How to Fish for Salmon in Washington State

Washington State is a fisherman’s paradise, and if you are looking to catch salmon, then this is the place to be. With its numerous rivers and streams teeming with different species of salmon, including Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, and Pink, Washington provides an ideal fishing spot for anglers from all over the world.

But catching salmon in Washington can be frustrating if you don’t know what you are doing. You could spend hours on the water without getting a single bite. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, understanding the behavior of these fish and learning how to use the right techniques will make your fishing expedition more successful.

In this article, we’ll provide some expert tips on how to fish for salmon in Washington State. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right gear to selecting the best bait for each species of salmon. So grab your fishing gear and get ready to reel in some big ones!

Best Time of Year to Fish for Salmon in Washington State

Salmon fishing is a year-round activity in Washington state, but the best time to fish depends on the species you want to catch. The Pacific Northwest is known for its salmon-rich waters and attracts anglers from around the world. Here are the best times of year to fish for different types of salmon:

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon are also known as king salmon and are highly sought after by anglers due to their large size and delicious taste. The best time to fish for Chinook salmon in Washington state is from May through September. These months offer ideal water temperatures and feeding patterns for Chinook salmon.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also referred to as silver salmon, are smaller than Chinook but still provide an excellent fight when caught. The best time to fish for Coho salmon in Washington state is from July through October. During these months, Coho salmon can be found in rivers and streams throughout the state.

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye salmon are a bit trickier to catch than other types of salmon due to their smaller size and elusive nature. The best time to fish for Sockeye salmon in Washington state is from June through August when they migrate upstream from the ocean into freshwater rivers and streams.

Tips:

– Check with local fishing guides or bait shops for up-to-date information on where and when the salmon run is happening.
– Keep track of water temperatures as this can affect where the fish will be located.
– Be sure to obtain any necessary licenses or permits before heading out on your fishing trip.

Essential Equipment for Salmon Fishing in Washington State

Fishing for salmon requires specialized equipment that can handle the weight and strength of these powerful fish. Here are some essential pieces of equipment every salmon angler should have:

Rod and Reel

A sturdy rod and reel combo is necessary for salmon fishing in Washington state. Look for a medium to heavy-duty rod with a fast action tip that can handle the weight of the fish. A good quality reel with a smooth drag system is also important to ensure you can reel in the fish without it breaking your line.

Fishing Line

Choose a strong fishing line that can withstand the weight and power of salmon. Braided lines, monofilament, or fluorocarbon lines are all good options depending on your personal preference and fishing conditions.

Bait and Lures

Salmon are known for their strong sense of smell, so using bait or lures that mimic their natural prey is crucial. Popular bait options include herring, shrimp, anchovies, and squid. Lure options include spoons, spinners, jigs, and plugs.

Tips:

– Make sure to bring extra hooks and sinkers in case you lose any while fishing.
– Wear waterproof clothing as salmon fishing often involves getting wet.
– Pack plenty of snacks and water as fishing trips can last several hours.

Top Locations to Catch Salmon in Washington State

Washington state is home to numerous rivers and streams that offer prime salmon fishing opportunities. Here are some top locations to catch salmon in Washington state:

Columbia River

The Columbia River is one of the most popular destinations for salmon fishing in Washington state. It offers excellent Chinook and Coho salmon runs between May through October.

Puget Sound

Puget Sound provides anglers with year-round opportunities to catch various types of salmon including Chinook, Coho, Pink, Sockeye, and Chum. The sound is also home to world-class salmon fishing tournaments.

Okanogan River

The Okanogan River in northeastern Washington provides excellent salmon fishing opportunities from late August through October. Chinook and Coho are the most commonly caught species in this river.

Tips:

– Check local regulations before heading out to ensure you are following all guidelines.
– Consider hiring a local guide to help you find the best spots for salmon fishing.
– Always be aware of your surroundings, especially if fishing near dams or other potentially dangerous areas.

Effective Techniques for Salmon Fishing in Washington State

Fishing for salmon can be challenging and requires knowledge of effective techniques to increase your chances of a successful catch. Here are some techniques that have proven effective for salmon fishing in Washington state:

Drift Fishing

Drift fishing involves casting bait or lures upstream and allowing them to drift naturally downstream with the current. This technique works well when targeting migratory salmon as they tend to follow the current.

Trolling

Trolling involves dragging bait or lures behind a moving boat at various depths until a fish strikes. This technique is popular among anglers who want to cover large areas of water quickly.

Float Fishing

Float fishing involves using a bobber or float with bait suspended underneath it at a specific depth. This technique works well when fishing in shallower waters such as streams and rivers.

Tips:

– Vary your retrieval speed when using lures to mimic natural movements of prey.
– Use bait that matches the size and color of the fish’s natural prey.
– Be patient, as it may take some time for salmon to strike.

Preparing Bait for Salmon Fishing in Washington State: A Guide

Salmon fishing in Washington state requires using bait that mimics the natural prey of the fish. Here’s a guide to preparing different types of bait for salmon fishing:

Herring

To prepare herring, remove the head and guts, then cut the fish into bite-sized pieces. Soak the pieces in brine solution overnight before use.

Shrimp

To prepare shrimp, remove the shell and tail, then devein the shrimp. Cut it into small pieces or use whole depending on your preference.

Anchovies

To prepare anchovies, remove the head and guts, then cut them into small pieces. Soak them in saltwater solution overnight before use.

Tips:

– Keep bait refrigerated until ready to use.
– Use fresh bait whenever possible for best results.
– Experiment with different types of bait to see what works best for you.

Fishing Regulations Every Angler Should Know in Washington State

It’s important for anglers to be aware of fishing regulations when salmon fishing in Washington state to ensure they are following all guidelines and avoiding any potential fines or penalties. Here are some regulations every angler should know:

Licenses and Permits

All anglers over the age of 15 must have a valid fishing license when fishing in Washington state waters. Additionally, some areas require special permits or tags for certain species such as Chinook salmon.

Fishing Seasons and Limits

Fishing seasons vary depending on location and species, so it’s important to check local regulations before heading out. Additionally, there are daily catch limits for each type of salmon that anglers must adhere to.

Gear Restrictions

There may be gear restrictions in certain areas such as size limitations on hooks or line strength requirements. It’s important to check local regulations to ensure you are using gear that is allowed.

Tips:

– Always carry your fishing license with you when fishing.
– Check local regulations before heading out on your fishing trip.
– Report any illegal activity or regulation violations to the proper authorities.

Identifying Different Types of Salmon When Fishing in Washington State

There are several different types of salmon that can be caught in Washington state, each with its unique characteristics and markings. Here’s a guide to identifying different types of salmon:

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon have a blue-green back and silver sides with black spots. They also have black gums and a forked tail.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon have a dark blue-green back and silver sides with small black spots. They also have white gums and a slightly forked tail.

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye salmon have a blue-black back and silver sides without distinct spots. They also have red flesh, which sets them apart from other types of salmon.

Tips:

– Look for distinct markings such as coloration or spotting when trying to identify different types of salmon.
– Use online resources or consult with local experts if unsure about the type of fish you’ve caught.
– Keep track of where and when you caught each fish for future reference.

Cleaning and Preparing Your Salmon Catch: Tips and Tricks

After catching your salmon, it’s important to properly clean and prepare it for cooking. Here are some tips and tricks for cleaning and preparing your catch:

Gutting the Fish

To gut the fish, make an incision from the anus up towards the head. Cut around the gills, then remove all internal organs including the liver, heart, and stomach.

Removing the Head and Tail

To remove the head and tail, use a sharp knife to cut through the spine behind the gills and at the base of the tail. Discard the head, tail, and internal organs.

Filleting the Fish

To fillet the fish, make an incision just behind the gills down to the backbone. Cut along the backbone towards the tail, then flip over and repeat on other side.

Tips:

– Use a clean cutting surface and sharp knife when cleaning your catch.
– Rinse fillets thoroughly with cold water after cleaning.
– Store your cleaned fish in a cooler or refrigerator until ready to cook.

In conclusion, fishing for salmon in Washington State requires the right equipment, knowledge of the regulations, and patience. With these key elements in mind, anglers can enjoy a successful and rewarding fishing experience in this beautiful part of the country.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Fish for Salmon in Washington State

What is the best bait for salmon in Washington state?
When fishing for chinook salmon, sand shrimp is a common bait option, but many prefer using salmon eggs. Some anglers even use both simultaneously. Instead of bait, marabou jigs can also work well for catching pink salmon or other types of salmon when the water is clear and low.

How do you catch salmon in Washington?
For chum salmon fishing in Washington, Hood Canal is the prime location, especially around the hatchery in Hoodsport. Another popular spot is the fish hatchery in Minter Creek, which is conveniently located near Carr Inlet and only a short drive from Gig Harbor.

What month is best for salmon fishing in Washington?
The best time to see salmon runs is from mid-September to mid-October. This is when the fall salmon runs start, with the Chinook salmon returning to spawn in late August, followed by the Coho salmon a bit later.

What is the best setup for salmon fishing?
Typically, when trolling for salmon, a 20-25 pound test line and a leader ranging from 4-8 feet in length is used as the standard setup. The effectiveness of different types of lures may vary depending on the species and location of the salmon being caught.

What size hooks for salmon?
There is no specific type of hook required for fishing, though the traditional salmon or steelhead hook is commonly used, as it is strong and has a short shank and eye-up design. The size of the hook depends on the conditions of the river and the type of bait being used, but generally a size 4 hook should suffice.

What bait hooks are best for salmon?
Circle Fishing Hooks are an effective solution for preventing the accidental hooking of a fish’s gut or eye. These hooks are designed to automatically set themselves in the fish’s mouth, eliminating the need for manual hook-setting. They are especially useful when employing bait mooching techniques for salmon or bottom bouncing for ground fish.