As effective as the bottom walker is, Schneider prefers to fish vertically by jigging with blade baits. This method is more effective during low flows, and is a more active way to fish. Popular blade baits include the Rattlin' Ripple Tail and the Heddon Sonar, both of which will take plenty of walleyes in the Columbia. Lindy Little Joe makes two other baits that are worth a try: the Deadly Dart and the Flyer. Some anglers like to fish worm-tipped jigs in the same manner. Chartreuse and silver are popular.

The idea behind this technique is to drift downstream with the current while jigging your offering just off the bottom. It takes experienced hands, for both the boat handler and the fishermen. The handler must make sure the boat is drifting at exactly the same speed as the current, so the fishermen can keep their baits on the bottom without any slack or bend in the line. The fishermen must then adjust to changes in the bottom depth by taking in or letting out line.

Walleye fishing usually remains good after Columbia River conditions stabilize in May or June, and stay good until mid August, when juvenile shad flood the river on their way to the ocean. "The river is so full of food that all they have to do is turn their heads for a meal," notes Schneider. "In those kinds of conditions, it's tough to get a walleye to take a look at your offering."

The tricky currents below John Day Dam, coupled with the often blustery winds of the Columbia River Gorge, make for a fishery that can get dangerous. Even on a good day, you should stay alert for quickly changing conditions. Most fishermen new to the area might want to spend an afternoon on the water with an experienced guide before tackling the river by themselves.

Walleye fishing on the Columbia River is open all year. An angler may fish the main stem Columbia with a license from either Oregon or Washington. It's not necessary to carry both, and it doesn't matter which side you launched from. However, bank anglers must possess the license of the state from whose bank they're fishing.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Boat ramps near the action can be found at Giles French State Park and Heritage Landing State Park on the Oregon side, and at Maryhill State Park in Washington. The two Oregon parks have tent camping, bathrooms and picnic areas. Maryhill SP has those amenities, and RV camping as well. The nearby town of Rufus has restaurants, convenience stores and a bait shop. The city of The Dalles is a short drive down I-84 from the action where anglers can find a wide range of services and motels.

For guided trips, contact Don Schneider at Reel Adventures. Call (503) 622-5372, or toll-free at 1-877-544-REEL.