With the east winds the past few weeks the near shore spinning tackle bite has slowed. Trolling bite is still going decent on dodger fly combo’s out in 150 feet of water. But anyday now for the next month solid there will be an awesome spinning/ baitcaster bite for the big kings. In my opinion there is not a more enjoyable way to catch salmon then having them crush the bait, scream out 100 feet of line while leaping in and out of the water, while jigging or casting. Many times we have to chase them down with the bow mount.
I mainly fish the gaps with gulp on darter head jigs and 10 lb test. I also casting cranks suck as husky jerks, DT -16’s rattle traps, lucky crafts and rouges also work. This can be done from shore or in a boat while these fish are stagging in the mouth of the gaps or harbors, and some of these fish never run up the river and will spawn and die in the harbors. Much of this area is also easily accesable from shore and can your success can be just as good!
Big browns will follow the kings which usually lasts from Nov-March.
Eating quality they are still fine until late September.
Good fishing!
Capt. Eric Haataja
