Anyone go out there and use a guide to recommend? I’d like to hit the spring run when they go up into more scenic country from what it seems in the limited YT videos I’ve watched.
Anyone trailer a boat all the way out there to use after a guide trip or two?
What if you catch a wall hanger what options does a guy have to ship it back to MN for the taxidermist, or is it best to be done out there?
Starting to put plans together for a trip next year.
Measure, photo, replica. Reproductions are superior to skin mounts.
Measure, photo, replica. Reproductions are superior to skin mounts.
I never have been overly impressed with replicas tbh. I am 100% on board with the CPR aspect of it tho, and I get why it should be promoted but there are exceptions and I believe that river system is one with eyes being considered an invasive to most there. Lots of articles and legislation over there on getting them up and out.
Measure, photo, replica. Reproductions are superior to skin mounts.
X2. I have three mounts and all replicas. Look very close to actual fish, both size and coloring.
I have 2 12plus pounders out of lake Winnipeg. 1 was regular mount and one was replica. Replica looks way better than the actual mount.
I’m glad you fellas enjoy your replicas. 
After my dad passed, I inherited over 90 fish mounts. The oldest was a pike from 1969. Every skin mount looks like a relic, oils are bleeding through, and many fins are curled up. Some of the skin mounts are less than 5 years old. But, every replica still looks “wet” and brand new. By taking a photo, a measurement, and getting a replica made, you keep the trophy fish genetics in the watershed. Check out the website of Fiber Tech Productions in Nisswa, MN. That’s where the last half dozen mounts came from.
I’m not against skin mounts, I just think replicas and the artists painting them have surpassed the quality of the old school taxidermy stuff.
Any leads on guides who would crank at night appreciated. Fruitless emails so far, too risky which is understandable.
I’m glad you fellas enjoy your replicas.
Just giving advice on experience…
Robert Crow Guide Service
Robert Crow Guide Service
Thank you
Is a DIY trip even an option out there? I’ve always wanted to drive out there for a week in the fall or spring and figure it out myself.
Some people make it seem like a huge scary river that is treacherous and should be avoided, but people also say that about the Miss around here too. I assume it’s just like every “new” body of water. Poke around for a few hours on any new body of water and it suddenly is not so “scary” anymore.
Navionics app doesn’t show anything treacherous as long as a guy knows how to respect and work the current, assuming the heavy flow is where it gets sketchy.
Primarily looking from mcnary dam west to pool past the dalles.
I’d opt out for a guide trip first and get a feel for what a week may look like in my own rig out there.
Is a DIY trip even an option out there? I’ve always wanted to drive out there for a week in the fall or spring and figure it out myself.
Some people make it seem like a huge scary river that is treacherous and should be avoided, but people also say that about the Miss around here too. I assume it’s just like every “new” body of water. Poke around for a few hours on any new body of water and it suddenly is not so “scary” anymore.
The Columbia river gorge can have crazy high winds, enough so that guides will cancel trips. That’s what the sturgeon guide we hired for this summer told us. Something to consider.
Check out the website of Fiber Tech Productions in Nisswa, MN
$20 per inch? Is this normal for a reproduction? What is average for skin mount? Never had either done. Just wondering?
I am actually currently living and working in the Tri Cities and I drive over the Columbia literally everyday. Not having a boat out here is absolutely killing me. My coworker snuck out with one of our subs the other day and put a beat down on them. Smallest fish they caught was 21 and biggest was 30″. They caught them pitching plastics up shallow, sounded like an absolute blast. I need to get out with a guide one of these days before the good spring fishing is over. Some guide recommendations I have gotten:
-Flatout Fishing (seems to have the reputation of being the best in the area)
-Miller Time Fishing
-Markel Outdoors
If you come out hit me up. I would love to find somebody to split the price of a guide trip with.
Don’t forget to get a replica mount, FYI.
Beads, I would love to hear how this trip goes!! Hope you make it and get on some fish.
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