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Salmon Bank
Chart courtesy of Captn. Jack's www.capjack.com
Salmon Bank
Salmon Bank is one of the most productive areas to fish in the San Juan Islands. Halibut, Winter Blackmouth, Coho and summer Chinook all pass through this area. Unfortunately the western portion of Salmon Bank has been closed to salmon angling for the past few years and this may not change in the near future. Always check your regulations before fishing this area for seasons and area closures.
If Salmon Bank has a fault; it would be its exposure to weather. It is susceptible to afternoon winds blowing down the Strait of Juan De Fuca and/or winds out of the south or east. Because Salmon Bank’s reef extends far out into the straits, a tide change, coupled with a wind in the opposite direction can kick up some rough water. It’s certainly not a place to be during a storm or strong winds. Fortunately, it is a short run to Cattle Pass and sheltered water.
Anyone who has fished Possession Point will immediately notice a similarity in the tactics that you use here.
Let’s start with the east side of Salmon Bank. This is best fished on the incoming tide. This is an excellent area for winter Blackmouth, as it usually holds bait. The troll area is about 3 miles long. It is best fished with downriggers. Winter Blackmouth are fished in the bottom 10 to 20 ft of the water column. Fish parallel to the bank in 80’ to 160’ depths. Start your troll at the south end of the bank and troll towards Cattle Point. Wintertime means the primary bait in the area will be sand lance or candlefish. Coho killers and #3 Kingfisher spoons made by Silver Horde fished behind a flasher can be deadly here. As can Gold Star needlefish squid. With both spoons and squid, stay with your glow in the dark colors in green, purples and army truck.
It is fairly common to hook halibut here while trolling for winter blackmouth. However, the Halibut season doesn’t open until May. So, once again check your regulations.
While downrigger fishing is the most effective way to fish this area, moochers can go up on top of the bank and let the tide push them to deeper water, keeping their bait in the bottom 10 feet of water. A good starting point for moochers is the Salmon Bank buoy which is in only about 40 feet of water, however the bottom quickly falls off from there.
As you approach Cattle Point, the bottom becomes quite rocky and many a downrigger ball rests here. The rocky areas are an excellent area to mooch and are also an outstanding area for lingcod.
At the present time, the western portion of Salmon Bank remains open for fishing year round. It can be an excellent spot for summer Chinook as well as Humpies and Coho. Usually you are able to troll parallel to the bank in either direction, an oddity, because the current flow is at right angles to the bank. Winter Blackmouth fishing mirrors the east side fishery. This area is best fished on the outgoing tide.
Summer Chinook will often suspend so that while you may be over 150’ of water, the Chinook may be only 50 to 70 feet deep. Good Lowrance electronics are vital for your summer fishery. Fish where you see bait suspended. The 5” Silver Horde plugs fished 35 to 50 ft behind your downrigger release will certainly add fish to your box as will the usual baits; squid, herring etc. However, plugs will usually catch you bigger salmon.
During the odd year are Humpie runs. Massive schools of humpies will hold on the outgoing tide on the western side of the bank. These are easily caught and usually taken in the top 60 feet of water. Those people trolling with divers or sinkers will catch a lot of humpies without the need of a downrigger. Those with downriggers will quickly limit.
Coho in the Salmon Bank area can be anywhere – up close to shore, or far off the bank. It’s a hunt to find the schools. Both humpies and Coho will usually show themselves by jumping or rolling on the surface. So find yourself a good rip to troll along, and keep your eye out for splashing fish.
Tom Nelson