Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass fishing around Clatskanie focuses on the Columbia River and its immediate tributaries. While not a renowned smallmouth destination, the rocky shorelines and current breaks of the Columbia do hold populations of these hard-fighting fish. Look for areas with riprap, submerged rocks, and eddies. Summer and early fall are prime times, as the water warms and the smallmouth become more active. Crawfish-imitating crankbaits, tubes, and drop-shot rigs are all effective. Focus on areas with current, as smallmouth prefer moving water. The boat launch at Cathlamet, just across the river in Washington, provides good access to the Columbia's smallmouth habitat. Be aware of strong currents and boat traffic on the Columbia. Targeting smallmouth here requires some searching and experimentation to find productive areas, but the reward is a feisty fish in a beautiful setting.