June 1st is traditionally the opening of Chinook salmon fishing in Puget Sound. The way the state manages our fisheries, with all
the “bubble” areas, make sure to check the regulations before wetting a line.
There are a couple new “wrinkles” to be aware of for the 2007 season: #1 No treble hooks allowed when fishing for salmon and
#2 unlike the past, you will only be allowed to retain hatchery clipped fish.
Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha) are easily the largest of any salmon, with adults often exceeding 40 pounds with a
WHOPPING 120 pounder reported many years back. Chinook are very similar to coho except for their large size, small black
spots on both lobes of the tail and a distinct black pigment along the base of the teeth
Adults migrate from a marine environment into the freshwater streams and rivers of their birth in order to mate (called
anadromy). They spawn only once and then die (called semelparity).
Juveniles may spend from 3 months to 2 years in freshwater before migrating to estuarine areas as smolts and then into the
ocean to feed and mature. They remain at sea for 1 to 6 years (more commonly 2 to 4 years), with the exception of a small
proportion of yearling males, called jacks, which mature in freshwater or return after 2 or 3 months in the salt.
Mature Fish (kings)
Early in the morning or late in the evening are generally the most productive time of the day to catch salmon. At this time,
they can be caught anywhere from 30’ to 150 feet of water. With the exception of some fishing grounds, they are most likely
suspended in the water column (not on bottom) and are going to be found where there is an abundant supply of bait. A good
starting depth for open water is between 50 and 90’.
Blackmouth
These juvenile Chinook are generally found within 10’ feet of the bottom at depths between 90 and 150’ and occasionally will
suspend if there is a lot of bait suspended.
The most popular boat fishing methods can be lumped into two general categories, drift fishing and trolling.
Drift Fishing: generally means fishing without a motor, although in some cases a small outboard may be used to slow down or
speed up your drift. Drift fishing is most effective in specific areas where salmon are concentrated. Types of drift fishing
include mooching (with plug cut herring), jigging and fly-fishing.
Trolling: A troller will use weights, divers, or downriggers to achieve a desired depth to present their bait or lures. Trolling is
more effective than drift fishing when salmon are spread out over a large area. Trolling with a downrigger has become the most
popular method of salmon fishing in saltwater in Washington.
the “bubble” areas, make sure to check the regulations before wetting a line.
There are a couple new “wrinkles” to be aware of for the 2007 season: #1 No treble hooks allowed when fishing for salmon and
#2 unlike the past, you will only be allowed to retain hatchery clipped fish.
Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha) are easily the largest of any salmon, with adults often exceeding 40 pounds with a
WHOPPING 120 pounder reported many years back. Chinook are very similar to coho except for their large size, small black
spots on both lobes of the tail and a distinct black pigment along the base of the teeth
Adults migrate from a marine environment into the freshwater streams and rivers of their birth in order to mate (called
anadromy). They spawn only once and then die (called semelparity).
Juveniles may spend from 3 months to 2 years in freshwater before migrating to estuarine areas as smolts and then into the
ocean to feed and mature. They remain at sea for 1 to 6 years (more commonly 2 to 4 years), with the exception of a small
proportion of yearling males, called jacks, which mature in freshwater or return after 2 or 3 months in the salt.
Mature Fish (kings)
Early in the morning or late in the evening are generally the most productive time of the day to catch salmon. At this time,
they can be caught anywhere from 30’ to 150 feet of water. With the exception of some fishing grounds, they are most likely
suspended in the water column (not on bottom) and are going to be found where there is an abundant supply of bait. A good
starting depth for open water is between 50 and 90’.
Blackmouth
These juvenile Chinook are generally found within 10’ feet of the bottom at depths between 90 and 150’ and occasionally will
suspend if there is a lot of bait suspended.
The most popular boat fishing methods can be lumped into two general categories, drift fishing and trolling.
Drift Fishing: generally means fishing without a motor, although in some cases a small outboard may be used to slow down or
speed up your drift. Drift fishing is most effective in specific areas where salmon are concentrated. Types of drift fishing
include mooching (with plug cut herring), jigging and fly-fishing.
Trolling: A troller will use weights, divers, or downriggers to achieve a desired depth to present their bait or lures. Trolling is
more effective than drift fishing when salmon are spread out over a large area. Trolling with a downrigger has become the most
popular method of salmon fishing in saltwater in Washington.