Fish aficionados will find plenty of fun in the Columbia Gorge: Gerry Frank's picks

If you enjoy learning about fish as much as you do viewing them, a trip to Bonneville Fish Hatchery (70543 N.E. Herman Loop, Cascade Locks; 541-374-8393), just a few miles from Cascade Locks and 40 miles from Portland, may be in order.

Not surprisingly, the star at this Columbia River hatchery is Herman the Sturgeon. Herman is approaching his 80th birthday and packs almost 500 pounds onto his 11-foot mostly boneless frame; you really do have to see it to believe it. You'll find him at the Sturgeon Viewing Center.

Guests may also walk to the hatchery ponds, where they will see trophy-size rainbow trout as well as have the opportunity to feed them (which kids especially enjoy). The hatchery rears steelhead trout and chinook and coho salmon. Keep your binoculars handy as birds of prey, songbirds, wading birds and waterfowl are prevalent in this area. There's also a boat ramp conveniently located nearby as well as the neighboring Bonneville Dam.

Bonneville Lock & Dam (Exit 40, Interstate 84, Cascade Locks; 541-374-8820) not only is a National Historic Landmark but also was the first powerhouse, spillway and navigation lock on the Columbia River. Visitors particularly enjoy the underwater fish-viewing window where adult salmon swim through the fish ladder (also viewable from outside, next to the ladder). You can also tour the powerhouse and even watch vessels pass through the navigation lock during the summer. Both centers are educational, interesting and offer free admission, making them well worth the stop.

Next up - fishing at Benson Lake (Exit 30, Interstate 84, Cascade Locks). Take all that you learned at the hatchery and go on to fish for your own rainbow trout. As you may have learned at the hatchery, thousands of rainbow trout are stocked each month into the lake between March and October, making this the best time to go.

Other fish you may come across are small- and largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish and bullhead catfish. Beginners will have no problem, and if you prefer to watch or swim, then just make sure to bring your tubes and rafts (no motors allowed). Keep in mind this spot gets quite popular with nearby hikers, picnickers, campers and disc-golfers. Given its location near Multnomah Falls and the railroad tracks, it may not be an ideal place for those who prefer more quiet fishing spots.

If it does get a little too busy, head directly west of Benson Lake (same exit) for another fishing spot - Hartman Pond. Expect catfish and bass. The picnic shelter at Benson Lake is reservable for larger groups, year round. Park hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

--Gerry Frank

The all-new fourth edition of "Gerry Frank's Oregon" guidebook is available through oregonguidebook.com; 503-585-8411; gerry@teleport.com; Amazon.com; Macy's; and P.O. Box 2225, Salem, OR 97308.

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