Columbia River, Washington/Oregon

By BASS WEST USA

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The Columbia is one of the world's mightiest rivers. The good news for bass anglers is, it harbors one of the world's mightiest smallmouth populations too. The expansive waters, breathtaking scenery and phenomenal fishing truly make the Columbia one of America's finest bass destinations.

However, with so much fishable water, newcomers need a place to start. Bass West USA spoke with two Columbia River veterans. Luke Clausen, a Bassmaster touring pro and Veradale resident, covers the Tri-Cities pool near Kennewick, while Sniper Lures owner Dan Johnson discusses the Boardman pool. Three Rivers

The Tri-Cities pool, named after the adjacent towns of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland, is the site of the upcoming Bassmaster Western Open. It's also the spot where the Snake and Yakima rivers meet the Columbia.

According to Clausen, "Only during the last two to three years have bass anglers really begun to explore the entire Columbia. There are still vast stretches of what I consider untouched water, with lots of bass that have never seen a bait."

Experts agree that, in general, the Tri-Cities pool offers the biggest smallmouths in the area. "The Boardman Pool definitely has more fish in it," says Clausen, "with lots of 1 1/2- to 4-pounders. But more 5s and 6s are caught out of the Tri-Cities pool, especially at the mouth of the Yakima. There's a large grass flat there, that's actually a giant eddy, and fish that move up to spawn in the Yakima pull out and occupy the grass during summer. Another hotspot is the main-river channel edges around Casey's pond."

During August and September, it seems the fish are everywhere--deep, shallow and in-between--so anglers can tailor tactics to their comfort zone. Clausen really likes fishing reaction baits like topwaters, cranks and spinnerbaits. He also pitches Strike King Flipping Tubes, with 3/8- to 1/2-ounce dartheads rigged inside, to shoreline rock piles. Carolina rigs are another option.

Good public launches for the Tri-Cities pool include Columbia Park (closer to Casey's Pond and mouth of the Snake) or Columbia Point (closer to mouth of the Yakima). Boardman Pool

Dan Johnson of Sniper Lures, before ever discussing where to fish, warns everyone that the Columbia can be ruthless. In just a few minutes, the winds can start screaming, turning a 10-minute boat ride into a harrowing 2-hour ordeal.

That said, anglers looking for big numbers of fish will find no better spot than the Boardman pool, which starts below McNary dam. Beginning at the town of Umatilla, Johnson recommends Plymouth Island. "Toward the east side is a big cut between two islands," explains Johnson. "That is an outstanding area, with some bonus largemouths, too. I've done very well spinnerbaiting this area in about 20 feet of water."

Moving downriver, "Just west of the port of Umatilla is an area with lots of old barges and abandoned structure. There's current that moves over the break and it's another incredible spinnerbaiting spot. Get your boat in the softer stuff and throw the spinnerbaits right out into the current. I like sitting in about two feet of water, casting out into four. Big copper willow-leafs on a 1/2-ounce head with chartreuse/white skirts work well.

"As you move downriver you hit buoys 59 and 57--both great areas to fish--then buoy 56. Just outside buoy 56 is a gravel elevator. This area is actually called Lake Umatilla and is another fantastic spot. Be sure to bit Big Blalock Island, too--especially Patterson Point."

Anglers heading to the Columbia and in need of lodging can contact the Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau: (800) 254-5824; bureau@visittri-cities.com.