Woody1

I have to go with plastics, especially tubes and senkos. Out west here we're not permitted to use live minnows. Would love to come back east and try them.

There are several ways to rig a tube, my personal preference is with 1/4 to 3/8 jig head. First I dip the head in smelly jelly or other attractant, this helps with the insertion, then I slide the head into the tube till the eye pokes out the top end of the tube, leaving the hook coming out the bottom. You can also rig with head outside the tube, running the tube up the hook. There are other ways, but those are the easiest to get started with. Another fun way to fish for smallies is with Senkos. Wacky style is very easy, just tie on a 2/0 or 3/0 hook, then fold the senko in half to find the center point and the run the hook thru the center, then cast and let settle to the bottom. Jiggle the rod a litte and then let settle again, this can be very effective.

If I was putting in for the first time, I would start just southwest of grid 3/2/10/11 where you have a large point just below the old river bed. If the water temp is where you forecast it to be look for drop offs where they will hang in deeper water and then come up as the water warms during the day. Also looks like there is a maybe a bridge crossing, try there and the point beyond.

First choice: tube 2nd choice: senko, wacky style.

New member here, and I too fish the Columbia, but I fish above McNary Dam. Great place to fish for smallies, underfished since it's windy at times. My personal best is 19" @ about 6 lb (I got to get a better scale). I also like to go below the dam, Crows Butte area, some monsters down there too! I fish the Snake too, typically smaller fish, but quanity is good.