October Angling
Each week one of the Salmon University experts answers reader questions in our “Ask a Pro” feature. This week’s questions are answered by Tom Nelson. Submit your own question here.
How will the silver fishing be around Snug Harbor [Washington] and the Open Bay area in mid October? – Brent
Right now there are a lot of silvers still out in Sooke, British Columbia. As soon as we get a rain – which should be this weekend – you’ll see those silvers start to move down the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Because many will be heading for the Fraser River – which has a massive run – and many of those will be coming directly past Snug Harbor and Open Bay, this month will be a good time to target them. Coho can be coming through there until the end of October – some up to 20 pounds.
What are the salmon prospects for Sekiu for the month of October? – Brent
Excellent. Yesterday I spoke with someone who released more than 60 Coho in the Sekiu area last weekend and the good fishing there should continue through the end of the month.
How long of a leader should I use for chum? – Rory
If you are fishing in a river for Chum, a short 12-14 inch leader is fine. If you are fishing in saltwater, you want to do two things. First, troll slow. Chum are one of the few fish that I troll into the current to slow my troll down. With an 11-inch flasher use about 24 inches of leader; with an 8-inch flasher use about 14 inches of leader. Because you are trolling so slow, you need the short leaders to give action to your lures.
My brothers and I are coming to Washington and will do a day of King fishing. What is the best way to package the fish for the flight home? – Cory
The best way, bar none, is to fillet and vacuum pack, freeze, and then pack in ice for the trip home. If you don’t have a vacuum packer handy, fillet them, freeze them and pack them in ice in a small cooler and ship them home.
