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Tacoma Narrows
 Chart courtesy of Captn. Jack's www.capjack.com Click on chart for bigger view
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Tacoma Narrows
One of the top salmon locations in the South Sound is the Tacoma Narrows.
Point Evans is the first Point just north of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge
on the Gig Harbor side of the bridge.
The currents through this area are strong and it will push tons of baitfish
into the area during tidal movements. Hungry salmon know this.
The top fishing take place between Pt. Evans and the bridge.
On an incoming tide start your drift under the power lines near Pt. Evans
and drift back towards the Narrows Bridge. The second red ball on the
power line from the shore is over 80-ft. of water and a good place to
set up for a drift.
If you're mooching, drop your fresh cutplug herring down so it's just
off bottom. The strength of the current will dictate the amount of lead
you will need to stay there. As you move south the Narrows will increase
in depth and it's important to keep your tackle just off the bottom to
produce strikes.
If you're a jigger then bring a selection of Point Wilson Darts in herring
and needlefish sizes or several different weights of Buzz Bombs.
If the current picks up on you while jigging you may have to back into
it with your kicker motor to slow your drift and keep the jig vertical
in the water column to produce strikes.
On the outgoing tide start just north of the bridge and drift back up
to Point Evans.
Since this area has such strong currents the best fishing will take place
one hour before to an hour after the tide change on big tide changes.
On days with lesser tidal movements you can fish two hours either side
of the tide.
Pt. Evans is a good year round producer for winter blackmouth and summer
returning kings.
Check your WDFW regulations for season openings and closings, as the Narrows
Bridge is the boundary between Marine Areas 11 & 13. The season and
salmon limits can vary depending on what side of the bridge your fishing
on.
During May, lingcod is targeted on the Tacoma side of the Narrows, drifting
from Salmon Beach back to the bridge fishing large horse herring and sole.
You need to hit a slack tide, but some nice fish are taken ever year.
Avoid fishing directly under the bridge as the wreckage from Galloping
Gerty, the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge is laying there. This is a tackle
grabbing nightmare for anglers.
Another hazard in the area besides the strong current is shipping. Large
ships, yachts and barge traffic pass through here so you need to keep
an eye peeled at all times.
Boat ramps: Are available at Narrows
Marina 253-564-4222 the closest, and Pt. Defiance Park 253-591-5325.
Salmon University Staff