Hanford reach area of the Columbia, and it hit the scales at 8.75 pounds. i have witnessed two other smallmouths caught that cleared the 8-pound mark, and there is little doubt that at any moment a new state record is possible. lake Wallula is known for both quality and quantity, with smallmouths landed daily in the 4 to 6 pound range.
Licenses: annual (from May 1 to april 30) non- resident freshwater license is $84.50, 3 day is $35.55 and one day is $20.15. in 2013 the Washington department of Fish and Wildlife removed bag limits on this world-class bass fishery in a foolish attempt to reduce bass populations. They report this is an effort to reduce predation on juvenile salmon and steelhead. don’t let this stop you from enjoying this great fishery, as this ill-informed action will do nothing to reduce bass populations or improve salmonid populations. it is ironic they make you purchase a fishing license (which funds their salaries) since their intent is to remove bass from the river.
Weather and Water Conditions: Sun and desert breezes take their toll during a day on the water. Shade is practically nonexistent, so bring sun protection clothing, sunscreen, and lip balm. Good polarized sunglasses are a must. dehydration occurs quickly and unnoticed when throttling feisty smallmouths, and if you don’t come prepared you can get exhausted, suffer headaches and potentially heat stroke. i always fill the cooler with plenty of water and food, and especially ice. Water levels change hourly. The Hanford reach section is hazardous for navigation when the water level is high, and downright scary when it drops, which can occur at any time without notice. even experienced boaters choose to avoid the “reach” until they learn where the rocks are, rather than risk its dangers. The rest of
gEnEral Fishing inForMation
the river is not a problem if you follow the channel markers. remember the channel marker rule “red, right, return” and come off plane in the channel before venturing to the shore until you learn where it is safe to run on plane. Following the guy in front of you assuming he knows where the rocks are has resulted in many lower units becoming bass structure. Parts of the adjoining Snake river and the Gorge can quickly get you in trouble with rock reefs barely outside the channel. The Columbia’s rocks don’t give you warnings, or second chances.
Other Boating Hazards and Precautions: Barges have right-of-way and can’t get out of your way. Since they have both a size and weight advantage, i recommend keeping a watchful eye and getting out of their path and tremendous wake. Pleasure boats, water skiers, kayaks, and jet skis are prolific around the launch ramp areas, so keep your eyes open to negotiate safe passage past crowded areas. Wakes from pleasure craft can be unexpectedly large, so expect them and trim down and slow when you spot them. While much of the river is protected from the wind, the lower reaches can be extremely hazardous when the wind blows through the gorge. Pay attention to the weather reports, and take note of wind projections and plan accordingly.
Launch ramps: The best ramp is found in richland at Columbia Point Marina. Four boats can launch simultaneously, and there is no ramp fee. There are ample boat slips that are also free! restrooms and even over-night parking with electricity is present, along with sheltered picnic areas, walking and biking paths, and nice grass covered lawns with shade. almost as nice (no boat slips) is Columbia Park in Kennewick, followed by the convenient Clover island launch site next to the Clover island inn. Pasco also has ramps at Sacajawea Park and other locations along the Snake river where it joins the Columbia river.
Locating Bass: like any river system, current
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