Anchoring on the Columbia

[ORCA]

I mainly fish in southern Oregon, but I’m planning to take my 21’ North River to the Columbia in September to anchor for kings. Will my Rouge river anchor system work up there or do I need a special set up?

 

[Admin]

I don't know the answer, but here is what ChatGPT said:

When anchoring on the Columbia River for king salmon, you’ll encounter stronger currents and potentially more wind than on the Rogue River. While your Rogue River anchor system might work, there are a few adjustments you might consider:

1. Anchor Size: Ensure your anchor is heavy enough to hold your boat in the stronger Columbia River currents. You may need to upgrade to a larger anchor, such as a 25-30 lb. river anchor, if your current one is smaller.
2. Anchor Chain: Use a longer and heavier chain (at least 6-10 feet) to help your anchor set properly. The chain should be at least as heavy as the anchor and will help to maintain a low angle of pull, which is crucial in strong currents.
3. Anchor Line Length: The rule of thumb is to have 5-7 times the depth of water in anchor line out. Make sure you have enough line to account for the deeper and faster-moving water.
4. Buoy System: A sliding buoy system is often used on the Columbia to help retrieve the anchor safely and efficiently, especially in strong currents.
5. Safety: Always ensure you have a quick-release system in place to let go of the anchor in an emergency situation.