COLUMBIA River Spring Chinook Fishing 2024 (What Did I Catch on Day 1?)

I ventured out for a quick fishing trip in hopes I would find a needle in a haystack. It’s still technically early season, but fish are being caught from the reports I have heard.
I feel like I’m late to the game this year, but I’m slowly learning that the bulk of the salmon run does not show up until a bit later, although this early April push USUALLY produces more salmon.
The Columbia River Spring Chinook Salmon Season for 2024 is officially closed at the moment. Today was the final day for the next several weeks until it re-opens again, hopefully.
As soon as the river opens back up, we will be back out here putting in the hours in hopes to land our first Spring Chinook in our boat.
The journey continues. When we do get one, you WILL be the first to know!
Check out our 2024 duck hunting playlist here! • Duck Hunting 2024
Check out our 2023 duck hunting playlist here! • Duck Hunting 2023
Below is the gear we use on our adventures!
Blind Grass: amzn.to/3TKAP6V
Game Cart: amzn.to/3IzoxrB
Nucanoe Frontier 12: amzn.to/3v9c2ji
Kayak Blind: amzn.to/4c8Z9Xf
Tidewe Chest Waders for Kids: amzn.to/3wUz3XK
Hand Warming Pouch: amzn.to/3VhkB63
Hand & Toe Warmers: amzn.to/4chZ8Am
GoPro Hero 11: amzn.to/3Vf6rT6
Purchases made through the Amazon links above earn me a small commission as an Amazon affiliate. Best of all, it’s Amazon so there is no extra cost to you and shipping is free through Prime! Thank you so much for the support!

[@bruceboysoutdoors6007]

Ok I like it! I thought maybe you didn’t like the slime on your hands

[@Greyskydies]

Man, great channel. I was hoping you’d get a fish. We’ve all been there before! New sub.

[@tazoutdoors]

Thank you!! Yes - hopefully they open up again in the next 2 weeks. We will definitely be back out there trying our best when they do!

[@tazoutdoors]

How is everyone's spring chinook season going on the Columbia? I have yet to log a full day on the water, and now it's shut down. Will they re-open? Wild guess here but I'm going to say 5/16. Maybe we'll get a day or two before that if the run starts cranking! Let's go!

[@bruceboysoutdoors6007]

Do you put plastic gloves on every time u hook bait up?

[@tazoutdoors]

I don't do it all the time but I probably should. These salmon have extreme sense of smell, and I've been told by the experts that they can smell us, and will get turned off certain people. I'm probably one of those people, LOL. Any other species I fish (bass, trout, crappie, tuna, sturgeon, ling cod), no gloves.

[@raymondwolken7975]

The springers have a keen sense of smell. Patience and perseverance and you’ll be rewarded with a tasty treat. 😊

[@tazoutdoors]

@@raymondwolken7975 And I look forward to that day. Hopefully soon!

[@robertbigfishbourdon2771]

BORING

[@tazoutdoors]

🤣🤣Hahaha! It is boring Robert. Karma is coming back to me. I used to respond the same to boring vids. Hopefully, hopefully...less boring videos in the future. We'll see.🤨

[@odenphillips6980]

If fishing the Columbia, drag your lead on the bottom,4 foot leader and troll downriver .

[@TheStreamlinetyr]

You need to give lake pend orielle a shot.

[@tazoutdoors]

I've never hunted or fished in Idaho, but I NEED to. That one is on my list to visit for sure.

[@TheStreamlinetyr]

@@tazoutdoors we need more sleds on the pond. I wish alumawelds were more common. I have a Lund and want to put a top on mine.

[@tazoutdoors]

@@TheStreamlinetyr I was looking at Lunds as well before finally settling on the Alumaweld. For me, I needed something I could fish, hunt, and do some family recreation in. This was the perfect all around IMO. My Dad owned 2 alumawelds dating back to the mid-80's so easy decision for me. I think you'll see more out there in the coming years. I've heard the dealers say they are trying to market around the country more.

[@fishicaleducation3694]

Get that bait rolling a little more ! Good smolt Todd. Should have got it mounted !!! ❤❤

[@tazoutdoors]

Haha Thanks brother! Hey we need to link up someday. I need a Kokanee lesson. My kids want to catch fish, and so do I! 😂

[@tlpoutdoorsman]

Question when its 30 feet of water what do you set your depth on the line counter on your reel, and how much weight. Thanks

[@tazoutdoors]

For early springers I think the general rule is to be right at or near the bottom. In 30 feet I'd put it right at 30. 12 oz of weight seemed to be perfect here based on the current. I'm constantly tinkering with it though as the depth changes. Thanks for watching!

[@tlpoutdoorsman]

@@tazoutdoors awesome thank you yeah I just subscribed and I just saw some of your duck hunting videos freaking awesome looking forward to see more of those

[@tazoutdoors]

@@tlpoutdoorsman Love it! Welcome aboard! Duck Hunting is definitely my passion, but always wanting to figure out the fishing thing too. I come from a family of passionate fisherman so I figured I better step it up. Thanks again!

[@Thinkingaboutfishing]

20 inch bumper 20 inch leader and go fast

[@tazoutdoors]

@@Thinkingaboutfishing really? For springers? Running a triangle flasher and herring. Thought it was as slow as you can go?

[@Quackk_Addict]

I think you should troll faster and use the spinning heads over anchovy or herring... speed looked too slow, you have more of a death roll for halibut

[@tazoutdoors]

Appreciate it. I'll tick it up a notch on my next go out here.