Salmon fishing has taken a definite turn for the better on the upper Columbia in the Wenatchee area. Some very big, and I mean 40 pounds, have been landing here lately and these early summer runs are beautiful. Heavy currents have made the artificial lures, like the Super Bait, the way to go.

The hot spot in the vicinity of Wenatchee has been near Walla Walla Point, and some fish are being taken below Rocky Reach Dam. Wells Dam has been productive, too, but very heavy currents have been an issue for anglers. The eddy opposite the launch is producing kings and sockeye, and many anglers are running up from the Beebe Bridge launches to fish here.

Boaters should be aware that launching at Wells Dam is dicey. Heavy waves threaten to swamp boats when being off loaded or taken out here. Fishing above Wells Dam is worth a shot, and there is a launch about two miles above the dam. Fishing in the Brewster Pool is just starting to produce a few fish, just in time for the big Budweiser-Lowrance King Salmon Derby the first weekend in August. Log onto brewstersalmonderby.com for details on the derby.