I put the boat in the water today and took a short ride around the "Dam" area. The water temperature was around 70 - 72 degrees. I stopped by the viewing room and saw a steelhead and salmon in about 10 minutes time. I can't wait for the numbers to improve.

I fished McNary a couple weeks ago when the Steelhead counts were over 1K/day. I saw several fish roll, but we never produced a bite. There were a couple other like-minded folks trying to intercept an early fish, but I didn't see anybody else catch anything either. It's definately a long shot until the water cools a bit and the fish start to slow the migration, but what the heck--it's worth a shot.

The counts down at bonneville are through the roof--I stopped in for a few minutes on my way back from the coast over Labor day weekend and saw lots of chrome hogs--'nooks, 'hos and 'heads... We should have good salmon and steelhead seasons this year.

Thinking of heading to mcnary this evening. Do you think there will be much luck? Are Water temps still to High?

It looks like it will be a good weekend to go. It also sounds like it has a potential to be a busy spot! Good luck and let us know how you did.

I will update tommorrow on how things went. We are still debating whether to go to mcnary or drive a little farther and try John Day

I fished above the dam last Sunday. Heard a rumor that one fish came out, but didn't see it myself. Got held up from pulling out by the Umatilla County Sheriff due to pulling of a body out of the water. Crappy day all around, other than nice weather.

Saw one released last Sunday and watched the body recovery. Slow day.

Anyone having any luck at Mcnary.....

We went 2 weeks ago, and had one bite but lost the fish.. talked to several other boats and no one had any luck

We are going to try again this weekend.... has anyone had any luck the last few weeks

The fish count numbers are looking great! Let us know how you did.

I was out on Friday the 26th the biologist said 10 were pulled in from the shore a guy next to me got a 15lb wild one. I have put in about 40hrs had no luck a few take downs that's about it.

ericb wrote:

I was out on Friday the 26th the biologist said 10 were pulled in from the shore a guy next to me got a 15lb wild one. I have put in about 40hrs had no luck a few take downs that's about it.

any word on if people were fishing plugs or shrimp and bobber?

forgot to mention pretty much everyone was using shrimp and bobber

[quote="newtothis"]

ericb wrote:

any word on if people were fishing plugs or shrimp and bobber?

At McNary shrimp under a float and plugs have both been working. Trolled spinners have gotten a few too. It has been slow fishing no matter what is used.

I've fished for 3 days within the last couple of weeks with no success. I've tried various plugs, warts and spinners. I believe I may have had a bite on a #4 Vibrax tipped with shrimp but my drag was set too light. By the time I retrieved the rod from the holder, my bait was gone.
Pasco steelheader, was any weight being used to get the spinners down to where the steelhead were holding? If so how much and how long leader?
Thanks

Fishingmd,

If I am trolling spinners, I like to use a jet diver to make sure my spinner stays down. I tend to use one for 10 - 20 feet depending on what my fish finder is showing.