|
Ask the Pros
click here to go back to the Ask the Pros main page
Specific area, places to fish, run timing questions
|
Q: Hey John, Bill from Renton PSA. Looking for a little info on springers in area 13. Thinking about hitting it this weekend. Just wondering if it is a decent size run and when they start to show? Also how you guys are doing for blackmouth. Any other info? Hope you guys had fun at the seminar. Talk at ya later. Bill
|
A: Bill, The run of springers is small in the south sound, out of a full of week fishing we're usually lucky to harvest 2. The blackmouth fishing has been pretty good. We took some nice fish down near Anderson Island on the tide change. John
|
Q: Hey, Great Site! Very informative and I look forward to your updates. I'm planning to head out next weekend (May 18th), hopefully to find some halibut and ling cod. We have a Seasport 24 and plan to dump in at Fort Casey or Cornet Bay on Whidbey Island. Any suggestions on where to go? I've heard of decent reports from Middle Bank, but don't really know exactly how far this is or how to fish there. I guess more importantly, is there a better place to go to pick up some halibut? Please let me know as we're novices when it comes to fishing (although we had a great season last year with Pinks, Silvers, lings and rock fish.) Halibut is one species we've never fished for in Puget Sound. Thanks in advance for the advice, Rob & Lew
|
A: In reply to your question, Middle Bank is located on the Canadian border just southwest of False Bay on San Juan Island (or directly west of Salmon Bank). GPS coordinates are North 48 degrees, 24 minutes by West 123 degrees, 8 minutes. The western half of the bank is in Canadian waters, so if you cross the border you will be checked for license by Canadian Fisheries. Middle bank holds halibut, especially along the southern edges. Another spot you might try is Admirality Inlet itself. However, there has been a problem with tribal bottom-dragging and, as I have not had a chance to fish it myself this year, I don't know if it has effected this area or not. Tom
|
Q: I heard through the grape vine that it's a possibility that area 11 could open before the July 1 date. Is my grape vine really twisted or is this a maybe? Thanks, Kevin
|
A: Not to my knowledge. John
|
Q: Hi John, Just curious on you thoughts for the area 11 opener on July 1st. Would it be best to target blackmouth near the bottom or try for summer/fall kings in the suspended water, say from 50-80 feet? Thanks, Travis
|
A: Travis, I would target blackmouth on the bottom in the typical 120ft. water until about 20 July then I would go fall king hunting looking for the those suspended fish returning from the ocean. Gook Luck John
|
Q: Hi, I live on Fox Island and do my fishing from Vashon south. I am somewhat new to the sport. I was wondering of you knew of a book that has information on most or all of the salmon fishing areas in the south sound. I'm looking for times various fish runs arrive and where they normally are located. Thanks, Brad
|
A: Brad, there is not a lot of information (good books) on the South Sound. That's one of the main reasons we started the Salmon University Web Page. Keep checking the page for more information on fishing your area.
|
Q: John & Tom: I've never fished Sekiu and I'm interested in the 7/8/02 opener for Kings. I have a 17' Smoker Craft with main and kicker motors. Not sure what the water conditions are like for this size boat. I've used this boat at Columbia Mouth (bouy 10). Need to know where to put in, where to fish and how to fish it. Suggestions???? Chad
|
A: Chad, Sekiu means calm waters. You should not have any trouble fishing it in your boat. Most of the boats they rent there are the same size as yours. Good luck and nail a slab. Capt. John
|
| A: Chad, Sekiu has very quiet and placid waters compared to the mouth of the Columbia River. It is also a very easy place to fish. There are a number of boat launches right in Sekiu and Clallam Bay. I would suggest you read John Keiser's article on the "Salmon University" web page on "How to fish Sekiu" Tom Nelson |
Q: John: Thanks for the response. Could you give me some pointers on where to fish, how to fish, tidal issues? Will it be a complete zoo with 3 hour lines at the boat ramp? Where to put in? I'm an experienced fresh water salmon/stealheader. Saltwater, downriggers and hardware are new to me in the last couple of years. Have had limited success down here in Tacoma waters so I'm hoping to improve my catch rate. Chad
|
A: Chad, for kings early in the morning try off the kelp beds in front of the caves, slow trolled herring should be the ticket. Check out our page on Sekiu on the SU site. Also there will be a map in the July issue of The Reel News on fishing this area. As far a boat ramps there are only three. Olson's Resort, Van Ripers, and Coho Resort. expect a line at all of them with the king fishing open in July. Good Luck Capt. John
|
Q: After reading about Quatsino Sound and having fished most of the other spots on the west coast of Vancouver Island my fishing buddy and I want to go up to Quatsino next year. What do feel would be the best month or part of a month to go?
We enjoy Chinook and Coho, but primarily Chinook fishing. We both need to lock in our vacation times by the end of September for next year. Any
advice you can give would be most helpful. Thanks in advance, Dennis
|
A: Dennis, Quatsino Sound Chinook fishing peaks between the middle of July and the middle of August. Some of the biggest Chinook are caught in the last week of August. Coho are present from early July through September. Please check out the Salmon University article on Quatsino Sound. Tom
|
| Q: Hi Tom, thank you for the information on the GPS units. I have a question about Sooke. We want to spend some time fishing for kings and halibut. What would be a good time to go over there? We would be trailering the boat (17') over there. Any imformation I can get would be great. I live in Sequim so it is not that far. We are just getting back into salt water fishing. Thank you again. Richard |
A: Richard, You should check our our fishing report on the Salmon University web site for weekly updates. It's getting towards the end of good halibut fishing now, although they can be caught all summer long. Salmon fishing will peak in July and early August with fantastic coho fishing in September and early October. Tom
|
Q: John, what large salmon run comes thru the south sound in August? Where are these fish headed? This run usually hits Point Robinson approx 8/14-8/24. Last several years have been pretty good. South Sound salmon fishing in July seems to be rather "spotty". Any tips for July salmon fishing the South Sound (covering area between 3 Tree and Point Defiance)? Thanks for your help. Hope your charter business is doing well. Paul
|
A: Paul, The runs heading for the South Sound during August are primarily heading to the Puyallup & Nisqually Rivers and of course Chambers Creek near Steilacoom. As far as Point Robinson most of the fish go right pass it so you should see good fishing again there this year. As far as fishing Three Tree Point we will have a map coming out soon, keep watching for updates on the SU page. I would concentrate on blackmouth until the middle of July then target the fall kings. The Charter business is doing great we have 10-12 calls a day for salmon trips! Capt. John
|
Q: Hello John- I have been fishing from the dock at Redondo since July 1st. I have been going near dusk and I have been using a pink and white 3.5 in. Buzz Bomb. I have not caught anything but a herring. Do you have any suggestions on using Buzz Bombs from the pier at Redondo. Am I using the right color, size or should I try using an entirely different method altogether? Could you please list some spots to fish from the pier or from shore along with some methods and suggested tackle. Thank you for the fantastic and informative site. Jim
|
A: Jim, dock fishing is a tough game. Sounds like you're doing the right thing with the Buzz bombs you will start catching more salmon when the silvers start to show later in the summer. JK
|
Q: I’m curious if you could recommend some areas where I might land Kings/Silvers from the shore. Specifically, areas of beach and rock and not piers or docks. Thanks and great website! Johnathan
|
A: Jonathan, I'm not much of a beach angler. I do know that many locals park under the Tacoma Narrows bridge on the Gig Harbor side and walk down and fish Pt. Evans with Buzz Bombs for coho in late summer. Watch the tides, a very high tide and you will be wading back!! Capt. John
|
Q: John: Thanks for the tip on Sekiu. Didn't have much success on the opener. Most of the first morning was an education process. We trolled flashers, hoochies, herring & bucktails to no avail. The people who were catching fish were mooching in shallow water early morning. This is a new technique for me. I didn't see very many nets out the first morning but the experienced guys seemed to do okay. I wouldn't describe the bite as "hot". Have you heard otherwise? Has Tacoma area been holding up? Any migratory fish showing up yet? I picked up 4 small blackmouth 2 weeks ago but haven't been out since. Chad
|
A: Hi Chad, I wasn’t there, but I heard that there were 550 kings checked in on opening day at Sekiu, that Monday morning and evening were good, as well as Tuesday morning. The 2,000 fish quota only lasted four days. As far as Tacoma is concerned, we are just starting to see fall kings near the Clay Banks and the Slag Pile. Better luck next time, John.
|
Q: First of all, I wanted to commend you and John for your truly outstanding web site. As both an enthusiastic amateur salmon fisherman AND a big internet user, I am thrilled to have found your site (while search for fishing maps). I have always wondered when I would be lucky enough to be able to benefit from on-line conveniences in the course of planning my fishing trips and now I can. Your site is fantastic and I have already learned some very interesting things from reading your "ask the pros" column.
Next, here is my question, about the Elliot Bay fishery (which it appears that you were the one to do the write-up on). When fishing what you call "area 4" inside of Elliot Bay (the mouth of the Duwamish), I wonder if you have any feelings about which tides are optimal to fish. You explain about changing from one side of the Duwamish Head to the other (something I did for years at Possession, before they closed it for Chinook). But what about right at the mouth of a river like the Duwamish. One the one hand, it seems that the high tide might be best because each incoming tide could bring in a rush of new kings. On the other hand, the fish might pile up at the mouth during the lower tides, waiting for the rush of new water to give them a "push" into the river, thereby creating catch opportunities at the low tide. What are your thoughts on the best tides for fishing the mouth of the Duwamish? Thanks very much and best regards, Jeremy
|
A: Hi Jeremy, The answer to your question is yes. You have the concept firmly in mind. I really don't have a preference for the tides. I have found that for winter blackmouth the incoming tide is better. For summer Chinook, either tide seems to work. The fish will move on the outgoing tide to deeper water. Of course, the best time to fish is an hour before and an hour after tide changes. Tom
|
Q: John: I have some friends coming up from Oregon. and I want to take them fishing August 3. My question is between the two areas of the mouth of Puyallup river and Point Defiance what do you think has the better chance catching a fish. Thank you, Gordy.
|
A: Gordy, We normally fish between the buoys with the gear 20-25 ft. behind the riggers down 60 ft. Good luck Capt. John
|
Q: John: I've been away for two weeks. Just returned from Buoy 10 and trying to get a handle on the South Sound fishery. Has the run showed up? I tried fishing the Puyallup mouth the day it opened and I caught nothing, nor did I see anyone catch anything. Has it improved? I've not heard of many Coho yet...but the expectation was for a banner year. We saw almost no Coho at buoy 10 - kings only. Going out tomorrow...any suggestion on the best place??? Chad
|
A: My feeling is the king run is late this year, not much water in the rivers yet. I have still been catching bright kings as of yesterday. So far they have been just tricking into the South Sound. Capt. John
|
| Q: John, I am relatively new to the west coast, that being said these Sinclair Inlet Kings have me stumped. I have dragged skirts at 1.5 mph - 3 mph, I have trolled cross current and with the current, green flashers, pink flashers, dodgers, green hoochies, plug cut herring (blue and green), whole herring, live shiner perch, dead shiner perch 36" - 44" leaders and every combo in-between all to no avail. I have seen numerous people catching doing everything I have tried. I am about 5 minutes away from trying TNT (I know that will work but I'll wind up in jail), is there a trick to catching these "terminal fish" Help me out before I quit fishing. Bill |
A: I would try purple size herring trolled very slow off the downrigger. Capt. John
|
Q: Hi, I'll be fishing Lapush for Kings this weekend, and I see references to the "rockpile". What is it's approx. location? Thanks, Robert
|
A: Robert, the Rockpile is a huge area, but a good start is approximately 7.5 miles out at a heading of 280 from James Island. -Norm.
|
Q: Hey John, love the webpage, one of the best around. Just wondering if I could get some up to date tips for fishing the Tacoma area this weekend? Are the fish still running deep, or have they moved up any. Has any one area been more productive than any others. Thanks again for the information and the site. Bryan
|
A: The fish are still filtering into the Tacoma area they seem a little late this year. Watch the SU site for Area 11 & 13 current fishing reports. Capt. John
|
Q: Tom, Great site! We are coming to the San Juans Sep 7 to the 13 and have chartered a boat for a 7 day cruise of the islands. We will be going from Bellingham to Lopez Isl, to Victoria, to Roche Harbor and then Stuart Isl, to Friday Harbor, to Orcas Island, to Sucia Isl and then back to Bellingham. Are any of these areas good for salmon fishing and will the fish be in the area during that time frame? Would we need downriggers to have any success? Is there good fishing for other types of fish? How about crabbing? I realize that this is a very broad based question but any info you could provide would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks, Eric
|
A: Hi Eric, Although I haven't finished the map story on San Juan Islands, I am forwarding you a rough draft of the San Juan Islands. You have picked a good time of year to be there. I would suggest you fish the west side of San Juan Island in the Lime Kilm Point area. There should be some late run Chinook and the first Coho showing up at that time. Good Luck! Tom
|
Q: Hi Tom, You've helped me out before. I have a couple of questions please. First of all. I have yet to hook up on a King with a Flasher/Hoochie combination. I hear all sorts of different variations but the most significant is the length from the Flasher to the Hoochie. I'm using 40lb mono at 40 inches with a Green Glow Hot Spot and a Green Spatter Back Hoochie. I also add a strip of Herring and Smelly Jelly. Can you suggest something different or just keep trying. I've got most my fish from Fresh Cut plug herring but it's hard to find unless I go to the Pt. Defiance Boat House. I also have caught all my fish before 8:00 AM fishing down only 50 - 65ft at the Slag Pile. After 8:00 I haven't had a hit. Should I be fishing deeper? How deep? Also, I'm trying to learn how to fish the mouth of the Puyallup. Everyone keeps telling me not to fish deeper than 60 ft. Is there a reason for this or do you agree with this philosophy? Can you give me any hints for this area? Thanks for all your help. Terry
|
A: Terry, Try to lengthen your leader for Summer Chinook to 44 to 48 inches. Summer Chinook require a longer leader. Once the sun is on the water, Chinook tend to go deeper. I would suggest you fish from 90 to 150 ft deep. As for your question on the Puyallup, the reason people fish shallower in this area is that the silt coming out of the Puyallup River floats on top of the water and the fish seem to lay just underneath this cover. Watch your electronics as it does shallow up here. If a lot of gear is going through the area it sometimes drives the Chinook to deeper water. You might also want to try the area in front of the Hylebos Waterway. Hope this has been of some help to you. Tom
|
Q: Hey I'm wondering how to catch the salmon from the Steilacoom ferry dock. And what time of day should I try it at?? Friends of mine say that its good at night but if I can go in the morning or day I would like to do that, too. Thanks, Matt
|
A: Matt, I have never fished from the dock at Steilacoom, however if it is similar to fishing from other piers and docks throughout Puget Sound, early morning or late evening would be the prime times. Chinook tend to move in very close to the shoreline at these times of day. Coho could be picked up all day long, but fishing would probably be best on the high tide.
|
Q: Hi John: It seems to me when a person is fishing the mouth of a river the fish are very hard to get to bite. What have you used in these situations to trigger a bite when nothing else seems to work? Thank You Gordy.
|
A: Gordy, The fish tend to be a little more finicky when they're holding at the river mouth and the bite tends to be an aggression bite, not a feeding bite. I like to pull big baits or lures, something that when it's in their face will make them mad and they will try to kill it. Good luck, Capt. John
|
| Q: I would like to know where to go for the best chances on a king or two. I live in Puyallup, WA. I have a Tide Runner with a 90 hp and a 9.9 4 stroke. its a cuddy about 18 feet. I have been launching at the narrows and going up and fishing the mouth of the Puyallup. No luck at all this year, zip, nothing...I use allot of herring with hot spot flashers. this year I have been using the herring hoods, they produce excellent spin action. I am seeing very few fish caught. Its been frustrating this year. Where can I go to get a better chance at some fish, kings or silvers. I would even drive a few hours to do so. I need some advise. time is running out. I got to catch some salmon. |
A: Scott, fishing has been tougher around Tacoma this summer, when the fish move through we do real well on the charters, in between the runs you have to put your time in on the water and just keep hammering it to score fish. I have seen fish everyday coming into Narrows where are charter boats are based. I don't spend much time at the Puyallup River mouth, I do fish the Clay Banks a lot. It sounds like you're using the right tackle, just stick with it. As far as traveling the Columbia, it is hot for kings right now, but only a one fish limit, and Sekiu or Neah Bay would be the hot bed for coho fishing. Tight Lines, Capt. John
|
Q: John, I enjoy mooching for Coho out near the shipping lanes off of Sekiu. I use a 2 or 3 ounce lead and cut plug herring mooched from 40 feet to the surface. I was curious if there are areas in South Puget Sound or Hood Canal where Coho can be mooched or are they off the bite when they reach these areas? Thank you, Bill
|
A: Bill, that technique should work for you all the way from Neah Bay to Possession Bar. After you get father South in Puget Sound the fish will be more scattered but you can catch them mooching. Capt. John
|
Q: I had planned to Labor day weekend at Sekiu, but now going to Ft Canby to try my luck at Buoy 10. I'm primarily a hootchie and occasional cut plug troller using downriggers. The "experts" are telling me I won't need a downrigger at Buoy 10. I personally hate hoisting up a diver on my light poles. What works at Buoy 10? The "experts" are saying trolling herring behind a flasher with a diver is the way to go. You have any suggestions?
|
A: I do know of anglers who back troll downriggers in the middle of the river channel up near the bridge. You run herring off the rigger just off bottom on a outgoing tide holding the boat straight with the kicker motor. They only fish during the middle of the week when there are less people on the river. However, since you're going to be fishing Buoy 10 on the busiest weekend of the year, you will be lucky just to keep your diver and herring clear of other boats. My bet would be using a downrigger would just cause you nothing but problems with other anglers. Good luck, Capt. John.
|
| Q: I am planning on going to Vancouver Island to fish for salmon, lingcod, and halibut. I will be there 9/13-9/20. Where would you recommend fishing during that time of the year? We were thinking of Quatsino Sound / Port Hardy. I have a 20' Willie Assaultor, but would prefer to not go to far off shore. Thank you for any help and also thank you for your website, Reg. |
| A: While Quatsino Sound and Port Hardy are wonderful places to fish, the major salmon runs will have started to diminish by the time you will be there. While halibut and lingcod will still be readily available, the fishing for them will be much slower than earlier in the year. If salmon is to be your main target, I would suggest that you try fishing in the Sooke area, as salmon fishing should be red-hot then. Check out the article on Sooke on the Salmon University web site. Early morning Strait of Juan de Fuca weather is usually very calm at this time of year. The afternoon winds will often pickup and make fishing uncomfortable. Your boat is big enough to handle that water and you are never far from the harbor mouth. You will also have the advantage of being only minutes away from Victoria, one of the nicer cities on the coast to visit. Good fishing – Tom |
Q: Tom, what is your preferred method to catching fish at Buoy 10?
|
A: Hi, The Buoy 10 fisherie is the world's simplest fisherie. Lots of fish, lots of fishermen. Since the area is usually very crowded, it is hard to fish with downriggers without picking up several other lines. By using a 2 to 4 ounce sinker and plug cut herring, you will be fishing the same manner as everybody else and catching fish. Add a scent to your bait and be sure and brine your bait. Good fishing – Tom
|
Q: John, if you were to select an area (somewhere in the sound or straights) where would you consider to be the best "all-a-round" areas to launch from for year-round fishing? (i.e. salmon, halibut, bass, etc.) I am taking early retirement, moving to WA, bringing a 23' Trophy Hard Top equipped with down riggers, and will have a range of 180 miles at cruising speed. Medium rough to calmer waters are preferred. Although an occasional rush would be alright too. My wife and I are going to have some time on our hands and want to fill them with "reel" action. I sincerely appreciate and value your input. Thank you, Mike
|
A: Mike, your question is a hard one. Year-round fishing and the species you're talking about out of one area will be a tough one to pull off. Each area is know for better fishing during a certain time of the year. The south Puget Sound has an 11 month season for salmon fishing around Tacoma. The coast is better know for bottomfish and halibut but the weather can be tough and the seasons are short. The Strait of Juan De Fuca has halibut, salmon and bottomfish but also one of the shortest salmon and halibut seasons in the state with calm to rough waters. The north Sound also has pretty fair fishing but a very short salmon season. My suggestion would to be come out try each area and then decide what would work best for you before you buy a place. Good luck, 'Capt. John
|
Q: John, is there a place to find GPS waypoints, for tuna, halibut, etc.? thanks, Tom
|
A: Tom, the best source for way points for tuna and halibut is from other fishermen. The best place to meet other fishermen is at your local Puget Sound Angler meeting. Locate your local chapter by logging on to www.pugetsoundanglers.org – Capt. John
|
Q: Hi Tom, great site - way too much info to absorb in one sitting. My question concerns the San Juans. For the past 4-5 years we've been going up to Roche Harbor with a bunch of guys and 2-3 boats, renting a cabin, and filling our freezers. This is at the last weekend of Sept or first weekend of October. The regular routine is to drop some crab pots on the way out, make a beeline to Pile Pt, troll the morning bite then go back to the Lime Kiln or the south end of Henry Island in the afternoons. I'd love to know if there's a more productive spot or two at that time of year. We do get our limits and get to watch the orcas, but I would like to try something else. Thanks, Eric
|
A: Eric, the areas you identified (Pile Pt. & Lime Kilm Pt.) are the best spots to fish without crossing into Canadian waters. If you just want a change of scenery, after September 30th Decatur Island and Rosario Strait open up. If you are fishing before then, the northwest shore of Orcas Island will produce fish. However, your regular places are the two prime spots in all of the San Juan Islands. Tom
|
Q: Dear Tom, My dad and I are new to salmon fishing, your site has been a great help to us. But I need to know some more specific ideas on how to fish this fall on the slag pile and Colvos passage, and if you can recommend a hot spot for around Gig Harbor that would be a big help. We're new and it would be awesome if you could help us catch a fish this fall because it has been my dream to catch a salmon and I have yet to accomplish it. Thanks, Matt – 12 years old
|
A: Matt, I am forwarding your questions to John Keizer, as he guides in that area and is the local expert. Coho will be showing up in big numbers in the next few weeks. I am sure that John will give you some handy tips on catching them. You and your father may want to take our February 15th Salmon University class as it is the most efficient way to learn the art of Salmon Fishing. Check out our web page for information on the
February class. Good luck Coho fishing. Tom
|
A: Matt, I will be putting out a map on both area very soon. For now trolling 30 ft. deep off the Slag Pile with a cutplug herring would be the way to go. We will also be offering a one day seminar in Feb. in Tacoma on how to fish the local area. Capt. John
|
Q: Hi Tom, I read where you had given some great advice about halibut fishing in Admiralty Inlet. I was wondering if there is any place in the sound were I can fish for halibut from a 12ft. aluminum smoker craft with a 6 h.p. motor. I've heard rumors that Mutiny Bay holds halibut. Is there any truth to that. This site is terrific. Thank You, John
|
A: John, Mutiny Bay does hold the occasional halibut. Unfortunately the halibut fishing usually doesn't open until May. The weather is quite unsettled then, so you would have to be very careful going out in a 12' boat. On a nice day, keeping your eye on the weather, you could fish for halibut there. Be very careful. Tom
|
Q: I would like to commend you on a very well put together website. I came to the West Coast compliments of the USAF 30 years ago and thanks to my CMSGT who was also a transplant I learned how to salmon fish off the Oregon and Washington coasts. I moved up to the Puget Sound area 2 years ago and have wondered how and when to fish the myriad of areas available ever since. I have primarily fished off the coast of Oregon ( Newport we boated 3 nice halibut there in the 2 day halibut thing 23-24 Aug) and off the CR Bouy (closed to chinnok as of AUG 11 when I had to put back a 35 pounder and a 40 pounder on the 12th) and Bouy 10 ( limited 2 kings on Aug 13th for me and one each for my fishing buddies and right in that Church Hole below the bridge that you suggested someone go to in your Q+A section) for the last 20 years. I am usually successfull in filling my tag fairly well year after year. BUT.... the fishing is so limited down there now with the seasons being cut short just as the ODFW sees too many of their pet fish being caught I need to expand my fishing opportunities up closer to where I live in Monroe. My question is when and where in the San Juans is the most productive for Chinook salmon and for Halibut. I noticed that you have no info on that area yet with updates to come.....I need a place up here to fish my old 1962 Owens Sea Skiff. Thanks, Jeanne
|
A: Hi Jeanne, I am working on the San Juan article for the web page at present and expect to have it up in the next two weeks. You won't need to go all the way to the San Juan Islands for good salmon fishing. The next month will offer you excellent fishing at West Point and in Elliot Bay for Coho. There should be good numbers of fish and they are fairly easy to catch. Read the Elliot Bay article on our website for tips on how to fish that area. You might consider taking our Salmon University Class on February 22nd in Renton as this is the most efficient way to learn how to fish Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands for salmon and halibut. Check our website for Class information. Tom
|
Q: Hi John, I've had a very successful year fishing for chinook in the Nisqually area, and a great year fishing coho in Sekui. I have not had good success fishing coho in the Nisqually/Anderson Island area. How big is the run? (Is it worth my time?), I typically use dodger/hoochie set-ups in the top third of the water column, should I stick with that in this area? And what area should I target for these fish? Lyle point, staircase, or Nisqually reach? Thanks for keeping up such a good web-site, I know you've helped me with a my fishing this year, Craig.
|
A: Craig, there is a fair run due into the south sound, most of those fish should show in a next few weeks. A little rain would help matters quite a bit. Your tackle choice and fishing technique should work fine. Good Luck Capt. John
|
Q: I usually fish right by Deception Pass and have been out of town for a few weeks, I was wondering what that area has been like lately. Also why isnt the area on your fishing reports page? Mike
|
A: Mike, not all marine areas in the state are on the fishing reports page. As our advertising staff locate more business willing to advertise on SU we will start including new areas on the fishing reports page. We tend to only post first hand reports that we trust to bring you the best information possible. Stay tuned what you see on the Salmon University Page is only a small amount of what's coming in the future Best wishes, Capt. John
|
Q: Hello there my name is Brandon, I'm from Renton, WA I'm a very big fishing nut. I went to your web site and looked up the advise u gave on how to fish the Mid Channel Bank in port townsend and it worked perfect i used a coho killer green with white double glow and a green hot spot flasher and rode the bottom i got two bits that day the first one i missed but the second one i hammered it was a 15 pound hog i cant thank u enough now my next questions is how do i get my picture in the fishing and hunting news? anyway thanks for the great advise and the mid channel bank is hot right now ive since cought two more nice 8 pounders. Sincerely, Brandon
|
A: Brandon, nice fish, glad the SU site helped you out. I'd send the picture in to F&H for possible print. In future try for a close up of the fish and the angler, not so much of the boat in the photo. Best wishes, Capt. John
|
Q: Hi John: My name is Wes Hamilton. I am 64 and my dad and I fish the Des Moines area, Neah Bay (Canada and US), and the Seiku and Pt Angeles area. We use a 24' Beachcraft and fish halibut, bottom fish and of course, salmon. I was in the transmission shop today talking to Bill Dever and inquired about some GPS numbers that you folks use. He suggested I ask if you would share some of them with us. If you have a hard copy, my mailing address is •••, Kent, WA. 98042. thanks...wes
|
A: Wes, I'm sorry I don't know what Bill Dever told you but we don't give out GPS numbers to halibut holes in the Neah Bay area. Reprisals from the local charter captains for doing that would be severe. We do at our Salmon University seminars point out productive areas to fish for halibut with GPS numbers to the general area in the US and Canada that would help you out catching them along with how to fish for them. There will be a seminar in Renton & Tacoma in February if you're interested in attending. Take care, Capt. John
|
Q: What can you tell me about fly fishing for Chinook on the Kalama below the hatchery? Is early October the best time? Do you have any recommendations for types of flies to use? Thanks, Fred
|
A: Fred, sorry but I don't fly fish the local rivers. Try a local tackle shop. John
|
Q: Hey John, I want to go Chum fishing next week at the Nisqually Tide Flats, is there any still around? Thomas
|
A: Thomas, they're still plenty of chums around, however with the rains many of them have started moving up the river now. Capt. John
|
Q: Hello, can I assume that the reason that there is no info on fishing Hood Canal is because there are very few fish? I have noticed in the regs that the limit is 4 fish. If it is good fishing where are the likely spots? Thank you, Larry.
|
A: Larry, we will be putting out a map on Hood Canal sometime this year. Yes there are fish there and the canal did had a pretty fair summer chinook season. Keep checking the SU web page there will be lots of new maps in 2003.
|
| Q: Hi John, I've only lived in Washington a short time, coming from the east coast and I'm a rookie when it comes to salmon fishing, only catching silver's and pink's off the beach on Whidbey Island the past two years. I'm very interested in fishing year round and when I see you reports that "blackmouths" are running, I would like to go out to try and catch some. What species are "blackmouths"? Can you catch them off the beach, and if so, how and where? (buzz bombs, ect.?) Can you help me with a few simple guidelines or where I can get some advice? Thanks for your help. Don |
| A: Don, I don't do much fishing from the bank, I do know some fish are caught by casting Buzz Bombs for blackmouth. I would check with your local tackle store for more information, or attend your local Puget Sound Anglers Chapter meeting and ask around. Capt. John |
Q: Hi John, my name is Adrian. My buddy just bought a boat and we would like to know the best time, area and species of fish to go after between the begining of January and end of March? Can you help us out? It sounds like Pt. Defiance/Dalco are good in the late summer and fall but not sure about winter. Thanks Adrian
|
A: Adrian, Pt. Defiance has been pretty steady for keeper fish all winter, we have had steady limits on our boats. Mid Channel has been a slow starter but should pick up soon. I would watch the SU fishing reports page it's updated every Thursday with current information. Capt. John
|
| Q: Tom, I am planning a trip in MAY to neah bay could you suggest some dates for good tides and what to look for in a halibut tide. ray |
| A: Ray, Look at a tide chart and try to pick the days with less than an 8' change. Although, out in the open ocean the tide has less of an effect that in the narrow confines of Puget Sound. Tom |
| Q: I recently heard Tom speak at the PSA meeting in Edmonds. I am interested in fishing Port Hardy. Any chance at fishing with him for a couple days? |
A: Doug, sorry, I sold my charter license last year and don't charter anymore. Tom
|
| Q: I just bought a place near Misery Point on Hoods Canal and have had no luck catching salmon. I fish Point Defiance and seem to have no problem getting a fish or two. I have been using the same technique on the canal as in Tacoma but I end up skunked every time. Are there any techniques or hot spots around Misery Point, Seabeck area that would help end my frustration? Thanks, Justin |
| A: Justin, Hood Canal is a tough area to fish, especially this year with the low 02 level in the south end. I would suggest you call Mark at the Seabeck Marina (360-830-5179) and pump him for some local knowledge. Good Luck, Capt. John |
Q: Hello, my name is Jeff. I would like to say I really appreciate your web site. A lot of useful info. for a novice like me. A question I have is, who in the Port Angeles area would you recommend for a chartered fishing trip in U.S. and Canadian waters to fill both the U.S. and Canadian limits? Any other info. you could pass along would be both helpful and appreciated. Thanks, Jeff
|
| A: Jeff, there is not a charter operator that fishes US / Canada in the Port Angeles area. You will have to travel to Neah Bay. In fact there are very few charter operators even fishing the US side! Capt. John |
click here to go back to the Ask the Pros main page
|
|
Site
Sponsors
|
|
The Sportsman's Warehouse
Seattle, WA
Tel: 206-624-6550
outdooremporium.net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Smelly Jelly
Tel: 503-648-2643
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
