06/18 - 06/19 - Lower Columbia Sturgeon Fest

I use 6/0 Gamis (barbless) and 72# nylon leader. We use 5, 8, 10 or 12 oz. pyramid sinkers depending on the current. I have a new spool of leader (you use less than 20" to tie up a rig), so don't go buying any just for this trip. I also have a bunch of sinker sliders, so you all are welcome to them, too. I like to use 30# Maxima Chameleon line on the reel. It is tough and abrasive resistant. If you need/want to fill your reel with that stuff, there is a service spool on board my boat and a skipper willing to share it. You gotta crank your own handle, though.

And, as a special gift for all who show up, I have some custom made stainless steel bait threaders. There will also be some freshly smoked/canned sturgeon. Sorry, no banjo. Too bad. Maybe we should have lobbied to get Terraplane Tom out here.

Here's a typical setup.
sturgeon_rig.jpg
 
Tyboo,
Since your giving everything but the kitchen sink away we will be be there for sure. Will probably just use the 70 lb. on the reels from the last Halibut attempt. I'm to lazy to spin new line on my Penns unless there is some advantage to the 35 lb stuff. Do the stugeon know we are not per Tyboo code? I will need a block of instruction on that knot on the hook as I bought the Halibut rigs pre made and I only use surgical knots on flyfishin/rock fishin rigs based on a demo from a doctor when he was sewing my arm up once during my short construction workin career. Lookin at the map it looks like 5 down to 30 and then west thru Astoria is the easiest way to go. Is that correct? once we get to Warrenton will there be signs for the marina/boat launch?

See Ya soon...
 
Cool. Far out. 70# is good. The knots don't have to be surgical, just sturgical.

As you leave Astoria on the Highway 101 (30 becomes 101) bridge, you'll see the sturgeon grounds to your northwest. Your right northwest. As soon as you get across the bridge, there will be a traffic light. Turn right at that intersection and go between Shilo and RiteAid toward Warrenton. About a mile or so down you will see a small bridge coming up. Just before you get to that bridge, turn left. You'll see the sign for the Tackle Time bait shop down there below the bridge. That is the launch ramp spot. After you float the boat, you drive the truck under the bridge and park in the lot right there. The ramp down to the dock closest to the big parking lot takes you right to the C-Dory section if you want to scout it out before motoring over from the launch ramp. You drive the boat under the bridge, too. It's easy.

See ya there!
 
Glad to hear we still have interest in our little corner of the world and that the Fest is still on. I'll be up at the marina early on to meet and greet those showing up in the early PM. I also have plenty of extra gear so don't anyone go out and buy a lot of hooks and such although if you've been looking for that special marine store trinket Mike or I may take you over taxed Washingtonians up to Englunds Marine Supply to go nuts.

I kept my free string in tack too with no keepers but was just pulling up along side Harv and his wife who limited their boat with a double going on as we anchored. That was just above the bridge in about 23' of water where the small crabs are not quite as thick. Most folks were using fresh anchovy which we Can get right at the marina and I still have a 10# block of smelt I've been hording for this gig since it is the only time I could use that much smelt at one time.

See you all here this Friday,

Tim
 
I will be there with my grandson Brian and Scorpio Friday some time. Save some fish for us and one of your smelt scewers please.. Lyle
 
Looks like we should be down there sometime Saturday Afternoon. Save us a spotwith the group ok? Getting stuff ready so we can get out as soon as I get a nap Saturday Morning. We will definitely need some guidance on rigging probably. Right now it looks like we will be there til Monday.
 
This is getting better by the day. A real Warrenton gathering. We got seven boats coming and six signed up. Kind of reminds me of when Bill and Ell showed up and everyone from all over the place showed up.

The north Oregon folks will be waiting to welcome one and all and we'll be more than happy to help rig, bait, land, etc. with whatever the catch. We look forward to a great week-end of fishing and fun in the traditional C-Dory fashion.

Tim
 
:D

Would love to meet & join you all, if it's not too late. I will be coming down with my 10yr old son at noon on Saturday (hopefully sooner).

Thanks,
Greg
 
Hi Greg,
Always room for one more, after all it is a C-Brat gathering. See you Saturday. If you get to the dock or ramp and can't find any of us it is likely that we are out on the river. You can just call us on Channel 11 and we'll tell you how to catch up with us or where we are anchored up and fishing. Our normal areas are not far from the mouth of the Skipanon and sometimes just a few hundred yards up river.

Glad to hear you're coming and we'll look forward to meeting up with you.

Tim
 
Mike, Of TyBoo
A couple of questions:
!. Does the Tackle Time Bait Shop stock fishing rods or charts? Might need to get a rod with a little back bone for my fishing buddy.
2. Do you use a salmon net for this fishery? Hate to pack one if it is not needed.

Could not get any leads on fresh frozen smelt for bait around here. They use mostly live sandshrimp and frozen herring.

Jim, Work Release
 
1. Does the Tackle Time Bait Shop stock fishing rods or charts? Might need to get a rod with a little back bone for my fishing buddy.
Click to expand...

Tackle Time does have some hardware, but Englund Marine in Astoria will have a better selection for cheaper. You really don't need anything fancy. A rod rated for 40# line will work (that's what the one I busted a few weeks ago was!). I would be happy to loan you one, but I don't have any extra sturgical grade poles anymore. On the other hand, if you hook into a big keeper, you will likely be hooked yourself, so buying a decent setup will not be a waste.


2. Do you use a salmon net for this fishery? Hate to pack one if it is not needed.
Click to expand...

Most folks use a big salmon net. It has to have a big hoop so you get most of the fish through it. Some folks use mechanical snares on a pole to pick them up by the tail.

As for the bait, if the fish are biting, they are not too particular. I got called into work at midnight last night, and got home about 7:00 this morning. Me and a friend went out to fish the ebb and boated 8 or 10 shakers and one keeper. Today they were biting on ugly rotten smelt and some frozen herring left over from last year. You can also get fresh anchovies at the bait shop if you sign up for them the night before. Anchovies work good, but they are difficult to keep on the hook because the bellys rip out easy. And with all the pesky little crabs this year, we haven't even bothered trying them. Same goes for sand shrimp.

If you have some kevlar or other tough skinned gloves, you would do well to have them along. Those fish are strong and have sharp pointy chutes all over them.

Would love to meet & join you all, if it's not too late. I will be coming down with my 10yr old son at noon on Saturday (hopefully sooner).
Click to expand...

Wonderful. Your son will have a blast.



I will be late to the dock Friday (about 8:00 or so), but should have the weekend free. Kay is going to Portland Saturday morning/afternoon, but the whole crew should be there Saturday night.

I talked to the harbormaster today, and he said we could take any available slips around the C-Dory section. We will all be close at the dock. It'll make for a good picture. The Warrenton marina is kind of run down, and the facilities are not the best. But there are restrooms and showers and parking. The sanitary pump out station is going on its second year busted, but I believe the dump for porta potties is still usable.

When you launch, there will be pay envelopes near the ramp. The launch fee is five bucks, and it includes parking.
 
Work Release Jim,

I have some extra gear available and will have it along. It's not fancy but as Mike says, it came from Englund Marine. They sell both a one piece and two piece rod with ball bearing reel and loaded with line for about $70. This is a no nonsense rig that a lot of the charter folks use and on our boat it's the main gear.

Also, I will be along fishing on Saturday to help out and provide boat space and gear and what limited expertise I have to this event so I wouldn't worry to much about gear. The other thing you shouldn't need is a chart. we won't be far from the dock and there isn't much need for anything other than a depth sounder so nobody anchors in the shipping channel. Bouys are good in this area of the river so even that shouldn't be an issue. I also have a chart if needed since I generally look at my GPS to find my spot.

On another note, we will be looking at getting together dockside Saturday evening for a bite to eat. Judy is going to make a big batch of potato salad and Mikes talking about steaming open a bunch of fresh Willapa Bay Oysters so plan accordingly.

As far as other meals go there are a number of spots close at hand and a pizza joint just a couple blocks away that I will use for Friday evening. Fishing can start early in the morning and may just be what folks put together on their boats. It's easy when laying at anchor and it drives the open boat jet sledders crazy. Damn I love this fishery.

See you all at the dock.
 
Shucks, Austin and I have been hoping to get in on a "sturgeonfest"...unfortunately, this Saturday I will be working the Snoqualmie Falls Brewing Company booth at the Summer Microbrew Festival at St Edwards State Park in Kenmore...have a great time!
 
Pat,

Keep that thought about sturgeon. There are other week-ends and I'm sure Mike and I will be around giving it a try on most all of them till they close the season. Last year that was just before the 4th of July week-end.

I was feeling sorry for you but since you're hanging out with all that good beer my tears won't be to big unless you just get to pour and aren't allowed to walk up and down the isles and sample.

Tim
 
Looks like I will miss this one!!! Ended up working until midnight last night and have to go back in this afternoon. Jim thanks again for the offer to fish with you if I get off at a reasonable time today I may attempt to drive over and visit tonight.

stevej
 
Just a fish. Probably 9' long, and weighed more than the reigning Sturgeon Queen's grandpa. Tiffany did it again, but had to have some help this time. Wasted 1 hour and 15 minutes of prime fishing time for her little shaker.

Sorry about the poor picture quality, but this guy just would not cooperate. There are a few more pics in the Sturgeon Fest album.

Pdr_0095.sized.jpg

Pdr_0097.sized.jpg
 
Whooa Grandpa!!! That's some pesky shaker! And to be outdone by your little Granddaughter....again!! And with the biggest sturgeon your boat's ever caught! At least you got a free lesson humility. And I think you're stuck with a permanent fishing "buddy" that will be going out with you every time she can for the foreseeable future. At least until she gets interested in boys. But that's another story for your retirement years when you've had time to get old and grey. Congratulations on the Monster from the Deep!!! Joe.
 
Here's something you can't get at your Roches and Fridays and othe fancy schmany places. Warrenton Marina's party barge!

Sturgeon_Fest_9.sized.jpg
 
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