Columbia river bassin tips

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chad Simon on June 23, 2014 at 2:10pm

Look for spawning fish in the Okanogan

Permalink Reply by Ryan Higgins on June 23, 2014 at 2:13pm

If you can see.  The rivers have been running high and muddy with all the warm weather we've been getting.  I'd be running traps, cranks, and jigs and maybe a dropshot.  Never fished that part of the river though so no advice on spots.

Permalink Reply by collin sidebotham on June 23, 2014 at 9:50pm

So you think they still might be spawning there? Ok that gives me some insight on how to approach. Cool thanks!

Permalink Reply by troy kelly on June 24, 2014 at 6:14am

So ive only been there once. And it was july but i found the fishing to be much better above the okanogan. I wouldnt overlook the okanogan lije chad said either. Fish grow big up there have fun!

Permalink Reply by Todd Parker on June 24, 2014 at 10:15am

If you are in Bridgeport....

You might want to try Rufus Woods, behind the Chief Joseph dam while you are there....nothing wrong with a giant rainbow.

Permalink Reply by Zach Chandler on June 24, 2014 at 7:33pm

If I was near Bridgeport I def would fish a 1/2 day at Rufus. I love eating those genetic freaks

Permalink Reply by Shawn O'Connell on June 24, 2014 at 8:10pm

Still a lot of debris in the Okanogan so be cautious. All the other advice has been spot on IMO.

Permalink Reply by collin sidebotham on June 26, 2014 at 10:46pm

I will be staying between Brewster and Bridgeport. I would go try for those monster trout but I don't know the first thing about that lake or how to fish for them. It would be fun though! If the river totally sucks I might go give it a shot!

How far up the okanogon should I be looking at if I go up there?? Is it hazardous? Is it hazardous going up the Columbia north or the oakanogan?

Thanks for all the info, I really appreciate it!

Permalink Reply by Chad Simon on June 27, 2014 at 5:55am

When you enter the Okanogan hug the Northern shoreline when you first enter. There is a huge nasty rock flat on the right. Right after you enter the river head back to the middle. If you use common sense, and no how to read rivers you shouldn't have any problem. The highest I've been up was right before the third bridge. It isn't nearly as nasty as the reach, or many other rivers I've been in, but you should always proceed cautiously in bodies of water that are unfamiliar to you!