The time has finally come to retire most of my lead core rods for the season. I have greatly enjoyed using several "lead" rods in conjunction with dual planer boards for all of the season up until a week ago. This has allowed me to use a lot of rods and spread em apart to avoid tangles. With the warmer temperatures the fish are striking a bit deeper so its time to adjust my tactics.

I launched at 6am today with my crew and after a short run deployed down riggers to varied depths. I always start my troll with my 3 riggers spread apart 10' from each other. Today it was 20,30, and 40'. It wasn't to long to see that 40' was a productive number. After we hooked up a few kokes at 40' I adjusted my riggers to 30, 35, and 40'. Soon we were firing on all 3 cylinders and landed our 8 gorgeous kokes only missing one strike. These fish continue to strike a multitude of offerings but today my Coho Killer was the hot lure. I have been using pink ones I bought from the White Elephant and painted one orange. All have been producing really well.

Yesterday afternoon I grabbed a couple of buddies and shot down to the river to check out the afternoon bite. Turns out it was on. My 20' rod started producing so we fished riggers at 20, 25, and 30' even though we marked kokanee at 50-60' deep. I never get tired watching the enjoyment people get fighting and landing these wonderful fish. I wish this season would never end. These Kokanee are truly trophies.

Highlight from last week was a 4.5 pounder. Wow, what a fish. I am hearing rumors of some getting caught in the 5 pound range. I can't wait to see one of those.

I have several more openings this month if anybody is interested. I start fishing Chinook July 1st on the upper Columbia and am also taking reservation for this fishery. Feel free to check out my facebook page for daily updates.

Have fun out there and don't forget to take a kid fishing.

Captain Dave's Guide Service, Booking Now! Columbia River salmon - including Summer &
Fall Chinook and Sockeye, and Lake Roosevelt Kokanee and Trout.
509-939-6727
Captain Dave's Guide Service
Official Digital Anglers Sponsor

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