Our Crew

We headed up and over the pass at 3:30am, we relied on Red Bull to get us to our fishing grounds.  We figured it would take awhile getting over the pass, at least since there was a late snow that fell, but we ended up making it in good time and got a 1/2 hour nap in before our guide arrived.

After loading our gear, our boat was off and making it’s way to our fishing hole.  Fishing had been good in the past few weeks, so we were in high hopes 0f catching a bountiful bunch of fish.  As we headed out the rains came down, and I wondered how good this day was going to be.  It was windy and cold and I was having my doubts.  We set anchor and immediately got our rods baited and cast.

The falls from the river

One by one we were instantly getting bites and our moods we beginning to show some excitement.  Left and right we were reeling the sturgeon in, although they were all shakers, we still had a blast just getting bites.  It seemed each of took turns getting our fish, except Darren (my husband).  I think he took the booby prize seat, he wasn’t catching any, we all offered him our chairs, but he refused to leave his spot.  He was not going to be defeated, and the only fish he caught was for our friend how had to take a bathroom break.

First catch of the day

Ben got the next one

Jason brings one in

David's 1st Sturgeon

Darren reels in his only catch of the day

Soon the fun improved ten fold when Kenny managed to hook a true fighter.  He was putting up the fight of a caged animal ready to get loose.  He worked for 20 minutes playing tug-of -war with the beast.  We didn’t have any idea how big the fish was, but judging by its powerful strength, we had a feeling it would be a prize.

As the fish began to concede, we jumped into the air revealing itself to be about 6 ft long.  It was simply amazing to see such a sight.  The wind, rain and roughness of the river all went away in that moment and we were memorized by the behemoth fish.  The thrill of the action overtook the boat and we were all rallying around Kenny to pull that fish in.

Kenny fighting the fish

The fish put up a fight

...And he finally brings it in!

When he finally got it to the boat, Duane unhooked it, we got our trophy pictures in and then he let it go.  For as long as it took to bring it in, it only took and instant to let it go.  Everyone on the boat was pumped up after that point and even though the fish numbers were slow to come in, we had a great story to embellish on.  After a good lunch, and a lot of homemade cookies to keep us awake, the sun finally showed itself.

Almost a keeper, but not quite

It was a perfect ending to another excellent fishing trip. As we made our trip home, we relived the moments of the day, and we all realized how special it was to be out on the river and enjoying the time we had together. Until next year, I am sure the giant sturgeon will become a river monster in all the elaborate stories that will be told. It was all worth it though!

Heather with our guide, Duane

The post 2010 Sturgeon Fishing Trip On the Columbia River appeared first on Heather Moore.

Catching my first sturgeon

Pretty Happy About It

The next morning proved to be a bit drizzly.  At least it was warm out.  We met with our guide Duane at the boat launch and packed all of our gear onto the boat.  It was going to be a fun filled day with our friends on board.  We got seated and headed out on the Columbia.  The scenery was spectacular.  I have not seen such beautiful waterfalls and lush green hills in a long time.  I just sat in amazement on the boat as we drove up stream.  Duane was trying to find us some schools of fish.  Finally, after about an hour of searching for a place to fish, we found the sweet spot.  We cast our hooks, ready to take our prize.  Soon afterwards the game began.  It was so exhilarating to get a fish on, and boy do they put up a fight.

Jaron and Heather

The Gang

Gorgeous Scenery

We each kept track of the fish we caught, and my friend Merideth and I were in the lead.  What do you know, the two girls of the boat were out fishing the men.  That made it even more of a challenge for us to out fish these guys.  The fish just kept coming.  I was having the time of my life, I can’t believe I didn’t do this sooner.  We were the loan fishing boat in the area, no one else had found a spot like ours.  We knew we had better take advantage of this.I stopped fishing a few times long enough to get some picturess of the others, and then my stomach was hungry too.  We had to get some brauts in us, so we had enough energy to keep catching those sturgeon.  We made lunch and then continued the game of cat and mouse.  I don’t know if the rainy weather helped us, but the fish didn’t quit biting.  That made it quite a bit of fun.  The guide also did a good job of keeping us entertained.  He was a great guy, that we will be going back to again.

Darren Giving His Fish A Kiss

Jason and Merideth

Jason, Darren, and Jaron

In the end, the girls lost out to one of the other guys, but we took and tied for a close second.  Nothing wrong with that.  In 8 hrs we caught 36 sturgeons, only one keeper,but it was still fun all same.  It opened up my world to a whole new meaning of fun.  I booked another trip and can’t wait to do it again.

An Oversized Yellow Gumby. Pretty Funny!

Our guide was Daune Huber @ River Run Guide Service 1-503-481-6505.  He was a great guide and I highly recommend him.  Visit him @ www.riverrungs.com.

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