I just returned from a very wet visit to the spring Chinook fishery on the lower Columbia River. Shane Magnuson, of Upper Columbia Guide Services has invited me down for years and I finally took the time to experience fishing on both Drano Lake and the mouth of the Wind River. The spring salmon run in the lower river is a very, very big deal. Trucks and trailers overflow the available parking and line up along the highway. It’s a long walk to the launch for many but it doesn’t keep then away. Drano Lake is a popular spot for good reason. Springers wander off the main stem Columbia and move into this large slough in very good numbers. Success rates are pretty good, compared to the fishing on the upper Columbia in our area. Talking to a fish checker at the end of the day, she reported that 50 boats reported 22 springers taken and 14 were taken from the shore. Magnuson was trolling both plug-cut herring and prawn spinners and took fish on both. Our party, which included Mark Spada from Yakima Bait and his buddy Rocky and myself, landed three springers, ranging in size from 7 to 16 pounds. All were very bright, beautiful fish.