Bullards Bar 4/3/21

Still easy pickings for Kokanee. Launched at Dark Day at 8:00. Headed towards Willow Creek but never made it that far. Found a huge School with fish stacked from 15 to 35 feet. Made about 15 passes through it and had my limit by 11:00. The fish are getting bigger, average is 10 inches now.

Thanks for the intel! And props on limit.

How was the launch situation with the lake level so low? I’m planning a trip up there this week, camping at Collins for 2 nights and spending a day at bullards.

Thanks for the post and intel.

Fished for kokanee last year on light tackle. Was a blast.

Alex

Thanks for the intel! And props on limit.

How was the launch situation with the lake level so low? I’m planning a trip up there this week, camping at Collins for 2 nights and spending a day at bullards.

Easy launch at Dark Day ramp. Even with the water so low, the concrete ramp is still reaching well into the lake. Saw a 22' NorthRiver launch and pull out of there with no problems. I used 4" Pink/Chrome dodgers and Paulina Peak Micro Hoochies in Hot Pink with Salt/Sugar and Salt/Anise cured corn.

Good Luck!
Kevin, AKA Plug-n-Jug

Thanks for the post and intel.

Fished for kokanee last year on light tackle. Was a blast.

Alex

I use 7' Shakespeare Ultra Lite Micro rod/reel combos. Super cheap and great fun, even with the small fish. Don't really see the need to have a $200 combo for Kokanee.

Thanks again for the intel!

Yea,...I pretty much use the same gear for all freshwater trolling. I use a cheap ugly stick, pair of cheap okuma and a cal kellog leadcore for rods, paired with cheap, but decent reels. Catch more fish than my freezer is big.

The gear stuff can get absolutely crazy and expensive super fast!

Never caught a koke before,...hopin they’re as tasty as folks say!

Thanks for the detailed report. I’ve only ever bass fished there and used lures that imitated those Kokanee 

Thanks again for the intel!

Yea,...I pretty much use the same gear for all freshwater trolling. I use a cheap ugly stick, pair of cheap okuma and a cal kellog leadcore for rods, paired with cheap, but decent reels. Catch more fish than my freezer is big.

The gear stuff can get absolutely crazy and expensive super fast!

Never caught a koke before,...hopin they’re as tasty as folks say!

Fishgr, if you launch at Dark day, just stay on the right side. I normally find the schools about half way to Willow Creek. Troll no faster than 1.5mph. I stay about 30-50 yards from the bank, fishing 15-30' deep in 70' of water.  Just watch your Fish finder. There are several spots that change depth from 70' to 24' or less real fast.

Yes they are super tasty! I butterfly mine add minced garlic, a pad of butter and lemon slices. BBQ or broil for a few minutes, make a green salad, open a bottle of Cabernet and chow down.

Thanks for the intel! And props on limit.

How was the launch situation with the lake level so low? I’m planning a trip up there this week, camping at Collins for 2 nights and spending a day at bullards.

So how did it go Fishgr? I was there Sunday. Limited in about 3 hours. All fish came only about 200-500 yards past the buoy line off the end of the ramp. It was nice not to paddle back to Willow Creek and then fight the wind all the way back.

Thanks for the intel! And props on limit.

How was the launch situation with the lake level so low? I’m planning a trip up there this week, camping at Collins for 2 nights and spending a day at bullards.

So how did it go Fishgr? I was there Sunday. Limited in about 3 hours. All fish came only about 200-500 yards past the buoy line off the end of the ramp. It was nice not to paddle back to Willow Creek and then fight the wind all the way back.

Went well! Wound up making a day trip up there last Saturday on a whim. Did not limit, but got 7 of em, and a skinny long spotted bass. Having never fished for kokes before, I used the day to learn a few different setups, on downrigger and dropper rigs. Had a blast just cruising up and down the Willow Creek arm, catching most of them on figure 8s around the boat ramp. Mostly small lil fish up to 12”,...which will be going in the smoker momentarily.

Thanks again for the intel - definitely helped my day!