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Sunday, August 24th, 2025

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    Report: Columbia River Fishing Report – August 24

    Current Bite & Conditions:
    The Columbia River at Boardman, Oregon, produced quality bags during the BAM Super 60 Pro Tour. Shallow grass, points with shad, and weedy flats held most of the winning fish. Fluctuating water levels didn’t affect the bite, with bass eating both shallow largemouth and deeper smallmouth presentations. Anglers who committed to specific zones and adjusted their presentations found the best success.

    Best Techniques & Baits:
    Shallow Largemouth (Winner’s Pattern): Green Pumpkin Yamamoto Senko, cast long into shallow weedy areas as skinny as 10 inches.
    Smallmouth “Magical Spot”: Strike King Zero Z-Too (Green Pumpkin/Dirty Shad) and Deps Sakamata Shad on a 3/8 Queen Tackle LS tungsten LiveScope jighead.
    Topwater: STORM Chug Bug 2.5” (Chartreuse/Red Head) for calm mornings; Saltwater Super Spook for windier conditions.

    Rod/Line Setups:
    Mace: 7’ rod with 10 lb PowerPro braid for long casts and cutting through weeds.
    Manterola: 7’11” U-Call Midnight spinning rod + Shimano Stradic 3000, 10 lb U-Call FFS braid with 10 lb Sunline FC Sniper leader.
    Madden: 7’1” fast action rod + 2500 Vanford, 10 lb PowerPro + 13 lb Sunline mono; 7’3” MH rod + Abu Garcia Zenon 8.3:1, 40 lb braid + 17 lb Sunline mono.

    Key Depths:
    Shallow grass in 10 inches to 2 ft (largemouth)
    Points and roaming bait schools in 5–15 ft (smallmouth)
    Topwater zone over shallow flats early and during wind shifts


    The Columbia River bite was diverse, with shallow largemouth on Senkos, big smallmouth on shad imitators, and quality fish responding to topwater. Line choice and long casts were critical in covering water and staying connected in heavy current and grass.

    Tournament Spotlight (BAM Super 60 Pro Tour – Columbia River):
    1st: Ronald Mace (Kennewick, WA) – 18.21 lbs (Day 3) – Green Pumpkin Yamamoto Senko in shallow grass
    2nd: Ty Manterola (Pasco, WA) – Strike King Zero Z-Too, Deps Sakamata Shad on tungsten jighead
    3rd: Tyler Madden (Brentwood, CA) – STORM Chug Bug, Saltwater Super Spook

    Tips: Tip of the Tournament:
    On the Columbia River, don’t overlook the super-shallow grass bite. Even when water levels fluctuate, a Green Pumpkin Yamamoto Senko on light braid can produce tournament-winning largemouth. For smallmouth, focus on points with shad and use a shad-style soft plastic on a tungsten jighead. If conditions get windy, keep a topwater option like a Super Spook ready to trigger reaction strikes.

Saturday, August 23rd, 2025

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    Report: Columbia River Fishing Report – August 23

    Current Bite & Conditions:
    The Columbia River continues to produce both quality and numbers as anglers advanced to Championship Sunday. Weed lines, shallow flats, and deeper main-river structure all held fish. Anglers are finding success in both super-shallow grass (12–13 inches) and deep structure (18–40 ft), depending on whether they committed to largemouth or smallmouth.

    Best Techniques & Baits:
    Dropshot: Dry Creek Craw, Zoom Finesse Worm, and Jackall Flick Shake.
    Dropshot Deep: 4.25” Natural Shad Flatworm.
    Shallow Weeds: 4” Yamamoto Senko.

    Rod/Line Setups:
    Megabass Evolution dropshot rod + Daiwa Steez spinning reel, Seaguar Smackdown braid / P-Line braid with 8 lb leader, 5/16–3/8 oz dropshot weights, 1/0 straight shank hook.
    Alpha Angler DSR rod, 10 lb P-Line TCB braid with 6 lb P-Line 100% Fluorocarbon leader.
    PowerPro braid with 10–12 lb fluorocarbon leader for long casts into cover.

    Key Depths:
    12–13 inches in shallow grass (Mace)
    Weed lines / shade pockets in 5–15 ft (Polfer)
    18–40 ft main-river structure (Boomer)

    The Columbia River is showing off both extremes: anglers are catching limits of smallmouth in deep water and largemouth cruising bait in shallow grass. Shade pockets and weed edges held stragglers for dropshot rigs, while shallow weed flats gave up quality largemouth on Senkos.

    Tournament Spotlight (Day Two – Columbia River Super 60):
    1st: Josh Polfer – 35.75 lbs, 61 keepers – Dropshot with Dry Creek Craw, Zoom Finesse Worm, Jackall Flick Shake
    2nd: Jake Boomer – 30.44 lbs, 60 keepers – Dropshot with 4.25” Natural Shad Flatworm
    3rd: Ronald Mace – 35.15 lbs, 17 keepers – 4” Yamamoto Senko in shallow weeds

    Tips: Tip of the Tournament:
    When the Columbia River bass push into grass, a dropshot fished along weed lines and shade pockets will produce numbers, while a Senko in ultra-shallow weeds is key for quality largemouth. For deeper smallmouth, stick with a shad-colored flatworm dropshot in 18–40 ft and light fluorocarbon to generate consistent bites.

Friday, August 22nd, 2025

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    Report: Columbia River Fishing Report – August 22

    Current Bite & Conditions:
    The Columbia River opened strong for the BAM Super 60 Pro Tour with anglers catching both quality and numbers in mixed structure. Fish were found in 15–25 ft of water, split between grass edges and rocky high spots. Holes in the grass and broken rock provided prime ambush areas. The bite was steady but spread out, requiring patience and the right cast.

    Best Techniques & Baits:
    Carolina Rig with soft plastics (lizard, Zoom Brush Hog, Zoom Super Fluke).
    Dropshot for following roaming schools.
    Colors: Green Pumpkin and Bahama Craw.

    Key Depths:
    15–25 ft schools around grass and broken rock
    Grass edges near main channel
    High spots with broken rock

    Anglers targeting a mix of grass and rocky structure found success, with schools moving throughout the day. A slow, methodical approach with confidence baits and rotation through creature-style plastics proved effective.

    Tournament Spotlight (Day One – Columbia River Super 60):
    1st: Josh Polfer – 20.36 lbs, 39 keepers – Carolina Rig & Dropshot with Zoom Brush Hog, Zoom Super Fluke, lizard
    2nd: Jake Boomer – 17.24 lbs, 31 keepers
    3rd: Tyler Madden – 18.87 lbs, 11 keepers

    Tips: Tip of the Tournament:
    On the Columbia River, stay patient when fish aren’t grouped up. Work grass edges and rocky high spots in 15–25 ft with confidence baits like a Carolina rig or dropshot with creature plastics. Make repeated casts to grass holes and rock breaks — when a fish shows up, it will usually bite.

Wednesday, August 31st, 2016

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    Report: by ttb31183 » Wed Aug 31, 2016 11:05 am

    The final Washington TBF qualifier was held on the Columbia River last weekend. This was the event that decided the Top 14 for the year that made the WA state team.

    It was the same story as the others as Dave Griffis won it again. He swept the three events with convincing fashion to walk away with angler of the year. He weighed in two solid 15lb bags and won this event by over three pounds.

    Second was Travis Archer with a two day weight of 27.49lbs. Third was John Ellison with 22.62lbs. As you can tell, the fishing was tough and that was partially due to the high winds on the first day and high air temps both days.

    Top finishers in this event and pix: http://www.westernbass.com/forum/post568312.html#p568312

Monday, June 18th, 2012

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    Water Temp: unknown

    Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

    Report: I unbeknownst to me was fishing at Wyeth It looked like a park and I didn't see the signs but ended up fishing on tribal land. The bass fishing was red hot there Small mouth Mostly but Good sized 3-5 lb class, was having a great time till a tribal member Informed where I was then I was happy to leave in a respectful way. NOTE? Be careful where you fish and look for signs .
    City: PDX

    Tips: If anyone knows where to catch Bass on Oregon USA land please contact me thank you

Saturday, March 26th, 2011

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    Water Temp: 42-43

    Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

    Report: Went out for a few hours Saturday in The Dalles pool. It was COLD. Did manage to hook 8 and land 6. Fish came from 5-25ft. Mostly all on soft plastics in the deeper range. Fish ranged from 2-3.5lbs. Nothing big but they are out there. Was not finding the fish schooled up which is odd for this time of year. Picked all of them off here and there.
    City: Lyle

    Tips: Dress warm and good luck.

Tuesday, September 9th, 2008

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    Water Temp: 71

    Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

    Report: LOCK THROUGH ICE HARBOR DAM SMALLMOUTH FISHING IS EXELLENT LOTS OF 2-2 1/2 POUNDERS 3 -4 POUNDERS A LITTLE HARDER TO COME BY USALLY CATCH 12 TO 16 POUNDS A DAY.YOU MIGHT SEE 2 OR 3 BOATS A DAY
    City: NONE

    Tips: THEIR ARE SHALLOW FISH AND DEEP FISH UP TO 50 FEET GOOD REACTION BITE AND DROP SHOT

Sunday, July 1st, 2007

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    Water Temp: 42

    Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

    Report: Caught a GREAT WHITE SHARK at buoy 10
    City: Beaverton

Monday, June 11th, 2007

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    Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

    Report: Hello there, I just got a kick reading the newer reports, because I just realized that dip-shit was talking to me! ME! A sixteen year old kid, looking for some fun fishing around this fine state I've grown to love. Further more, that posting was close to three years ago! If you're still pissy about it it's time for you to get over it, if you have just recently been affended by my presense in this state, than, you have clearly not been contributing to this site. If it is the latter, and seeing as you are ASS, please either be productive or refrain from using this site. I would like to, also, mention that at no time in my posting did I ask personally for any "good spots or tips" only for an increased use of this site - Ya don red yursef good, how far did you get in school? I would like to appologize to the general community for even responding to Matt here and not in the forum, but I would like to point out that he and his predjudice views are what is inherently wrong with our society, and the reason we, as Americans, are hated. So, for the sake of everyone around you don't be an ass - you accomplish nothing! Matt, you have failed at even angering me, seeing as I have written all of this with a smile on my face - you are are an idiot! I would, however, like to thank both Marcus and John for defending me and this state, they are good people, as are most Oregonians! Thanks You all and good luck fishing!
    City: Bend

    Tips: Please use this site for it's intended purpose. I appologize for my misuse and will delete this posting in a matter of days. Good Luck and Tight lines!

Sunday, June 3rd, 2007

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    Water Temp: ?

    Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

    Report: Got onto the bank of the Columbia at around 11am and started throwing 3" pearl blue grubs with a shiny 1/4 ounce head and a steady retrieve keeping it about 2 feet from the surface and ended up catching 33 smallmouth before 4pm. The fishing dropped off at around 2pm. Switched grubs to a split green and brown color and also caught some on that. The largest I caught was around 20", let it go because it was full of eggs. Caught another around 18", BBQ that one. I did lose another nice one, probably 16-18" - shook my hook when it was about 3 feet from me. I'm going back in a couple of weeks.
    City: Biggs

    Tips: I'm a bank fisher because I'm poor. I cast and retrieve while I walk around the bank until I get a fish, then I hang out there and fan back and forth in all directions until I don't catch anything. Then it's time to move around again. GOOD LUCK.

Friday, May 4th, 2007

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    Water Temp: 56.6

    Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

    Report: Caught 11 smallmouth bass vaeraging 2 pounds. none were smaller that a foot. The were hitting everything I threw at them
    City: portland

    Tips: senkos worked the best. Use them with out a weight and dangle them around.

Thursday, May 3rd, 2007

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    Water Temp: 49

    Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

    Report: It's true that not all oregonians are idiots. It just happens that the previous guy to post IS an idiot! Poor grammar and spelling while defending our great state just sets back Oregon's image that much more. Don't hate...just learn your Edumacation properly before condemning others.
    City: Portland

    Tips: Bass fishing is great at henry hagg lake. Just wait for someone to catch one and beat them senseless. Works 9 out of 10 times.

Thursday, April 26th, 2007

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    Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

    Report: Dont be a jerk. This a comment bored for fishing. Not for ignorant people.
    City: Portland

    Tips: Not all Oregonians are idiots.

Friday, April 13th, 2007

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    Water Temp: 50

    Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

    Report: To that california guy asking for good spots and tips. Realize that up here we dont like californian people that come to oregon especially if your from southern california so back to where you came from we dont want you here
    City: Portland

    Tips: go back to california

Saturday, September 10th, 2005

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    Water Temp: unknow

    Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

    Report: I am posting this to earn some fishing carma. I was fishing the mouth of the willamette. the tide was out and it was windy and choppy. I was bottom bouncing works as usual, But hooked three of my nicest smallmouth yet. The largest was about 20 inches and broke my rod when i wrecklessly lifted it from the water and let it hang on the line. I've also seen some big bass taking minnows at the srface doen there.
    City: portland

    Tips: I'm no pro, but what i know is to find some structure and fish off the bottom.

Friday, March 11th, 2005

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    Water Temp: 45

    Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

    Report: SMALL MOUTH ON THE BITE. CAUGHT 4 FISH IN ABOUT 3 HOURS BEST ONE ABOUT 4LBS SMALLEST ABOUT 2.8. JUST KEEP LOOKIN AND WHEN YA FIND UM THEY'L BE STACKED UP. TWIN TAILS ON ROCK WHERE IT MEETS SAND WITH DEAD WEEDS.
    City: THE DALLES

    Tips: JUST A JERK WAITIN FER A JERK AT THE OTHER END. AHHH WHAT A LIFE!!

Friday, November 19th, 2004

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    Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

    Report: Hey,you guys please submit your reports. I don't care what you have to say just tell us something!!! If the fishing sucked than tell us what didn't work. If you just killed 'em and the fishing was great than share the wealth. I know that this site can work, my friends and I used it for years down in California. So, please spare alittle of your time and tell the rest of us whats going on out on the water. Post your tournement score brag about big fish you caught, I don't care just submit a report, please.
    Thank you and good fishing.

Monday, June 7th, 2004

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    Water Temp: dont know

    Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

    Report: I was fishin in a little inlet and i was fishing with a (brown roster tail spinner) and i counted to 5 sec. and i saw it about 11 feet away and then a 4 1/2 LB. smallmouth hit it!
    And i was fishing for trout so my drag was very low and so the smallmouth riped the line out and so i had to reel it in very fast and i had 4 lb. test and a lutralight rod! After about 5 minutes i got hit and it was very pretty. And then i let it go!
    City: Portland

    Tips: Fish with a spinner and cast it as far as you can and count to 5 and reel it in at med. speed

    Use a 1/4 once. Roster tail (pink or brown for bass) and (green and blue for big trout)