dictates fish location. Smallmouth bass can be found on most any current seam, produced by depth changes, bottom composition changes, or any other disruption of the normal flow of water. They can also be found near weed beds, especially along the edge adjacent to current. Pay special attention to mid-current islands, bridge pilings, and underwater gravel bars, and focus on the upstream ends of these bass magnets. The largemouth bass approach double digit size in portions of the Columbia, and the key to finding these is to search backwater areas that are warmer and weedier. With the help of Google Earth satellite imagery these backwater ponds and sloughs are easily located. Just watch your Lowrance depth finder carefully to avoid lower unit damage.
Lures and Techniques: Just about every possible fishing technique has a time and place on the Columbia River. Reaction baits excel, especially when the wind blows (which is often). Jerkbaits and crankbaits, especially Lucky Craft Pointers, LV 100’s and LV 500’s, and baitfish or crawfish colored Worden’s Timber Tigers work great. Sammy topwaters and G-Splash
poppers are both exciting and productive ways to fish the Columbia. Hildebrandt spinnerbaits (Yakima Bait Company) like the Double Deep are perfect for the Columbia smallmouths, and their Tin Roller is ideal for the backwater largemouths. White or White/Chartreuse are the only color choices needed. For the anglers who prefer soft plastics. Yamamoto Grubs and tubes are excellent choices. Dropshotting is a dominant pattern on the river, and often produces tournament winning weights. It is hard to beat a Yamamoto Shad Shape Worm coupled with a one-quarter ounce or three-eighths ounce QuickDrop dropshot sinker paired with a Gamakatsu #4 dropshot hook. The computer designed teardrop shape of the QuickDrop prevents snags, and allows precise control in both current and wind, which are big factors on the Columbia. The small dropshot hook is strong and needle sharp, both qualities important to landing the smallmouth bass of a lifetime! Lewis and Clark may have made the mighty Columbia famous, but the real stars are the hard-fighting smallmouth bass waiting for you to discover them!
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