How to Troll for Columbia River Fall Chinook Salmon

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The Columbia River is a legendary Chinook Salmon river. King Salmon can be found in this river throughout most of the year but the large fall run is the most anticipated fishery in the region. Hundreds of thousands of Chinook Salmon will enter the river in August and continue arriving through October. Trolling for these salmon is one of the most effective ways to target these fish in slackwater or during incoming tides.
Tackle Featured in this Video:
- Brad's Original Superbait "Hot Tamale" amzn.to/38JnLpR
- Pro-troll Chrome/Chrom amzn.to/3kWvW88
To learn more about the ‪@OldTownCanoeKayak‬ AutoPilot 120 featured in this video click here: bassproshops.vzck.net/P065Yj
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[@MrSrtman18]

How could anyone dislike this video? Great info, good times, great oldies.

[@cory768]

It was great to see you there, Tyler. Man you did great-must have impressed those Old Town visitors from back East!

[@adventureanglingpnw1821]

Just watched this video after a good day of fishing on my kayak also. Trolling for cohos on the Colombia out on eastern Oregon and slammed my limit. Tight lines man.

[@steveschwab922]

Great video work and explanations! Thank you for sharing!

[@sledgendaryadventures5845]

Excellent content!!! Loved the break down on your gear at the end…

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

Nicely done Tyler. I can’t wait to land my first salmon on the new kayak.

[@tomeiland2510]

I really appreciate your information focused content. It helps to learn or compare techniques. The new kayak is really cool. I added it to my wish list. It is a long list but you need to remember what you want/need. FYI: I would like to see bank fishing techniques for salmon and steelhead. Keep up the channel.

[@stevegraham6647]

Great video with great info!! Thank you!!

[@brittlanders351]

Looked like a great time!

[@ChiCityYaker]

Wish you would’ve released this video before I came out there so I could’ve caught fish 😂😂😂😂😂 good stuff man. That last King really made you work for it on that net job lol

[@toddramsay977]

I am new to the channel. First video and I scored! I love salmon especially cold smoked. I love kayak fishing and will have to visit Portland, OR. I have salmon fished in SanFran and coastal Cali. Lots of leg work though. I like the river as it concentrates them. Sux you can only keep one a day. I like fishing AK too. Smoked Halibut and Salmon. Plus bigger Razor clams 8 to 9 inches across Cooke Inlet. Great video! Looking forward to you next one. Tight lines!

[@anxietyislandllc]

Great video! Excellent camera placement!

[@tolgakaya2825]

Thanks for sharing. This is what I was looking for, since I am planning to make my first kayak fishing trip to Columbia river and still feeling nervous about it. I think I need a bit more education about tides. It would be great see more videos like this.

[@richardpogue4959]

Great video sir

[@reapergrim76]

So awesome! 😀

[@chriswebster9632]

Another great vid Tyler! If only the Wa Regs were as easy to follow.

[@gabrielreddoch7229]

Wow nice salmon

[@tamalpias]

bird in the hand my friend. i'll keep it and would love to go home after 30 minutes of fishing if i limit hahaha

[@makapa2u]

Fish 🎣 on !!!!

[@rexbreyer8401]

you make it look easy. you should have let your friend take that rod and bring in that fish. sharing is the way to go.

[@erikmikado6103]

Did addicted fishing circle you at the end? In Marlon's alumacraft??? 😜😜😆

[@spiltmilt]

They were out there

[@jamesmorrison185]

Ive had Kings burn over a 100 ft of line on lake Ontario I know the fish are smaller there then the west coast , but with the colder deeper water before they hit the rivers they seem to run stronger.

[@smallieman1756]

Great video Tyler! Always appreciate and apply what I learn from them. Not trying to get your secret spot but the Columbia is huge. Where is that boat launch? Also, I have a Bixpy J-1 on my Hobie PA 14 360. What are your thoughts on whether this configuration could handle those conditions?

[@spiltmilt]

Yes it would have no issues in these conditions.

[@SVaya2018]

Looks like a lot of fun Tyler. Nice video. What brand, size, and type of hooks do you use on your superbaits?

[@spiltmilt]

I primarily employ gamakatsu big river baits.

[@brettwright321]

hey Tyler what goat launch is that I have never taken my kayak on the Columbia and would greatly appreciate some safe spot knowledge

[@blakearnold6549]

Binge watching your vids! What part of Columbia river? Heard you mention dam.

[@spiltmilt]

Lower Columbia below Bonneville

[@smallieman1756]

Disregard my location question. 😂

[@12restoration]

Nice! Have you tried or considered standing up when reeling in and net the fish?

[@spiltmilt]

I've tried it. I don't think it offers any advantage. In fact I think it's worse as it forces the fishes head up and out of the water even more

[@mpidashev]

Great video! What is your leader length from flasher to hook?

[@spiltmilt]

30"

[@asherseverson5378]

You could probably go shorter on the bumper with the smaller weight. 22 is my go to. Makes netting easier

[@spiltmilt]

I run 12-16 oz and this length gets me the best action

[@ShenpaiWasTaken]

Thanks for sharing! Those are some awesome fish! I was surprised to see you use a dropper set up rather than your downrigger! Any reason for that? Thanks!

[@spiltmilt]

Couple reasons. The bottom is very dynamic on the Columbia and you would constantly be changing your downrigger ball depths. Secondly the fishery is so busy that its not uncommon to have flashers from the boat in front of you directly under your own boat. A downrigger would undoubtedly result in more tangles.

[@ShenpaiWasTaken]

Thank you for the detailed response as always!

[@MarkoAbo]

Great video Tyler! Why continue running the motor after you've hooked up? See you out there!

[@spiltmilt]

Keeping the pressure on them helps the landing ratio

[@joncalvo3591]

Tyler and Mat

[@joncalvo3591]

Tyler and Mark Abolofia, two INCREDIBLE Anglers !

[@joncalvo3591]

Mark Many anglers feel that keeping the boat yak moving forward, helps keep the lines “tight” and they are correct. Personally, I fish for the thrill, so I go to neutral and keep the lines tight by using my reeling in and moving the rod tip around.To each his own. Shalom Bro…. JC

[@MarkoAbo]

Tyler, are you not electronic tagging yet?

[@darrellryan2337]

Say buddy do you think I could adapt one of those motors and spot lock systems on my Titan native 12'? If so do you know what I would need I can build most anything.

[@spiltmilt]

You absolutely can! I've seen several folks bow mount Powerdrives with I-Pilot on their kayaks. You might Google to see if someone has a specific video on the Titan Native 12'.

[@toddramsay977]

Do you do any clean and cook videos! Smoke, ceviche, grill etc?

[@spiltmilt]

I have several. Here is one I did on cedar plank salmon in collaboration with Old Town kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3atmXaogNd8g9U

[@stingray4540]

He definitely does! Go to his channel, click videos and scroll.

[@davidwilliams3643]

Great video... what was that launch point? Thanks

[@spiltmilt]

Austin Point by Woodland, WA

[@dougivan100]

Chickens! 🍺

[@medievalfoot]

You got water proof pants? What do you wear for like colder weather?

[@spiltmilt]

In cold weather I wear a drysuit otherwise I just wear quick dry pants

[@swimbait1]

Good video on the bites. The kayaks look really uncomfortable and awkward for salmon fishing

[@spiltmilt]

It’s not. It’s incredibly comfortable and a blast but like many things it isn’t for everyone 👍

[@jenssoballe7930]

What time of day was this? Do you give that any real weight or just targeting the right tides? Thanks for the videos! 👍👍

[@spiltmilt]

There is most certainly an influence of time of day and tides. For me optimal kayak trolling is on the incoming tides with a tide transition in the first 2 hours of the day. Only happens a few times during the season but its usually very productive.

[@jenssoballe7930]

@@spiltmilt fantastic, thanks for the reply!

[@chrisdavidson5215]

So when you going to start a kayak guide service?

[@spiltmilt]

Not in the plans in the immediate future. I'm not ruling it out but its a huge undertaking and a significant expenditure.

[@kfs4869]

Hey bro, question? Are you stuffing anything inside the brads cut plug?

[@spiltmilt]

Tuna with pro cure garlic bloody tuna oil

[@kfs4869]

Question? When is it a good time to head to the Columbia where you were at in the video to chase them fall kings?

[@outdoorsanimalsandmusic3014]

He literally reeled in that first dish like it was a 2 ounce bluegill! I don’t know if the gear is too big or what but that looked like reeling in a dead fish

[@spiltmilt]

You must catch a lot of 2 oz bluegill to know what that looks like 😂😂

[@outdoorsanimalsandmusic3014]

@@spiltmilt yeah I’ve caught small ones I was just super surprised at what I saw. I’m sure it was still fun.

[@nwpete]

Do you tend to catch more trolling downstream or upstream during the incoming tide? Different techniques when trolling either direction during that time?

[@spiltmilt]

No I don't notice much of a trend either way

[@user-cm7hs2we9l]

Do you have a link to the bead chain?

[@spiltmilt]

Get the 6 bead version amzn.to/3zVo6Sa

[@fishmojo865]

Your bumper length seems to make netting tough. I run 18” bumpers.

[@spiltmilt]

Ive run shorter bumpers but found I get better action on the flasher with a longer bumper

[@dorsalfishing]

Call me crazy but are the kings getting smaller? I feel like 10-15 years ago the average was 15# now that seems closer to 10#.

[@spiltmilt]

You are not crazy they are getting smaller. www.alaskapublic.org/2019/12/30/chinook-salmon-are-getting-smaller-and-researchers-say-killer-whales-may-be-to-blame/

[@spiltmilt]

Some say Orcas and others say climate change www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-salmon-size-global-warming-20210503-stioz6nxrbgdvnm653bwojryki-story.html

[@dorsalfishing]

@@spiltmilt Well that paints a pretty grim picture. Lets hope that we can do something about it.

[@MarkoAbo]

Tyler, are you not electronic tagging yet?

[@spiltmilt]

?

[@fishingpacificnorthwest509]

How’s it going in recently got into kayaking and I’m looking for kayak friendly spots on the gorge where can I find these spots?

[@spiltmilt]

They all have their dangers. Drano is most protected by busy with boats. The Wind has more space but is exposed.

[@fishingpacificnorthwest509]

I heard in one of your videos you look into flow reports where can I find a reliable website?

[@bmaybee]

My challenge is controlling depth on an upriver troll. The tide just pulls my gear and I’m basically longlining. I let out until I find bottom but I have no depth control after that. Depth charts are no help at that point.

[@spiltmilt]

How much lead are you using?

[@bmaybee]

@@spiltmilt yes that was my first thought. Only 6oz. Saw in the video you talking about bumping up to 8 or even 10. I considered it but my depth chart only goes up to 6oz so I balked. Lol. Might also explain why my larger 360 won’t roll over and just looks like an oversized dodger. I’ve been using the 8 inch 360s instead and inline flashers. Long story short: speed/presentation/depth haven’t been matching up. And it could all be attributed to weight.

[@richardpogue4959]

I use 12 to 16 oz. of lead canon balls and the 11” chrome 360 flashers drag the bottom of the river keeping your line at about a 45 degree angle. Seems to work well for me.

[@00Marez00]

I am still fairly new to fishing, what is the purpose of the flashers>?

[@spiltmilt]

It attracts the fish's attention and add action the lure

[@00Marez00]

@@spiltmilt thank you! i really appreciate the breakdown of your set up at the end of the video. That really helps out a ton! thank you!

[@stingray4540]

In addition to spilt milts reply, it mimics feeding fish. A fish sees flash of about it’s size and assumes it is feeding, comes to investigate and sees your lure, and boom, gotta get that easy meal.

[@ivan_pavlenko23]

Where do you troll at? Because I’ve fished Oregon city (willamette) and chinook landing (Columbia) and the water there doesn’t really let you troll? It’s all anchor fishing with plugs but I want to troll…. Where can I find that water on the Columbia?….. where is this sand launch location?

[@spiltmilt]

Anywhere from Vancouver downstream is suitable for trolling. There are dozens on beach launches to choose from on both sides of the river. Frenchman's Bar, Willow Bar, Warrior Rock Trailhead, Austin Point, Caples Beach, Prescott and many many more.

[@ivan_pavlenko23]

Wow… thank you so much !!! There’s few people in this world that teach others how to really truly have a chance out there … you deserve praise in KZbin name !!!! I’m subscribed to a true KZbinr fisherman 💪🏼💙

[@rja62b]

Flouro or mono leader to the lure/bait? 25lb?

[@spiltmilt]

40 lb mono

[@rja62b]

​@@spiltmilt if fishing with a pedal kayak, what's the time window to fish the columbia? I always hear things about the current makes kayak fishing not possible? Just fish during slack tide? Or when tidal change differences aren't too huge?

[@Mexicanjedi3429]

Got some questions for you

[@bertalter5811]

What is your favorite bait concoction that you use in your superbaits?

[@spiltmilt]

Chicken of the sea tuna in oil, drain, pro-cure water soluble garlic and bloody tuna

[@jonathanproctor690]

Just curious as to why you aren't using your down rigger?

[@spiltmilt]

Couple reasons. The bottom is very dynamic on the Columbia and you would constantly be changing your downrigger ball depths. Secondly the fishery is so busy that its not uncommon to have flashers from the boat in front of you directly under your own boat. A downrigger would undoubtedly result in more tangles.

[@jonathanproctor690]

@@spiltmilt makes sense!!

[@chillipphi]

Do you ever use divers?

[@spiltmilt]

No

[@tomg8673]

Is that a 11” Pro- Troll?

[@spiltmilt]

Yes

[@tomg8673]

👍👍👍

[@TinyTrout]

Where on the columbia are you

[@spiltmilt]

Mouth of Lewis

[@MrAcuta73]

You, like my Father, need a knotless/rubber net. So much easier on fish you gotta release. And, if nothing else? Easier to get hooks out of. Wire bumpers seem to give a better action. How much that matters? Who knows... The titanium wire bumpers don't kink, which is really nice. Hope that lady got a fish! Could have handed her a rod, I suppose? Honestly not sure the legality on that....I know it's fine on the same boat, but doing it with a different boat? No earthly clue.

[@spiltmilt]

I have a rubber knotless net but the mice chewed a whole through just before this trip.

[@MrAcuta73]

@@spiltmilt LOL, damn rodents

[@snowballs1978]

Hmmm not sure when you posted this but they closed this area on the 4th I could be wrong

[@spiltmilt]

They did. This was obviously filmed before the closure

[@kcp7042]

You have an electric motor, advanced electronics, and nav lights…. You’re like a half a step from fishing in a jon boat!! Aren’t kayaks man powered? Don’t get me wrong, love the videos, but your kayak is almost a Boston whaler.

[@spiltmilt]

Call it what you want. I slay from it and love every minute of it. Its a tool I use to catch fish. It's more capable than a john boat or a Boston Whaler in many ways and not as capable in others. I can still cart top it, roll it over and roll it back and keep fishing, and I can spot-lock in 100' of water in 20 mph winds. Try doing that with your john boat or your Boston Whaler....

[@greenmachineangler]

More like he's 10 steps AHEAD of fishing from a Jon boat. Where's the rule that says kayaks must be man-powered?

[@kcp7042]

Whoa?! That was a semi sarcastic, (I thought funny), comment about how much you are outfitting your kayak. Didn’t mean to ruffle everyone’s feathers!! No, nothing says it has to be man powered. It was originally designed, like the bicycle and scooter, as a man powered mode of transportation. Which helped keep the users heart rate up and healthy. And Boston whalers are considered unsinkable, even when someone runs over them with a prop because they “didn’t see them on the water”. Is your kayak? Sorry. I’ll stop watching.

[@adams.9029]

So I’m struggling to understand how to locate them in the area I’m at. Without blowing my area up but I’m upper river probably 1.5-2 hours down steam of you. The problem I keep running into every time! I see them on the fish finder I’ll mark like 90 all across the river and try go to make a pass and turn to run through it again and lose them! Like magic! Gone. I feel like maybe my fish finder is garbage? or salmon just hate me! I’m a self thought bass guy! I didn’t grow up salmon fishing I struggle so badly with it! Maybe I over think it? Or don’t use the right gear, weight or attractors? Idk… I’ve gone out like 7-8 full days since the opening. The info I find are all under the dams or Brewster pool. They make catching them look easy All I get are horrible sun burns and bug bites! I’ll give up have a couple bass rods and first cast boom! Small mouth! I know how they operate. Salmon… I don’t know where to when find them in between dams

[@spiltmilt]

They are migratory by nature so don't expect fish to hold in the same area for long. They got places to be. The main thing is to get your depth, speed, and gear dialed in. Most likely you are not trolling at the right speed, depth, or something about your gear isn't tied up correctly to get the correct presentation.

[@joselopezgarcia528]

Great video sir