The weather sure didn’t care that Sunday was the long awaited salmon opener for area 7. Windy conditions and scattered showers put the die-hard angler to the test and a few were rewarded for their efforts.
Most anglers stayed in the protected areas of the San Juan Islands, concentrating in areas like Thatcher Pass and Guemes Island.
If you use similar techniques that I described in last week’s column, they will give you a great starting point for your salmon fishing efforts.
Look for bait first and foremost. Areas 8-1 and 8-2 were covered with bait and it wasn’t very hard to find it.
Second, select your gear. I love to use spoons and I usually will tie one on behind a green Hot Spot flasher, the first color of choice would be a Cop Car or a green-glow Coyote Spoon. Keep your gear close to the bottom at first and change it once you start marking fish.
If you don’t get a hit in the first couple of passes, I would change colors.
If you are fishing with someone make sure you are both not using the same gear. You and your angling partner should be fishing different lures and set ups until you start to dial in the fish.
When my buddy and I hit the green can, we both had something different on until we started to hit fish with pink spoons. Then we tied up the other rod the same way and what do you know, it started to catch fish as well.
I like to put a spoon on one rod and hoochies on the other. I tend to stay away from bait but this time of year, dog fish are not hitting your herring all the time, making for a frustrating day on the water.
With you and your partner switching gear around and doing it differently on each rod, you will be able to cover more combinations.
I have seen guys fish the same gear the same way every time but if you want to have a lot of success, you have to adapt and change to the fish.
Local rivers are becoming fishable again and the Cascade River opened up Sunday. This is a popular little river for local steelheaders and puts out quite a few hatchery fish each year.
My quest for my first steelhead has been very educational. I have spent a lot of time reading articles and asking local anglers lots of questions. I went to the sportsman’s show and managed to get into a couple of seminars on float and jig fishing for steelhead. One of which was taught by Glenn Hall from the TV show, Hawg Quest. I will post pictures and videos on my Web site soon.
I also did some research on local guides. Ask for references and look for local guides specific to the river you want to fish. I talked to one I am going to go with and I will be sure to keep you informed.
You will get more up to date information on my quest and other reports as well at www.washingtonfishfurfowl.com, and hopefully I will soon have the first steelhead on my punch card.
Be sure to visit and ask a question, or post a report on the forum. I look forward to hearing from you.
Until next time be safe and keep the reports coming.
