Fishing Reports for June 17
Washington
Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco)
no report this week
Marine Area 2 (Westport)
The Sea conditions kept most all of the small boat fleet at the docks this past week in Westport. Saturdays conditions were bad with the bar closed to boats under 30 feet then 26 feet most of the day. So fishing has been limited since last weeks report. That being said the larger charter boats have been able to get out a few days and have found some Salmon within range of the inlet. The fish are getting bigger with a few 15 to 18 pound fish hitting the scales. It has still been slow fishing but those who are able to get out are starting to find some fish. Fishing should continue to improve over the next few weeks as more fish pass offshore of Westport bound for the Columbia river. Start looking in deeper water for these fish and run at least one rig near the bottom. Downriggers are essential for this as pictured below. Spoons and Hoochies are still producing and nailed this fish last week for Cyndi.
Remember there is still no fresh Herring in town so either bring your own or plan to buy frozen. Bottom fishing still is the most consistent fishing here with most boats limiting each trip. Black Rockfish and Lingcod are plentiful. Jigs, Live Anchovies, and Shrimp Flies work best for these fish.
Tuna season is just around the corner and we should start seeing a few boat making those scouting runs in about 3 weeks. These trips will fill up fast so if you are planning to take a Tuna Charter now is the time to call. There are boats here that do 3 day, 2 day, and same day trips. If you have never experienced Tuna fishing and you love to fish it is a must.Crabbing is still closed south of the jetty to the Columbia river in the Ocean and rumor has it that this will be the case for most of the summer.
The Famed Pirate Daze festival will be occurring here in Westport the weekend of June 27th. This event is a blast for the entire family. As always have Fun, be Safe, and we will see you in Westport.
Marina Area 3 (LaPush and Forks)
no report this week
Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay)
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has given an “Excellent” rating for ling cod in Marine Area 4 during the month of June.
Marine Area 5 (Sekiu)
no report this week
Marine Area 6
no report this week
Marine Area 7
Ling’s are gone, but Prawn’s rock on in the ‘Juan’s! Part’s of Marine Area 7 are still open for Spot Prawn’s. Other than that, it’s tick…tick…Boom! to July 1st, and the opener of Summer Salmon. This is a Pink year, so expect the freestyle floating fiberglass flotilla hatch that happens every odd year to be in full bloom come August. Get your pink mini squid and flashers, or pink Buzz Bombs ready. Or just troll King gear. There have already been some Pinks caught off the Washington Coast. The Chinook fishing has been spotty out there, but it is on up at the North end of Vancouver Island and South East.
Hopefully there will be some Chinook around here. It’s really anybody’s guess how the fishing will be. We won’t know ‘til we get a line wet. Unfortunately it looks like we will not be able to retain unclipped Coho in Marine Area 7 in October. The new WDFW regulations are online now, so, as always, read carefully before you do any type of fishing.
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- Looking good ladies…“Don’t let the crew drive the boat!”. After a lil’ role reassignment, we’ll just be back here pulling pots and keeping up with the gear… #disgruntleddeckhands.
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- Watch that horn spike on the nose of those Spot Prawns…lil’ buggers are sharp! Like a tiny, tasty little Rhino. Interesting fact about Spot Prawns: They are hermaphroditic, and spend the first half of their four year life span as male, then transition to female. Hey, it’s all good with me. As long as they can hurdle, high jump, or pole vault into our traps, that’s the important thing.
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- Will work for fresh Shrimps! Keep your deck apes happy, just throw ‘em some Prawn Sushi every so often. Fresh! You won’t see these two ugly mugs on a Wheaties box any time soon, I’m sure.
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- Working on a limit of nice sized Prawns. There are a few different ways to prepare Prawns for freezing that will keep the best. Lately, we’ve been putting about two dozen, headed, in a zip lock. Leave the Shrimp somewhat moist, but get as much air out of the zip lock as you can. Then, vacuum seal the zip lock with Prawns inside. They can be either cooked or uncooked, although we do most raw. Another good way is to just put prawns in a container filled with water, salt or fresh, and freeze. Milk or juice jugs work good for this. They will still be gold medal good for up to a year.
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- Looks like there are some Blackmouth around. David Baker caught this clipped Chinook while fishing with Howard Davis across the Strait in Canada.
Submitted by Kevin Klein, Fidalgo-San Juan Islands Chapter PSA , CCA Northsound
Marine Area 8.1
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has given a “Fair” rating for coastal cutthroat in Marine Area 8.1 during the month of June.
Marine Area 8.2
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has given a “Fair” rating for coastal cutthroat in Marine Area 8.2 during the month of June.
Marine Area 9 (Admirality Inlet)
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has given an “Excellent” rating for ling cod in Marine Area 9 (Admirality Inlet) during the month of June.
Marine Area 10
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has given a “Poor” rating for Chinook and Coho in Marine Area 10 during the month of June.
Marine Area 11
The salmon fishing has slowed way down since Saturday with just a few salmon being caught daily. Try the Clay Banks on the tide changes trolling to cover lots of area and Pt. Evens mooching or jigging until the salmon numbers increase you will have to put time on the water to be successful. Ling cod season closed 6/15/15.
Crabbing in area 13 is open but tough to get a limit of Dungeness fish deep around 150′. There is some nice Red Rock crab there though.
Starting the week of July 5, the City of Tacoma will begin construction on a stormwater treatment facility that will filter water from the 754-acre watershed before it spills into Puget Sound. Some traffic disruptions may result.
Basic Fishing Classes Offered at Point Defiance Marina.
Monthly classes (TBD) are offered to youth and for adults to prepare you to better take advantage of the fishing at Point Defiance and the local lakes and rivers. Learn knot tying, tackle, rods and reels, rigging techniques, regulations, and safety. Call 253-591-5325 to learn more about these classes
Come learn from our local expert Larry Bucklin of Puget Sound Anglers –Gig Harbor the secret to success in Puget Sound Crabbing. This class will help you become more successful catching crab and better care for them.
Sails and Trails Camp for Ages 11-15 years old.
Mornings begin with beach side activities, fishing, and hiking at
Point Defiance Park, Tacoma, WA . Afternoons are spent at Tacoma Youth Center learning sailing and kayaking in Foss Waterway with Marine Education at Foss Seaport Center.
Camp Dates : July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, 2015 Monday – Friday 8 am to 5 pm
COST: $250/WEEK
Contact Information: Gene
Andersongenea@tacomaparks.com / (253) 591-5325 or (253) 279-1800
Point Defiance Marina, For more information contact: Art Tachell, Boathouse Marina Technician, 253.591.5325 art@tacomaparks.com www.pointdefiancemarina.com
Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal)
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has given an “Excellent” rating for coastal cutthroat in Marine Area 12 during the month of June.
Marine Area 13
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has given a “Good” rating for Coho in Marine Area 13 during the month of June.
Columbia River Area
Summer Chinook and Sockeye are beginning to pour up the Columbia River with the hot weather. Look for the next to be excellent with good limits on both, it’s a great time to fill the freezer with one of the best eating Salmon around.
When targeting Sockeye or Summer Chinook anchoring above a rock out cropping or any structure that the fish have to go around is a good location. For Sockeye, a small spin-n-glow with a coon shrimp is hard to beat. For the Summer Chinook. a wobbler or spinner are your best bet.
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- image courtesy Ryan McCaughan
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- image courtesy Ryan McCaughan
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- image courtesy Ryan McCaughan
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- image courtesy Ryan McCaughan
I will be targeting these fish last week in June and the month of July, get a hold of me and come out with the family to enjoy the weather and catch some fish! Fish On!
Report submitted by Ryan McCaughan of Seattle Fishing Trips (email: seattlefishingtrips@yahoo.com / phone: 206-533-4105 or 253-397-7780.
Freshwater – Lake Chelan
A beautiful Omak Lake Cutt just before Jeff put the net under it. (Photo courtesy of the Fitzgeralds)
What’s hot is trolling for Lake Trout on Chelan. Also hot is trolling the south end of Omak Lake for Lahontan Cutthroat.
Lake Trout fishing on Chelan is still transitioning. Early mornings have been best up at Colyar Ledge. The big fish are just beginning to show on the Bar. Evenings are best in Manson Bay As always, fish within 3 to 5 feet of the bottom and keep your speed around 1.2 mph. The Mack’s Lure Bead and Blade combo our guide, Jeff Witkowski has developed has been very productive. Bait this rig with a chunk of Northern Pikeminnow.
On Omak the fish are coming off the spawn and biting like crazy! This year it appears that the bite rate is somewhat less than the previous couple of years, but drumroll… the average fish is much better. We have trolled Jeff’s drift rigs (unbaited, to be consistent with the regs), squid rigs and spoons. Fish have
Mr. Ta of Seattle with a 16.4 lb Lake Chelan Laker
averaged about 20” or so. Trophy sized Cutts are always a possibility here. Dan Beardslee caught one over 18 pounds! Next to Pyramid Lake in Nevada, this may be the best Lahontan Cutthroat Trout lake in the world. Working speeds of 1.4 to 1.6 mph seemed to work best for our presentations, but vary it a lot to see what works best for you.
Your fishing tip of the week is to make small changes to increase your productivity. I am loathe to change presentations, typically. With me, the changes are usually location. Sometimes, small changes in location can greatly increase catch rates. Sometimes concentrations of fish move just a few hundred feet. Think about the cover and food requirements for fish and make your adjustments accordingly. Similarly, a small change in the profile of a lure (ie: sizing up or down) can make a big difference in bite rate. Too big a change can have you come up empty or at least unable to tell which variable was important.
Chris Connell of Bellingham with Doug Connell of Manson with their mornings catch of Lake Chelan Lakers.
The kid’s and safety tip of the week is to really pound down the fluids now that hot summer weather has arrived. Long sunny days can really dehydrate you. Most nausea, headaches and behavioral issues in the summer can be tied to dehydration. A bottle of water in light activity and more if you are playing or working hard is a general rule of thumb. Also, maintain that layer of sunscreen. Blistering sunburn hurts and is dangerous.
For more info call Anton & Sandra Jones of Darrell & Dad’s Family Guide Service; darrellanddads.com; antonj@aol.com or call (509)687-0709 or toll free at (866)360-1523
Freshwater – Potholes Reservoir
Both days this past weekend was the Limit Out Big Bass Tournament at Potholes and Mardon Resort. There were 107 teams competing for hourly prizes of $600 and the overall prize for largest bass of $10,000. What I observed was that every hourly winner was a bass over 5-pounds. All bass caught were released alive. Only sizeable fish were weighed. With the 2 day contest the largest 2 fish were the overall winners. The largest fish weighed was 6.42 pounds (caught Sunday) and brought the lucky angler $10,000 plus the hourly winnings of $ 600. Weather was perfect and it was announced by Russ Baker, owner of Limit Out Marine, that next year this will become a circuit.
Tom Pollack – retired
Freshwater – Lake Washington
It was nice coming back to this beautiful weather having spent the past week in Chicago. I was able to get out on Lake Washington in my kayak for a few hours during the week. Water temps have risen to almost 73 degrees! The smallmouth bass bite was on fire in 12 to 18 feet of water. Diving crank baits and even drop shot snub worms worked in catching a dozen or so bass. My two largest were 3.5 and 5lb. All released to see another day.
Submitted by Brad Hole, Kayak Fishing Washington, 206-313-5567 –kayakfishingwashington.com
British Columbia
Vancouver
no report this week
Vancouver Island (Saltwater)
Alberni Inlet
no report this week
Bamfield
no report this week
no report this week
Becher Bay
Salmon fishing was GOOD in East Sooke. Most of the fish were coming from Beechey Head to the Trap Shack. Although, Beechey Head had reports of bigger fish on average (Cheanuh reported a 39.2 lbs Salmon caught on Saturday). Most springs were running from 10 to 21 lbs in size. Most fish have been getting caught between 60- 100 ft on the downrigger. Anchovies were the most productive bait and Bloody Nose and Green Glow were the most popular teaser heads. Spoons and plastic baits have also been catching a few fish. Spoons, in 3 or 4 inch size such as G-Force in the Outfitter or Trap Shack were effective. Squirts are working too with Pistachio, Purple Haze and white the best patterns. For flashers, the Lemon Lime and the Purple Onion have been good lately.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Oak Bay
Salmon fishing was FAIR during this past week. A good mix of feeders and mature springs were reported this past week. The fish were hitting 3”-4” spoons as most of the needlefish in the area were small. Anglers did best using the G-force spoons in 3 -3.5in. No Bananas and Outfitter colours have been the most popular. Anglers that were jigging in the afternoon in the gap, reported catching fish up into the 20’s in the evening. Also, Coho Killers in Gold Nugget and Green Splatterback have been pretty productive. The best flasher has been the Gibbs Lemon Lime and the Bon Chovy.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Pedder Bay
Chinook salmon fishing was GOOD this week. Whirl Bay and Church Rock produced catches steadily throughout the week but Pedder Bay came on strong with nice catches being reported (Brian Fraser caught a 19lb Hatchery). There were several wild fish over 20 lbs caught in Whirl Bay but most ranging from 9-15 lbs. Anchovy was the most productive bait for springs with Green, Special Red, Purple Haze and Bloody Nose being top choices in teaser heads. G-force spoons with both glow and green have been working as well. Also, The Skinny G looks like it will be very popular this year. We have had good feedback from the anglers that have already picked them up. Flashers that remain popular include the Madi and the Purple Onion.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Sidney
Salmon fishing was GOOD near Sidney. Fish were coming from all areas of Sidney, ranging from 9-22 lbs. James Island, near the powder wharf and Sidney Spit had the most success. Carl Trepels caught a 22lb hatchery. Many anglers are fishing using anchovies in Bloody Nose and UV Green teaser heads. Squirts have been out-producing hootchies and the hot patterns for springs now are Purple Haze, J-79 and Electric Chair. Coho Killer spoons have also been working well, especially in double glow and Gold Nugget.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Sooke
The fishing for springs was GOOD this past weekend. Some nice fish were caught this week, with a couple fish reported in the high 30’s! The springs are scattered all the way west and past Sherringham Point and not concentrated in any specific area. Bait still seems to be the number one choice for Sooke anglers this week. Teaser heads that have been performing well are Bloody Nose, UV Green, Green Glow and the Joanne. Also, the fish have been at different depths, from the mid water levels to the bottom. G-Force spoons in Irish Cream and No Bananas have been catching their fair number of fish. The most popular flashers recently have been the Gibbs Madi, the Outfitter and the Jellyfish UV.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Ucuelet
For all our fishing addicts, we have good news to bring to those who love screaming reels and the smell of Chinook salmon. We have all been enjoying the great northwest sunny June weather and along with it some good fishing. The unusual June Northwest winds kept us in just a some inshore spots for a few days however there were some fish there too, so it was okay.
Chinook have been biting well at Great Bear, Sail, Inside South Bank and Lighthouse Bank. During this time of year most of the fish are caught near the bottom so while trolling you also have a chance to get a halibut as well.We have been using anchovies and 3 inch spoons for most of our success. Coyote and Silver Horde are the favorites, though I really like the Silver Horde 3 inch a lot. It has good action and seems to get a pop on the rod when fishing is slow.
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- June 9: Tanna holding up a 28lb Chinook
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- June 10: Brendan Otoole with a nice Chinook
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- June 10: Dave Wallace holding up a nice halibut
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- June 13: Tom John Dave and Greg with Chinook 8 to 18 lbs
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- June 14: Friends Jim, Jeret and Dave with their limit of Chinook
Submitted by Sam Vandervalk of Salmon Eye Charters (1-877-777-4344). Salmon Eye is recommended by USA Today, Cruise America and New York Times bestselling author Peter Greenberg in his book The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to the Greatest Experiences Around the World.
Victoria
Fishing for winter springs was GOOD off Constance Bank but SPOTTY along the waterfront. Hatchery fish weighing into the high teens were caught at Constance. The salmon were feeding on needlefish that were schooled on the bank. Needlefish spoons and squirts were very effective in getting hook ups. Anglers have not done as well fishing closer to shore but there were a few fish near Brotchie Ledge and clover Point. Anchovies and Tiny Strip have been working well in glow colors. Good choices in plastic baits are the Cloverleaf, Purple Haze and Glo Below squirts. Gibbs Coho Killer, Kingfisher and Coyote spoons in green and glow colours have been very effective. The Lemon Lime flasher with the Glow Green Splatter Back Coho Killer has been a very effective combo out on the bank.Vancouver Island (Freshwater)
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Cowichan River
The water level is very low. The trout fishing in the mid and upper river is EXCELLENT. The rainbows, cutthroats and resident brown trout are actively feeding on these hatches and migrating salmon fry. During the hatch, match the hatch with dry flies for exciting action. Bead head nymphs are the top producer when a hatch isn’t in progress. Good patterns are Prince Nymphs, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ears and Wooly Buggers. A fry imitation or a Wooly Bugger will also work, especially for the brown trout.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Lakes
no report this week
Stamp River
no report this week
Great Lakes
Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan
Chinooks and Coho are in! Fishing Milwaukee!
Out all weekend a 50/50 split on Coho and Chinooks. Badger Tackle Reaper or Vulcan spoons getting it done in the regular or magnum size.
How Chinook
My first choice is first light with glow spoons. The spoons are best when run 100 feet behind the downrigger ball and 25 feet down. Three, four, five color Lead Core are also taking Chinooks. Chinooks being taken in 65 to 100 feet of water anywhere out of Milwaukee.
How Lake Trout
Action for Lakers has been steady for fish in the cooler. Try long lead spoons and SWR rigs 45 to 60 feet down. Lead cores are also a good choice. Best action has been in 75 feet.
How Coho
Get out the flashers with Howie peanut flies. Some scattered reports of Coho being caught on spoons as well. The surface is 53 degrees and the Silvers are 15 feet down to the surface in 40 to 100 feet of water. Our average has been 10 to 12 per trip.
Rainbow Trout
If you have time and good lake conditions try 250 feet of water for good action on Rainbows. Vulcan OL Sherbet Orange spoons on 2,3,4, color lead core best.
Where!
Fish are north or south of Milwaukee. Fish the entire water column in 20 to 100 feet of water for the best action. Our best speed was 2.0 to 2.2 mph measured at the ball with the Depth Raider.
Have a great fishing season.
Submitted by Capt. Jim Hirt (Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI) www.jimhirt.com 414-828-1094
Oregon
Oregon Coast
no report this week
