Bottom Fishing

Columbia River bottom fishing is popular throughout the year, and you can bottom bounce for all species. Winter fishing for rainbow on the Columbia is an invigorating experience, and bottom bouncing the three-way rig is popular among die-hard fishers.

Rainbow trout’s metabolism slows in cold weather and they will not expend a lot of energy to chase down food, but if a spin ‘n glow or corkie with a worm on it hits them in the gill plate, they’ll likely devour it.

From October to April anglers use spincasting rods or baitcasters with 12-pound test. Attach 6-8 pound test to the bottom end of a 3-way swivel and a 1 oz weight to the line. Tie on about 3-feet of 10-pound monofilament leader with a corkie or spin ‘n glo and a #8-10 hook tipped with worm or maggot.

When casting the rig into a run or eddy the weight draws the rig to the bottom, while the corkie keeps the hook and worm just off the bottom moving tantalizingly in the current where rainbows and walleye forage for food. Let it sit, and keep an eye on the rod tip so you don’t miss a subtle take. Casting the three-way rig near Zuckerberg Island, Slough Eddy, Trimac eddy, and below the Waneta Dam are favourite spots for many local anglers.

Fighting rainbow trout and walleye that can reach up to 15 pounds in the Columbia River current can be a challenge. A sturdy seven-to-eight foot, medium-heavy action spinning rod with a 2500 series reel or a baitcaster with quality 12-pound test is a recommended outfit.

A trolling/jigging weight with three feet of leader tied to a wedding ring or spinner with grub, or soft-plastic swimbaits are go-to jig set ups.

Anglers jig in soft water on the Columbia, or use a slow troll through the spring, summer, and fall for walleye, kokanee, and even the odd rainbow. Jigging or trolling in the slow reaches below Hugh Keenleyside Dam near Robson is a popular spot.

The technique is more complex than most people think and finding the right depth by manipulating the leader length and avoiding snags is critical. Choosing the right combination of colour, bait, and action is also important to the presentation.

You can also jig for walleye using a ¾ to 1-ounce jig-head weights and a spinner or grub. Soft-plastic swimbaits such as the Bass Magnet Shift’R Shad, Berkley Hollow Belly Swimbait, Mr. Twister Sassy Shad and Trigger X Paddletail worm are also popular.