Kayak Fishing for Smallmouth Bass on the Columbia River

We had a few nice days that have gotten the kayak fishing for smallmouth bass season going full speed ahead. The sun is out and the wind is mostly calm, that’s winning half the battle right there.

Kayak fishing on the Columbia River

The river flow has calmed down a bit, but there are still plenty of sections of fast moving water and dangerous currents. The water in the main channel is still on the off-color side, hopefully it will settle down over the next few days. The fishing conditions remain challenging, as they always are in the spring, but we managed to land a few nice springtime smallmouth bass.

Columbia River smallmouth bass caught while kayak fishing

The silty water is not the only challenge as far as river conditions go. There has been a lot of rain and snow this winter/spring, so there is plenty of water running down from the mountains into the Columbia River. As the huge river dams let water out, the water level between dams rises pretty quickly. When the dams cut down on releasing water during the dry summer months, the water level drops. We’ve found that these changing water levels tend to considerably slow the smallmouth bass bite. You can see in the photo below by the markings on the riverside plants how much the water level in the river can change in a day or two.

Changing water levels makes for challenging fishing conditions

No matter what time of the year, you must hunt for the smallmouth bass. You not get a bite in the morning, but catch a fish in the same spot in the afternoon. As the water levels and temperatures change, the bass will move and you have to find them.

Columbia River smallmouth bass

The smallmouth bass are there, we are hoping that the river water clears up a little. We think once the water is a little cleaner, the bass fishing will really turn on for the season.

Kayak fishing for smallmouth bass on the Columbia River

We’re pretty stoked to have been able to catch a few nice smallmouth bass in the past week or so. Spring bass fishing is challenging but those big fish are waiting.

Columbia River smallmouth bass

Had some wild thunderstorms last night and looks like a couple more days of wind, hoping the river will clean up and be ready for some great smallmouth bass fishing!

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