Salmon Fishing Fair in North Sound, May Be Picking Up in Tacoma

By Craig Hill, The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash.

Jul. 23–The North Puget Sound seems to be the place to go this week if you are looking to catch salmon, said Mike Chamberlain of Ted’s Sports Center near Lynnwood.

While South Sound marinas are reporting slow action, the fishing has been solid in marine areas 9 (Admiralty Inlet) and 10 (Seattle and Bremerton).

“Areas 9 and 10 are the highlights right now,” Chamberlain said. “But I’d say the fishing has only been fair.”

Chamberlain says the best fishing has been near Port Townsend, where anglers are landing salmon with herring, candlefish and Point Wilson Darts.

Saltwater

Tacoma: Fishing has been quiet lately, according to the Point Defiance Boat House staff, but after two anglers caught their limits Tuesday morning there is hope the action is starting to pick up. Narrows Marina reported several anglers have caught kings near Point Defiance using live herring.

South Sound: Narrows Marina says there haven’t been many reports of big catches in the South Sound. Instead, most anglers are trying the Point Defiance and Gig Harbor areas.

North Coast: La Push, Neah Bay and Cape Flattery to the Sekiu River will be open for halibut fishing on Saturday, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. La Push and Neah Bay will be open shoreward of 30 fathoms.

North Sound: Fishing near Edmonds has not been productive, Chamberlain said.

Lakes

American: David Anderson of Bill’s Boathouse says the action has been slow recently, with the exception of a couple of anglers who landed 2-pound bass.

Tanwax: Rainbow Resort reports that worms or yellow eggs have been working well for anglers. There are rainbows and bass to be had off the dock, and the bass are also biting near the lily pads. The crappie and perch are also biting.

Washington: This is proving to be one of the best places to go to land trout, Chamberlain said. Trout fishing has been slow in smaller lakes.

Chelan: Trolling for Mackinaw near Minneapolis Beach and near the Yacht Club has been productive for anglers, said Anton Jones of Darrell and Dad’s Family Guide Service. Trolling T-4 Purple Glow flatfish at a depth of 110 to 170 feet has proven to work best.

“There have been some real monsters come out of there,” Jones said.

Rufus Woods: This Eastern Washington lake has been a good place for landing triploid rainbows, according to Darrell and Dad’s guide service.

Stevens: Kokanee fishing has picked up here in the last week, Chamberlain said.

Rivers

Green: Fishing has been slow, but your chances of landing fish are solid near Flaming Geyser State Park, according to Auburn Sports and Marine.

Skykomish: The action has been outstanding here for those trying to land steelhead and chinook, Chamberlain said.

Kalama: “Steelheading has been the ticket,” said Wayne Orzel of Pritchard’s Western Angler. He suggests fishing in the early morning or late evening.

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