High Water Springer Tactics
If you ’ re planning to fish for spring chinook this coming season you ’ ll will need to pay attention to water conditions , especially high flows and colder temperatures . Here are three ways to ensure you ’ re in the game when the springers arrive in our tributaries .
River Flows : Flows will dictate whether you head for the river or keep the boat in the garage . But if the water is a little high and you must get out of the house then don ’ t let the flows be the only factor . After all , when the rivers are high the fish are on the move . High water means fish high in the river system . Chinook use the heavy flows to cruise upriver , mostly along seems and near the shoreline . Look for soft water , seams and hug the shore if the flows are swift . Look for points that jut out into the river and create a break from strong currents . Fish the seams off the end of the points for resting fish . If you know where a deep run in the river is then drop your gear into the trough as the laminar flows are slower near the river bottom creating softer water for the chinook to rest and travel in . The closer you keep your gear to the bottom the more likely you will intercept fish .
River Temps : Water temperatures will tell you where to fish . A good sonar unit will also give you the water temperature . Find a source of warmer water entering the river and you will find resting fish . Even one degree or less can make a difference . With snow melting in the mountains the rivers and streams will be colder than last year . Salmon are warm blooded so they tend to not react as quickly in cold water . To entice the bite use a heavy dose of scents and instead of a herring or sardine wrap on the plug use tuna bellies . The tuna has more oil and tends to be firmer in the high and cold waters flows . Switch out the trolling gear for plugs . With higher flows the fish will be on the move and as the fish approach a plug that is in their way they will be more likely to draw a reactive strike . This also means keeping your hands in your pockets until the rod is buried all the way to the water , allowing the chinook to hook themselves .
Colors : Off-colored water from snow melt and runoff calls for bright colors . One of the main reasons why the “ double trouble ” and “ fickle pickle ” plug colors are so popular is because chartreuse and fluorescent green penetrate off colored water . Add in some silver flash , and heavy scent and drop that plug in a travel lane where the moving fish are trying to get upriver and you will increase your catch .
JASON BROOKS
An angler fights a chinook in high dirty water .
jason brooks photo
RECIPE
Firecracker Salmon
I came across this recipe on one of those mailing flyers sent out by a big box warehouse store . A gimmick to buy the ingredients and the salmon from them but it turns out to be one of the best fish recipes I have ever made , with a few differences in the ingredients to give it a more northwest flare and not hide the flavor of self-caught fresh salmon . This spicy and sweet recipe is easy to make and delicious . JASON BROOKS
INGREDIENTS : 1 to 1 ½ pounds salmon or steelhead fillets cut into 1 inch wide pieces and skin removed . 1 / 3 cup Sriracha sauce ¾ cup brown sugar 1 clove garlic minced 1 TBS soy sauce
DIRECTIONS :
Mix all ingredients in a one-gallon resealable bag and marinate for one hour . In an oven proof skillet ( cast iron is my preference ) use a table spoon of coconut or olive oil and sear all sides of the marinated salmon pieces . Then put into a pre-heated 400-degree oven for 8 minutes . Remove to a serving plate and serve with your favorite side dish . A wild rice and mushroom pilaf is perfect for this . Enjoy ! jason brooks photo www . salmonandsteelheadjournal . com 9