish gillcovers and a pinkish lateral stripe. The male steelhead's head is longer than the females, with a longer (in advanced spawners) hooked jaw line. As the fish draw nearer to actual spawning time, the colors become much darker in the males and more uneven in the females, at which time they are referred to as dark fish. After spawning, the steelhead loses its dark coloration and becomes dull grayish on the sides, dark gray- ish on the back, and gaunt looking with worn ventral and lower tail fins.
Quick Identification: Square tail, black spots on entire tail, white mouth and gums.
The magnificent steelhead, a sea run rainbow trout obtaining weights ranging over 20lbs. are considered to be one of the most prized catches in all freshwater fishing. Steelhead are well known for their explosive fighting ability often displaying numerous aerobatic leaps from the fast flowing rivers they return to. When steelhead are landed, and many are not, the sheer beauty of these wonderfully marked fish with all the black spots is enough to take your breath away.
Names: Steelhead, steelhead trout, ironhead, steelie.
Bright steelhead refers to fish newly arrived from the ocean into the river, dark steelhead refers to fish close to or actually spawning, fall back or kelt refers to post spawners.
Identification: Bright (ocean phase or newly arrived in fresh water) steelhead are characterized by a bluish gray back and upper sides with a crisp demarcation between the bright silvery sides. The upper head, back, sides, tail fin and upper fins are profusely speckled with small black spots. The interior of the mouth gum line, tongue, roof is white, which distinguishes it from chinook which feature a black interior mouth, and from coho, which exhibit a grayish colored interior. After some days in the river system the fish develop a slight pink tinge on the gillplate which becomes more distinct as the days pass. At this point the males develop a red lateral stripe, reddish gillcovers and a duller hued to olivaceous colored back. The females at the same time are less brilliantly marked, showing primarily pinkish to reddish gillcovers and a pinkish lateral stripe. The male steelhead's head is longer than the females, with a longer (in advanced spawners) hooked jaw line. As the fish draw nearer to actual spawning time, the colors become much darker in the males and more uneven in the females, at which time they are referred to as dark fish. After spawning, the steelhead loses its dark coloration and becomes dull grayish on the sides, dark gray- ish on the back, and gaunt looking with worn ventral and lower tail fins.
Quick Identification: Square tail, black spots on entire tail, white mouth and gums.
Oregon Fishing Guides
LEN SELF
Professional Fishing Guide
Home: (503) 631-8161
Cell: (503) 799-6969
CHRIS VERTOPOULOS
Northwest Angling Experience
Home (503) 335-3849
Cell: (503) 349-1377
DENNIS STEWART
Salmon Master Guide Service
Home Phone:
(360) 642 4104
CLANCY HOLT
Clancy's Guided Sportfishing
Reservations: (800) 871-9549
Office: 360-262-9549
Fax: 360-262-3030
DAVID JOHNSON
David Johnson's Guide Service
(503) 201-4292
CHRIS' GUIDE SERVICE
Chris Sessions Guide Service
Home (360) 828-6039
Cell (360) 713 2806
FINS FEATHERS FURS
Travis Moncrief
(503) 842-5141
RIVER'S NORTHWEST
Bob Barthlow
(509) 697-7125
AMERMAN GUIDE SERVICE
Scott Amerman
(503) 606-eggs (3447)
Fishin' Mission Guide Service
Mark S. Zinzer "within minutes of Portland!"
(360) 574-3455
(503) 810-8281
Grant Scheele
(541) 990-6358
FishHawk Adventures
Joe Salvey
(503) 349-1411
Total Fisherman Guide Service
Kevin Newell
(360) 430-2521
Professional Fishing Guide
Home: (503) 631-8161
Cell: (503) 799-6969
CHRIS VERTOPOULOS
Northwest Angling Experience
Home (503) 335-3849
Cell: (503) 349-1377
DENNIS STEWART
Salmon Master Guide Service
Home Phone:
(360) 642 4104
CLANCY HOLT
Clancy's Guided Sportfishing
Reservations: (800) 871-9549
Office: 360-262-9549
Fax: 360-262-3030
DAVID JOHNSON
David Johnson's Guide Service
(503) 201-4292
CHRIS' GUIDE SERVICE
Chris Sessions Guide Service
Home (360) 828-6039
Cell (360) 713 2806
FINS FEATHERS FURS
Travis Moncrief
(503) 842-5141
RIVER'S NORTHWEST
Bob Barthlow
(509) 697-7125
AMERMAN GUIDE SERVICE
Scott Amerman
(503) 606-eggs (3447)
Fishin' Mission Guide Service
Mark S. Zinzer "within minutes of Portland!"
(360) 574-3455
(503) 810-8281
Grant Scheele
(541) 990-6358
FishHawk Adventures
Joe Salvey
(503) 349-1411
Total Fisherman Guide Service
Kevin Newell
(360) 430-2521
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Definition of a Steelhead
Rainbow trout
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Conservation status
Secure
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Salmoniformes
Family: Salmonidae
Genus: Oncorhynchus
Species: O. mykiss
Binomial name
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Walbaum, 1792
Subspecies
The rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a species of salmonid native to tributaries of the Pacific Ocean in Asia and North America as well as much of the central, western, eastern, and especially the northern portions of the United States. The ocean going (anadromous) form (including those returning for spawning) are known as steelhead, or ocean trout (Australia). The species has been introduced for food or sport to at least 45 countries, and every continent except Antarctica. In some of these locations, such as Southern Europe, Australia and South America, they have had very serious negative impacts on upland native fish species, either by eating them, outcompeting them, transmitting contagious diseases, or hybridization with closely related species and subspecies that are native to western North America.
The species was originally named by Johann Julius Walbaum in 1792 based on type specimens from Kamchatka. Richardson named a specimen of this species Salmo gairdneri in 1836, and in 1855, W. P. Gibbons found a population and named it Salmo iridia, later corrected to Salmo irideus, however these names became deprecated once it was determined that Walbaum's type description was conspecific and therefore had precedence (see e.g. Behnke, 1966).[3] More recently, DNA studies showed rainbow trout are genetically closer to Pacific salmon (Onchorhynchus species) than to brown trout (Salmo trutta) or Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar), so the genus was changed.
Unlike the species' former name's epithet iridia (Latin: "rainbow"), the specific epithet mykiss derives from the local Kamchatkan name 'mykizha'; all of Walbaum's species names were based on Kamchatkan local names.
Like salmon, steelhead are anadromous: they return to their original hatching ground to spawn. Unlike salmon, which die after spawning, steelhead rejuvenate after spawning so they may return to the oceans to start the anadromous cycle once again. The steelhead smolts (immature or young fish) usually remain in the river for about a year before heading to sea, whereas salmon typically return to the seas as smolts. Different populations of steelheads migrate upriver at different times of the year. "Summer-run steelhead" migrate between May and October, before their reproductive organs are fully mature. They mature in freshwater before spawning in the spring. "Winter-run steelhead" mature fully in the ocean before migrating, between November and April, and spawn shortly after returning. Similar to Atlantic salmon, but unlike their Pacific Oncorhynchus kin, steelhead are iteroparous and may make several spawning trips between fresh and salt water.The life-span of a rainbow trout is between 1 to 2.5ye. Salmon is often sold as a replacement because they taste the same.
Diet
Rainbow trout have a varied diet. They are predators, eating any smaller fish from nearly the time they are born. Insects make up a large portion of the diet, along with crayfish and other crustaceans, some lake dwelling species may become planktonic feeders. While in flowing waters consisting of salmon, trout will eat salmon eggs, salmon fry to even salmon carcasses. Trout of all ages will eat nearly anything they can grab, in contrast with the legendary, selective image people often have of the animal's nutrition habits. They are near the top of the food chain in most freshwater environments. However, they are lower on the rung of other freshwater predators such as pike, muskie, lake trout, and chinook salmon. Rainbows will take fish up to and over 1/3 of their length. However they are not quite as piscivorous or aggressive as the brown trout or lake trout, which is actually a char. The rule of thumb is that rainbows consume more fish and fewer insects as they grow, but insects continue to be a part of the diet in most all populations.
As food
Rainbow trout and potatoes
Rainbow trout and steelhead are popular in Western cuisine and are both caught wild and farmed for food. It has tender flesh and a mild, somewhat nutty flavor. However, farmed trout and those taken from certain lakes have a pronounced earthy flavor which many people find unappealing; many shoppers therefore make it a point to ascertain the source of the fish before buying. Rainbow trout are raised in many countries throughout the world. Rainbow trout that are wild and have a diet of scuds (freshwater shrimp) and crayfish are the most appealing, with orange pink flesh.
Steelhead are farmed, primarily in British Columbia and in Chile. Steelhead meat is pink like that of salmon, and is more flavorful than the light-colored meat of rainbow trout.
In some places, if fished and cleaned immediately, the meat will have a sweet and clean flavor rather than nutty or earthy, especially if it is a native rainbow trout.
Fisheries
Rainbow trout and steelhead are both highly desired food and sportfish. There are some tribal commercial fisheries for steelhead in the Puget Sound, the Washington Coast and in the Columbia River. Most rainbow trout and steelhead harvest in the United States is supported by hatchery production.
The rainbow trout is also especially susceptible to enteric redmouth disease caused by the pathogen Yersinia ruckeri. There has been considerable research conducted on redmouth disease, as its implications for rainbow trout farmers are significant. The disease does not affect humans.
Threats and Conservation
Steelhead trout have declined due to a number of human and natural causes. The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service has a detailed description of threats. Steelhead that spawn in Southern California streams (south of Point Conception) have been particularly decimated by habitat loss due to dams, confinement of streams in concrete channels, water pollution, groundwater pumping, Urban heat island effects, and other byproducts of urbanization.
Rainbow trout, and subspecies thereof, are currently EPA approved indicator species for acute fresh water aquatic toxicity testing.
Subspecies
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A few populations are recognized as subspecies:
* Kamchatkan rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss mykiss (Walbaum, 1792).
* Columbia River redband trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdnerii (Richardson, 1836).
* Coastal rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus (Gibbons, 1855).
* Beardslee trout, isolated in Lake Crescent (Washington), Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus var. beardsleei (not a true subspecies, but a lake dwelling variety of Coastal rainbow trout)[citation needed] (Jordan, 1896).
* Great Basin redband trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss newberrii (Girard, 1859).
* Golden trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita (Jordan, 1892).
* Kamloops rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss kamloops (Jordan, 1892).
* Kern River rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus aguabonita gilberti (Jordan, 1894).
* Sacramento golden trout, Oncorhynchus aguabonita stonei (Jordan, 1894).
* Little Kern golden trout, Oncorhynchus aguabonita whitei (Evermann, 1906).
* Baja California rainbow trout, Nelson's trout, or San Pedro Martir trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss nelsoni (Evermann, 1908).
* Eagle Lake rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss aquilarum (Snyder, 1917).
* McCloud River redband, Oncorhynchus mykiss stonei
* Sheepheaven Creek redband, Oncorhynchus mykiss spp.
Cultivated varieties
Golden rainbow trout and palomino trout are artificially developed color variants of Oncorhynchus mykiss.[7] Golden rainbow trout are predominantly yellowish, lacking the typical green field and black spots, but retaining the diffuse red stripe.[8] They were developed based on one spontaneously lighter animal.[7] The palomino trout is a mix of golden and common rainbow trout, resulting in an intermediate color. The golden rainbow trout should not be confused with the naturally occurring golden trout.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Conservation status
Secure
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Salmoniformes
Family: Salmonidae
Genus: Oncorhynchus
Species: O. mykiss
Binomial name
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Walbaum, 1792
Subspecies
The rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a species of salmonid native to tributaries of the Pacific Ocean in Asia and North America as well as much of the central, western, eastern, and especially the northern portions of the United States. The ocean going (anadromous) form (including those returning for spawning) are known as steelhead, or ocean trout (Australia). The species has been introduced for food or sport to at least 45 countries, and every continent except Antarctica. In some of these locations, such as Southern Europe, Australia and South America, they have had very serious negative impacts on upland native fish species, either by eating them, outcompeting them, transmitting contagious diseases, or hybridization with closely related species and subspecies that are native to western North America.
The species was originally named by Johann Julius Walbaum in 1792 based on type specimens from Kamchatka. Richardson named a specimen of this species Salmo gairdneri in 1836, and in 1855, W. P. Gibbons found a population and named it Salmo iridia, later corrected to Salmo irideus, however these names became deprecated once it was determined that Walbaum's type description was conspecific and therefore had precedence (see e.g. Behnke, 1966).[3] More recently, DNA studies showed rainbow trout are genetically closer to Pacific salmon (Onchorhynchus species) than to brown trout (Salmo trutta) or Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar), so the genus was changed.
Unlike the species' former name's epithet iridia (Latin: "rainbow"), the specific epithet mykiss derives from the local Kamchatkan name 'mykizha'; all of Walbaum's species names were based on Kamchatkan local names.
Like salmon, steelhead are anadromous: they return to their original hatching ground to spawn. Unlike salmon, which die after spawning, steelhead rejuvenate after spawning so they may return to the oceans to start the anadromous cycle once again. The steelhead smolts (immature or young fish) usually remain in the river for about a year before heading to sea, whereas salmon typically return to the seas as smolts. Different populations of steelheads migrate upriver at different times of the year. "Summer-run steelhead" migrate between May and October, before their reproductive organs are fully mature. They mature in freshwater before spawning in the spring. "Winter-run steelhead" mature fully in the ocean before migrating, between November and April, and spawn shortly after returning. Similar to Atlantic salmon, but unlike their Pacific Oncorhynchus kin, steelhead are iteroparous and may make several spawning trips between fresh and salt water.The life-span of a rainbow trout is between 1 to 2.5ye. Salmon is often sold as a replacement because they taste the same.
Diet
Rainbow trout have a varied diet. They are predators, eating any smaller fish from nearly the time they are born. Insects make up a large portion of the diet, along with crayfish and other crustaceans, some lake dwelling species may become planktonic feeders. While in flowing waters consisting of salmon, trout will eat salmon eggs, salmon fry to even salmon carcasses. Trout of all ages will eat nearly anything they can grab, in contrast with the legendary, selective image people often have of the animal's nutrition habits. They are near the top of the food chain in most freshwater environments. However, they are lower on the rung of other freshwater predators such as pike, muskie, lake trout, and chinook salmon. Rainbows will take fish up to and over 1/3 of their length. However they are not quite as piscivorous or aggressive as the brown trout or lake trout, which is actually a char. The rule of thumb is that rainbows consume more fish and fewer insects as they grow, but insects continue to be a part of the diet in most all populations.
As food
Rainbow trout and potatoes
Rainbow trout and steelhead are popular in Western cuisine and are both caught wild and farmed for food. It has tender flesh and a mild, somewhat nutty flavor. However, farmed trout and those taken from certain lakes have a pronounced earthy flavor which many people find unappealing; many shoppers therefore make it a point to ascertain the source of the fish before buying. Rainbow trout are raised in many countries throughout the world. Rainbow trout that are wild and have a diet of scuds (freshwater shrimp) and crayfish are the most appealing, with orange pink flesh.
Steelhead are farmed, primarily in British Columbia and in Chile. Steelhead meat is pink like that of salmon, and is more flavorful than the light-colored meat of rainbow trout.
In some places, if fished and cleaned immediately, the meat will have a sweet and clean flavor rather than nutty or earthy, especially if it is a native rainbow trout.
Fisheries
Rainbow trout and steelhead are both highly desired food and sportfish. There are some tribal commercial fisheries for steelhead in the Puget Sound, the Washington Coast and in the Columbia River. Most rainbow trout and steelhead harvest in the United States is supported by hatchery production.
The rainbow trout is also especially susceptible to enteric redmouth disease caused by the pathogen Yersinia ruckeri. There has been considerable research conducted on redmouth disease, as its implications for rainbow trout farmers are significant. The disease does not affect humans.
Threats and Conservation
Steelhead trout have declined due to a number of human and natural causes. The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service has a detailed description of threats. Steelhead that spawn in Southern California streams (south of Point Conception) have been particularly decimated by habitat loss due to dams, confinement of streams in concrete channels, water pollution, groundwater pumping, Urban heat island effects, and other byproducts of urbanization.
Rainbow trout, and subspecies thereof, are currently EPA approved indicator species for acute fresh water aquatic toxicity testing.
Subspecies
This article is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. Please help recruit one or improve this article yourself. See the talk page for details. Please consider using {{Expert-subject}} to associate this request with a WikiProject.
A few populations are recognized as subspecies:
* Kamchatkan rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss mykiss (Walbaum, 1792).
* Columbia River redband trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdnerii (Richardson, 1836).
* Coastal rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus (Gibbons, 1855).
* Beardslee trout, isolated in Lake Crescent (Washington), Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus var. beardsleei (not a true subspecies, but a lake dwelling variety of Coastal rainbow trout)[citation needed] (Jordan, 1896).
* Great Basin redband trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss newberrii (Girard, 1859).
* Golden trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita (Jordan, 1892).
* Kamloops rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss kamloops (Jordan, 1892).
* Kern River rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus aguabonita gilberti (Jordan, 1894).
* Sacramento golden trout, Oncorhynchus aguabonita stonei (Jordan, 1894).
* Little Kern golden trout, Oncorhynchus aguabonita whitei (Evermann, 1906).
* Baja California rainbow trout, Nelson's trout, or San Pedro Martir trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss nelsoni (Evermann, 1908).
* Eagle Lake rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss aquilarum (Snyder, 1917).
* McCloud River redband, Oncorhynchus mykiss stonei
* Sheepheaven Creek redband, Oncorhynchus mykiss spp.
Cultivated varieties
Golden rainbow trout and palomino trout are artificially developed color variants of Oncorhynchus mykiss.[7] Golden rainbow trout are predominantly yellowish, lacking the typical green field and black spots, but retaining the diffuse red stripe.[8] They were developed based on one spontaneously lighter animal.[7] The palomino trout is a mix of golden and common rainbow trout, resulting in an intermediate color. The golden rainbow trout should not be confused with the naturally occurring golden trout.
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