KENNEWICK -- Steelheading continues to be good above McNary and Ice Harbor dams.
Boat fisherman trolling bobbers have had the best success. Black or dark-colored jigs tipped with Columbia Basin Bait Shrimp are the most popular choices. The plug bite has also been productive with Brad's Wigglers and Hot Lips being the "go to" plugs.
Lots of unclipped fish are being caught with the occasional hatchery fish.
The Touchet and Tucannon rivers are putting out a few fish. Colder weather has slowed the bite for the few chasing them. Small, natural presentations work well in clear water situations.
* Sturgeon -- Keeper sturgeon fishing has been slow below McNary. Only six keepers had been checked as of Jan. 9. Fishing should pick up when the water warms or when the water flow picks up. Roll Mop herring and Pickled squid continue to be the favorites. Sturgeon opened above McNary on Wednesday.
* Walleye -- The winter walleye season is in full swing. Fish are starting to be caught on the Columbia in the Irrigon area and in the Wallula pool. With warmer than normal water conditions, we should have an excellent fishery through March. Norisada Bladebaits and Smile blade worm harnesses are the most popular presentations for this time of year. Roundball jigs tipped with a crawler fished vertical will also take these pre-spawn hogs. Target deeper main river channels with slower current. Move just faster than the current when trolling and stay vertical when jigging. Releasing big females will ensure future generations of fish.
Walleye are also being caught on the humps in front of the dunes on Potholes Reservoir. The dock at MarDon Resort has also been producing large walleye.
* Trout -- Most of the trout fishing has been through the ice on Fourth of July and Hog Canyon lakes. Trolling for trout along Medicare Beach on Potholes Reservoir can be excellent during the winter months. With light pressure as of late, the fish haven't been seeing many presentations.
* Bass -- To my surprise, smallmouth fishing along the face of the dam on Potholes Reservoir has been excellent. This is a spot for bass fishermen to target during the slower winter months.
* Spring chinook forecast -- The WDFW has released its preseason spring chinook forecast. They are estimating 314,200 total Upriver Chinook with 168,000 headed for the Snake. Last year's actual return was 221,200 and 127,500 spring chinook up the Snake.
Tip of the Week
When bank angling for steelhead, move often to ensure your presentation is seen by as many fish as possible. Move to the fish rather than waiting for them to come to you.
* Dave Hedden owns and operates Hedden's Northwest Sportfishing and is fishing manager at Wholesale Sports Outdoor Outfitters. He can be reached at heddensnwsportfishing@hotmail.com.
