Each summer hundreds of anglers line the shores and tread the waters of the Columbia River in Kalama Washington seeking the prize fish that have made Kalama the home of the steelhead. In the past weeks thousands of fish have passed through the area seeking critical spawning habitat.
Located 30 minutes north of Portland off the I-5 Kalama is only a short drive from the city for some great fishing. Steelhead are not the only fish that pass through as several species of salmon like the chinnook and sockeye have been caught in good numbers as well as white sturgeon and channel cats.
From the shore a popular fishing spot among the locals is next to the grain elevators off the Todd Rd. exit. A permit is required, which can be picked up at the port office about a half mile up the road free of charge.
A typical set up includes a six or eight ounce pyramid, a size 4 watermelon Spin-N-Glo, and coon shrimp or prawns attached with size two hooks on 25 lb. mono line. There are many different arrangements that can bring success and some anglers use as many as nine points while fishing.
Many natives have been caught this year and they must be released. Treble hooks are permitted but not recommended as they cause a great deal of harm to native fish lowering their chances of a successful release.
Be sure to watch the tide charts as the best fishing is during and after high tide which varies each day. The fish come in large waves so when someone up the beach hooks up be prepared because they are in the area.
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