Fishing the Pacific Northwest on the Columbia River

The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 sparked interest in expansion to the West Coast of the American continent. In 1803 Thomas Jefferson commissioned the Corps of Discovery, lead by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, to explore for scientific and military purpose. Although they were not the first to explore the west, they were the first United States citizens to have described the place officially.

For thousands of years the Chinook Indians resided at what now is known as Fort Columbia lying on the north side of the Columbia river. This prime land for hunting and fishing was protection from the weather but also from the intruders on the Columbia River.

Like the Chinook Indains, settlers saw the value of this piece of land as a defense. Over- looking the mouth of the Columbia River made it the perfect defense for a military site from 1896-1947. After World War II the site was no longer needed for defense and was made into a 593-acre day-use park. The bunkers, barrack and some guns still occupy the site.

Salmon spend about one to five years (depending on species) in the open ocean where they become sexually mature. The adult salmon return primarily to their stream to spawn. A mature salmon dies within a few days or weeks of spawning.

The Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest. The river rises in the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia, Canada, flows northwest and then south into the U.S. It enters the state of Washington and turns west to form the boarder between Oregon and Washington. The mouth of the Columbia River lies between the towns of Astoria, Oregon, and Ilwaco, Washington. The Columbia is the fourth-largest river in the U.S. The Columbia has been used as passage way for early explores, military, and now as a passage for commerce. Many a vessel travel up it's water way to ports in Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregan

The Astoria - Megler Bridge spans the mouth of the Columbia River. Contruction started in 1962 and completed in 1966. The bridge is 21,474 ft. (6545m) in length (4.06 miles). It carries one lane of traffic in each direction. It was built to withstand 150 mph (240 km/h) wind gusts.

The Albacore tuna is a white tuna. They are a highly migratory tuna found in oceans around the world. They mature early at about 6 years and have a life span of 10 to 12 years. Trolling for albacore consists of towing artificial lures with barbless hooks. Trolling brings fish to surface. The vessel stops near the school and the fishers throw small amounts of fish chum, usually anchovies into the water. They are caught with poles and barbless hooks.

If you have never been fishing for sturgeon you have missed an experience. The mighty white sturgeon can be found in the Columbia River near Astoria, Oregon. This fish is excellent to eat as well as catch. Sturgeon can be found from springers (2-3 feet) up to seven or larger feet in the Lower Columbia. For years Milt has watched the decline of the sturgeon population and is an advocate of CATCH AND RELEASE.