Fish & Feathers Now is prime time for Ilwaco fishing

Published 12:54 pm Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Now is the time to be fishing out of the Port of Ilwaco for ocean salmon, Buoy 10 fish and albacore. It’s all here, barring the wind chop, which can make it pretty sloppy for small recreational boats in the ocean. The big water has been red hot for both Chinook and coho salmon. Now with the opening of the Buoy 10 fishery, you have the option of staying in the Columbia River to fish or busting out into the ocean for that limit of salmon.

This past weekend, checking out the Buoy 10 scene, it proved to be hot and cold. Fish checkers told me that all the fish that had they checked in for the day Sunday were from the ocean. Then again, experienced river fishermen said that they had picked up a Chinook and several coho within the Buoy 10 line. River fishing takes a little bit more skill to catch fish. Knowing how to read the tides and currents is a big factor in determining your success, as well as location on the river and the type of bait being used.

In the ocean the fish are not so particular about the bait being used, but in the river you may be required to try different presentations of bait, spoons, flashers, drop baits and fishing different depths depending on your location.

There are those who fish the river and those who catch fish in the river — big difference.

The Washington Coast has also developed into the go-to spot for the prized albacore, particularly out of Ilwaco. With the availability of “live bait” in the port, it is an excellent jump-off point, with as short a run as you are going to find to the fishing grounds.

This upcoming weekend, Aug. 7-8, Ilwaco will host the Oregon Tuna Classic with 60 to 80 offshore tuna boats competing for prizes and big-time money for the benefit of Oregon and Washington food banks. The tuna caught are brought in, processed and donated to the various charities.

Albacore fishing is certainly not limited to this weekend. It is open seven days a week, whenever the weather will allow, with no limit on the fish. You are only limited by the fuel capacity of your boat and how much ice you can carry.

There are several fine albacore charters available in Ilwaco with very capable skippers who can put you on the fish. If you have never fished with live bait, you are really missing the boat.

Ron Malast can be reached at 665-3573 or raiders7777@centurylink.net.