Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween to everyone out there - have a "Great" evening!

November List Of Things To Do

November is a "Great" month filled with lots of opportunities for the fisherman.

1. Blackmouth generally kicks off in November with many Marine areas open for some "Great" fishing. The weather is the single biggest factor in being able to get out - however if you are mobile there is usually somewhere one can find a place to fish out of the weather. What the fish lack in size they generally make up in tenacity. Most of the fish range from just legal at 22" into the 8 -9 pound range. We do see some real trophy blackmouth into the twenties every season and on rare occasion even to 30 plus pounds. If you haven't fished for them before you will find them to fight quite well for their size. Make sure to closely read your regulations as the seasons and requirements do vary a lot from one marine area to another.
2. Razor clams are another big draw for the fall months and we have two scheduled digs for November. The first November 4th - 7th and the second November 14Th - 17Th. Make sure to go to the WDFW web site for the particulars on various beach openings.
3. Chum salmon are at their peak this month with lots of fishing both in the salt and the rivers.
Chums are great sport as they fight quite well and are good sized averaging in the low teens. They are very willing biters. Give them a try and I think you will enjoy the sport.
4. Winter steelhead will start to show, first on the Olympic Peninsula streams (which they already have) them the western beaches of Whidbey Island and then into the Puget Sound streams. We usually have the first of the winter runs caught in the Skykomish just before Thanksgiving.
5. Squid usually show up in good numbers this month and are readily caught from the many public piers here in Puget Sound in the evenings being drawn in by the lights.
6. Smelt are alot of fun for the family to jig off some of the docks in northern Puget Sound with Cornet Bay, Oak Harbor, LaConner and the Everett waterfront being the most fished.
7. Lake Washington both for perch as well as some of the best trout fishing occurs during the late Fall, Winter and early spring months.
8. Olympic Pennesula streams offer lots of fishing for late silvers, kings and winter steelhead.
9. Good Fly Fishing at Pass Lake for rainbows and browns to 24". Lone Lake on Whidbey Island also offers good fishing for nice average sized rainbows into the 14 - 18inch range.

These are just a few of the things that are on the agenda for the month of November. I will enhance the information as the month goes on. Stop by for more information anytime.

Blackmouth Opens - November 1st - Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2 & 9

Blackmouth fishing will open tomorrow in Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2 & 9. We are looking to have some fairly good reports tomorrow as in the first part of October we had some really nice mid teen blackmouth caught in Area 9 incidentally to the coho fishing.

Marine Areas 8-1 & 8-2 will open tomorrow November 1st and run through April 30th. Will be a two fish limit, with a minimum size on Chinook of 22" and all "WILD" chinook must be released.

Marine Area 9 will open tomorrow November 1st and run through November 30th. Will be a two fish limit, with a minimum size on Chinook of 22" and all "Wild" chinook must be released.

Hopefully we will see some decent weather to get out and play tomorrow. We will just have to wait and see. Unfortunately, we generally only get 10 - 11 days in the month of November that are fishable.

New Capt. Downriggin Spoons

John stopped by this morning to say that we should have four additional colors of his Capt. Downriggin spoons this next week. Besides having the additional colors in the #4 size we should also see the #3 spoons at the same time. Hopefully we will see them in all ten colors also. I will post when we receive them and also include a picture of them at the same time.

The #3 spoons will be the real "Cat's Meow" for blackmouth when fished behind a flasher this winter.

Don't forget that John himself will be a Ted's for an informal clinic on Saturday November 7th from 11:00AM - 5:00PM. Not only will he be here to answer all your questions concerning saltwater salmon fishing but will also have a great selection of his gear to purchase.

Nice Wahoo - Big Island Hawaii

Once again Uncle Timmy sends us a picture of his kayak catch from Hawaii. I think that he does it just to taunt us. There he is in the sunshine and warm weather catching all of those beautiful warm water fishes and here we are in the cold and rain trying to get the last of the coho for the season.

Nice Wahoo - Tim!

Many Lakes Closing - October 31st

If you are venturing out to the lakes or any smaller stream this weekend make sure to read your regulations before you go,as many of the lakes close on the 31st as do most of smaller streams. Don't want to see anyone getting into any trouble!

Make sure to consult your regulation pamphlet!

Dodged The System

Looks as if the intense weather and the possible flooding that was to come with it passed us by and went to Canada instead. This will relate to some "Great" fishing opportunities for the weekend. Look like we will have rain until mid day Saturday and then will dry up a bit. All the rivers have dropped considerably with the light rains and the drop in temperatures. With these conditions you will have lots of places to go wet your line this weekend.

Wallace & Cascade Rivers

Had good reports from both of these streams today. A fair amount of action for mostly over the hill coho. There were a couple of summer run steelhead caught in the Wallace today. Most of the successful anglers caught them fishing either floats and eggs, floats and jigs tipped with shrimp or drift fishing with corkies / cheaters and eggs or shrimp combos.

If the weather front holds off until latter tomorrow you just might have one one chance at some action before the rivers are expected to go possible flood stage.

Kawakawa - Omilu - Hawaii

Tim is once again rubbing it in e-mailing pictures of his kayak caught fish from Hawaii. Here's a couple of his pictures of today's catches, Kawakawa and Omilu (Blue Spot Travally) Both of these are hard fighting fish. I think the weather he is contending with is a little nicer than what we have been having.

Seattle Waterfront - Squid

Talked with one of the customers this afternoon who had fished squid off the Seattle waterfront Monday evening. Though the fishing wasn't the greatest he said they caught about 10 each over a two hour period. So far this season we have not heard of anything fantastic, but there has been a day or two here or there that hasn't been too bad. Hopefully, things will get better in the next couple of months. The squid fishing couldn't be any worse that it has been the past few seasons.

We have heard that they have been getting some squid also in the Bremerton area, though there again nothing really hot!

We have "Lots" of squid jigs and components if you like to build your own.

Rivers On Flood Alert

Looks like we are going to have the rivers here in Puget Sound and the Coast on flood alert once again! Have a good front that is moving in and going to dump a fair amount of rain over the next few days. Today is perhaps the only chance of getting your gear wet and then if you only fish some of the smaller streams such as the Wallace or the Cascade. Might be a good weekend to go chase some birds or game!

Winter Crab Seasons

Just got the notice of the "Winter Crab Seasons"! Not a "Great" season; however, it does give everyone a little opprutunity to get out a little more. Here's the rundown of whats going on.

Effective Dates: 8:00 AM Nov. 1, 2009 through 5:00 PM Jan 2, 2010, 7 days a week.

Location: A portion of Marine Area 9 north and east of a line projected from Foulweather Bluff to Olele Point and Marine Area 10.

Other Information: Marine Area 4 east of the Bonilla - Tatoosh line and Marine Areas 5 and 13 are open through January 2, 2010. Marine Areas 7, 8-1, 8-2, 11 and 12 closed until further notice.

It is what it is!

Anyway, We have "Lots" of crab gear to help you out if you are of need as well as a fair amount of crab bait on hand.

Lake Washington - Perch

If you are looking for a fun fishery for you and the kids before the weather really turns bad you just might want to give the yellow perch fishing a go in Lake Washington. We have been getting good reports from the lake the past few weeks and thought I might just post a note on this urban fishery. The perch in the lake run from just average to some real "Jumbo's" pushing the 15 inch mark. Being a schooling fish, once you find them you will generally find many. One of the customers I spoke with today caught 30 plus in a couple of hours in the 8 -12 inch range. They found their fish in the 60 -65 depth range, though I have spoke with others that found them in the 35 - 40 foot depths. You have to play around to find the depth that they are at, though as it gets latter in the season the deeper they go. Start out fishing a curly tail grub, tube jig, Swedish pimple or simply a worm fished on a fish finder rig to catch your first perch then go to perch meat. A small pennant shaped piece of perch meat fished on your fish finder rig in lieu of the worm and you have the secret to success. Not only are perch willing biters but make some mighty fine eating.

Stop by and we'll be glad to fill you in on some of the details of this fishery.

Chum Jigs

We have received an order of Ol' Man Jigs tied especially for chums here in our Puget Sound streams. We have four different chum tantalizing colors in both 3/8 an 1/2 ounce sizes. All are tied on powder coated lead heads with heavy duty "Owner" cutting point jig hooks. All are tied with rabbit for durability and have UV mylar incorporated with standard mylar for added visibility and flash. Fished under a float and tipped with a piece of sand shrimp or prawn has been proven to be deadly on the local chums.

If you have never fished chums you are really in for a surprise as they are perhaps the hardest fighting salmon pound for pound here in the Northwest. Every year we see more tackle that has been abused in the pursuit of these underrated fish.

Rivers Back On The Rise

Well! Once again the rivers are on the rise and it looks like we are going to have a lot of rain this week. Though the temperature is going to drop today and we are going to see some snow in the passes, I don't think we are going to see much in the way of fishing in the rivers for awhile! If it does quit raining for awhile take a look at the Wallace or the Cascade for a chance at some coho or perhaps a chum or two. Reiter Ponds might just turn out an odd summer steelhead or perhaps a swinter (a very late summer run).

Well! It's just the way the Fall fishing is!

Marine Area 13 - Blackmouth

John (Captain Downriggin's) e-mailed a couple of pictures and a fishing report from yesterday down in Marine Area 13. Here's what he sent:

Fished the mid morning tide Sunday. Had a stellar day of blackmouth fishing in MA-13. In fact I released 11 keeper sized fish between 22 and 25-inches (haven't done this for some time - not counting shakers) Kept two for the BBQ. Acid Bath spoon and white "Holy" flasher down along the bottom at roughly 2.5 kts was the ticket!

We marked a lot of fish on some good sized bait balls off Green Point. Had the water to ourselves - not a sole to be seen! Fish are avberaging 5 - 7 pounds.

If folks are willing to make the trip it should be worth the effort.

John

PS: Don't forget John will be at Ted's Sports Center Saturday November 7th - 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM for an informal clinic.

Ulua & Mahi - Big Island Hawaii

Once again Tim Bauer has e-mailed a few more pictures of his kayak catches from Hawaii. I think he has really figured out what he is doing and has been quite successful at catching fish. Besides the good fishing I would have to say that the weather that he is fishing in is considerably more pleasant than what we have been putting up with recently.

Captain Downriggin's Seminar - Saturday November 7th

John of Captain Downriggin's will be here on Saturday November 7th from 11:00 AM - 5:00PM for an informal seminar. He will be here to answer any questions that you have on salmon fishing or on his products that you might possibly have. It is a unique opportunity to be able to speak one on one with John at this time. So make sure to make it down on your calender to drop by some time during the day. I am sure that you will find it to be worthwhile.

John will have a good representation of his hoochies as well as his unique spoons.

Rivers Up and Down

There hasn't been a lot of good water to fish in the local rivers as with the weather that we have been receiving the streams have been up and down like a yo yo. Just when the main systems start to come back into fishable shape the rains come again and they go out again. A few of the smaller streams that are open for salmon have been putting out some fish. Notably the Wallace and the Cascade have been the two that we have been hearing the best reports from. Many of the fish that are being caught are far from prime but still allow for some C & R fishing.

The weather is very much typical of our Fall fishing - just have to take it the way it comes.

Hood Canal - Chum Fishing

We have been getting some fairly good reports of chum fishing out of the southern part of Hood Canal. A few of the customers fished the Skokomish on Saturday and had some fair fishing drifting corkies and yarn. Another group fished the Hoodsport hatchery area and also had fair reports also fishing corkies and yarn fished just off the bottom and retrieved slowly. We also had a couple of guys that fished the mouths of some of the other lower Hood Canal streams fishing floats with anchovies and they too also reported some fairly good reports.

There has been a lot of commercial effort by both the non tribal netters as well as the tribes. From what some of the guys have said it is a wonder that there are any fish making it back to spawn at all.

Area 10 - Blackmouth

Pete and Toby (WDFW Survey Fishermen) stopped by this morning to pick up a little tackle to replace the gear that they have recently lost as it was too rough for them to get out. They mentioned that they had fished the Oil Dock area on this side and had sampled blackmouth up to around 9 pounds. They mentioned that the fishing had not been "Hot" by any means but if you put in the time you could scratch out some fish. They mentioned that Gary Krein on the Morning Star was out today but was sticking close to home down out of Shilshole, just in case it continued to kick up.

Once Area 9 opens on November 1st, Pete and Toby will be switching areas and coming north to sample. They are looking forward to fishing this area as they have heard nothing but good reports of nice sized blackmouth into the mid-teens being caught and released by anglers targeting coho.

Wenetchee & Methow - Steelhead

Talked with Eric Newfield (Our Simms Rep) who had fished the lower Wenatchee and the Methow the last couple of days. The fishing has been quite good with him landing numerous fish both on the fly rod as well as on his centerpin outfit fishing floats and jigs. Sounds as if the fishing was more than adequate to keeps one's interest.

Many of the other fishermen that we have spoke with are likewise doing well. I would have to say that the vast majority have been fishing floats and jigs, though a number have been conventionally drift fishing as well as chucking spoons such as RVRFSHR or Cleo's. As far as finishes go stick with 50 / 50 brass / nickle, copper or brass in the hammered styles.

Fishing should hold up well until the rivers start to freeze up.

If you would like a guide for the Methow you can contact Phil Lund below.

Phil Lund
PO Box 658
Methow, WA 98834
(206) 947-8561
(509) 699-0411

Phil has a "Great" package price of $450.00 for two anglers and includes accommodations, breakfast and lunch.

Skokomish Chums - Few Silvers

Had one of the customers call from the Skokomish this afternoon and said that there were a fair number of chums in the river plus a few silvers. The tribes were netting and it did disturb the fishing once they started. He said the greatest number of the fish were colored with just a couple that were not in too bad of shape. Fishing corkies and yarn were the bait of choice.

Area 10 - Blackmouth

Spoke with "Pete" this afternoon to see how the WDFW blackmouth sampling was going in area 10. He said that they fished the Oil Docks area on this side and managed to C & R 3 legal blackmouth in the 22 -28 inch range and released a number of sub-legal blackmouth shakers. Wasn't anything to brag about, but better than no fish at all. He had spoke with Gary Krein on the "Morning Star" who was fishing the Jefferson Head / Kingston side and managed to land a few blackmouth in the same size category.

Everyone is looking forward to Area 9 opening on November 1st as we have heard of a "Good" number of nice sized blackmouth in the mid teen range being C & R'd while targeting coho.

Hoodsport Chums

Chums are showing at the Hoodsport hatchery area. Sounds as if many of the fish have been there awhile as many are colored up. Typical green / chartreuse colored corkie yarn combos have been doing the trick. The fishing should only get better over the next few weeks. The customer that I spoke with fished Sunday and said that the fishing wasn't too bad.

Cascade River - Coho

The Cascade River has been "Kickin' Butt" the last couple of days with some outstanding coho fishing on this tributary of the Skagit. Most all the fishing is being done on the first couple of holes at the hatchery and below. The fish have been from dollar bright to firetrucks and you have to wade through them if you are wanting to take them home. Size wise they have been from 3 to 13 pounds, no real toads but respectable coho none the less.

Gear wise most everyone that has been connecting has been fishing floats with eggs, floats with jigs tipped with sand shrimp or bouncing corkie and egg combos.

With the high water over the weekend the coho have just poured into the system. We should see some fair fishing for the next few days.

Methow River - Stelhead

Talked with Phil Lund this AM about the Methow steelheading, he said that the fishing wasn't too bad and that he was getting fish every time out. Like steelheading anywhere, some days were considerable more productive than others. Overall, the fishing has been good. The river has come up recently and with it a new influx of fish from the Columbia. We should be seeing some good fishing until the river freezes up.

Now that Phil has semi-retired, he has once again taken up some selective guiding. Phil is equally versed with the fly rod or with conventional gear so can accommodate virtually any angler.

He has a "Great" package rate of $450.00 per day for two anglers and includes accommodations with breakfast and lunch on the river.

Phil is perhaps one of the best steelheaders that I have known over the years and not only would he show you a good day on the water but I am sure that you would learn a trick or two in the process.

You can contact Phil as follows:

Phil Lund
PO Box 658
Methow, WA 98834
(206) 947-8561
(509) 699-0411

Chums - Area 10

Did hear of a few Chums caught by salmon anglers chasing coho and blackmouth in the Jefferson Head area. Most were caught incidental to fishing for other species. There was a fair amount of commercial effort in the Kingston area last night by gill netters targeting the chum. If there weren't good numbers of them around I don't think you would be seeing them out there chasing them.

Coho - Wallace River

Heard from a few of the hard core guys that could not stand having a place to fish today - a few of them tried the Wallace, though still high did find a few coho stacked up in a few spots. Most did well just fishing eggs with a corky and yarn. Tomorrow should see a little better conditions in the Skykomish with the water dropping the way it is and the next rains not due until tomorrow night. It will be a decision as to fish steelhead up at Reither Ponds or to chase coho. In either case it will give one an opportunity to go chase some fish.

The Stilly looks as if it will be awhile before we see some good fihing conditions with it colored up the way it is.

Heard the Skagit is very muddy and running high and it like wise might be awhile before things look good in the middle and lower sections of the river.

The Cascade would be a good bet with it dropping and clearing fairly quick, should see a good number of coho bunched up at the holes below the hatchery.

Mahi Mahi - Big Island Hawaii

Once again Uncle Tim e-mailed a few pictures of his Kayak catches. I think he is saying something like, "Why are you fishing in the cold and rain when you can be in the sun and warm!" I think that he does have something there. Perhaps one of these days.

Rivers Punched!

Took a look at the Snohomish and the Stillagumish systems this AM and it is very apparent that the rivers are punched at the present time. With the weather the way it is the rivers will be out of shape for awhile. When they finally do come back in shape we should see the last of the coho in the systems and we should also see good numbers of chums.

Reiter Ponds - Skykomish River

Shawn talked with a couple of his buddies that fished Reiter Ponds this AM and they said that there were five or six steelhead caught there this morning. With the little freshet and the rise of the river there was a little bite today, though it wasn't what was expected. Usually the first good rains of the fall pushes all the hatchery fish that have strewn themselves throughout the river brings them all into the Reiter Pond section of the river. Perhaps there is not a good number of fish in the river or perhaps they just haven't made their way back yet!

Methow & Wenatchee Rivers - Flows Increase

With the rains the past couple of days we are finally starting to see an increase in water flows in these upper Columbia streams. With the increase in stream flows we should see a push of steelhead from the main river into the tributaries. Stream flows should continue to increase over the next few days with the weather systems that we have coming through at present. The steelhead fishing should do nothing but improve this next week on the east side.

Blackmouth - Area 10 - Kingston & Jefferson Head

We are getting some fair blackmouth reports out of Marine Area 10 this week from some of the guys fishing Jefferson Head and the Kingston area. Most of the fish that we have heard of are from the 22" minimum size limit up to around 9 pounds. Not any real toads by any means but respectable winter blackmouth none the less. Everyone that has been successful has been fishing the contours of the drop offs and fishing between 90 - 120 foot depth range on average. As far as gear goes, those that I have spoken with have been fishing either flashers and squid combo's or flashers and spoons. With the low light conditions go to something that is a "Glow" finish.

There is still an odd coho being caught, however most have nothing but the river on their minds and have no thought of feeding.

We have also heard of an odd chum (dog) being caught. We should see a real push of them this next week with the rains and the change in the weather.

Mahi Mahi - Big Island, Hawaii

Uncle Timmy once again sent us a few pictures of his kayak caught Mahi Mahi from the Big Island. Looks like he is enjoying the good weather. I think he has the right idea of fishing here in the Northwest for salmon in the late spring and summer and then taking off and spending the Fall, Winter and most of the spring chasing warm water fishes.

Methow River - Steelhead

With the river being extremely low and clear there has not been many fish entering into the system from the Columbia. Hopefully we will get enough rain with this system to get things going. The reports that we have been getting from Lake Pateros (backwater of the Columbia into the mouth of the river) have been quite good for those fishing a float and jig tipped with a piece of shrimp.

The good local fishermen have been getting a few out of the river, but have been working hard for them.

I would look for this fishing to improve substantially when the river comes up.

Captain Downriggin's Spoons

We will be receiving our first shipment of Captain Downriggin's Custom Spoons today. This shipment will be size 4 and will be available in six colors.

Acid Bath: A 50/50 combination of glow in the dark and chartreuse on the front with a green spatter finish with clear sparkle, the back side is the popular UV White Lightning finish.

Wicked Herring: A 50/50 combination of glow in the dark and green on the front with a blue spatter finish with clear sparkle, the back side is the popular UV White Lightning finish.

Kitchen Sink: A 50/50 combination of glow in the dark and green on the front, a black accent stripe on the green edge with a silver fish scale overlay; the back side is the popular UV White Lightning finish.

Red Racer: A 50/50 combination of glow in the dark with green on the front, a flame accent stripe on the green edge with a silver fish scale overlay; the back side is the popular UV White Lightning finish.

Jailbait: A 50/50 combination of glow in the dark and black with a silver fish scale overlay and the back side is the popular UV White Lightning finish.

Wired White Lightning: The popular UV White Lightning on the front with a silver fish scale overlay and the back side is glow in the dark.

All spoons will come packaged with an unatached 3/0 Matzuo Sickle Siwash Hook, allowing the angler to attach the hook himself or to use another siwash hook of his choice.

For the present time the size 4's are all that is available but will have both 3's and 5's in the near future.

These are an extremely well built spoon, out of high quality brass with nothing but the finest of finishes and welded rings. They have proven themselves in the past to be good producers.

Another Shipment of Wannabees

We received another shipment of Wannabees today! We thought we had enough to last, but we we wrong. With the way the fishing has been, everyone is fishing longer than they normally do. Anyway, we have both the Chartreuse and Pearl White bodies. Many of them we received without the mylar decals so you can put on your own choice of decal colors .

Big Barracuda - Cameroon, Africa

Here's a couple of photos Bill Munson sent me of a couple of barracuda that he and his son Jesse caught on a recent business / fishing trip to Cameroon, Africa. Bill and Jesse are presently building some custom aluminum boats for the Cameroon military.

Good Coho Fishing - Snohomish System

We have had nothing but "Good" reports on coho coming from the Snohomish system over this past weekend. Most everyone that knew what was going on had good results. With the low water conditions most all of the coho have been stacked up in the deeper holes, especially those that have lots of cover (look for logs, as they love this type of structure). Anglers have been doing best fishing smaller offerings such as Wee and #1 Dick Nite Spoons. 50/50 Brass/Nickle finishes have been without a doubt the single most popular color but silver/chartreuse tip and Nickle Back Frog have been productive also. But, by all means don't get stuck on just a single color as many times offering them something different will do the trick and get them to bite.

With the rains coming in tonight we should see some movement on these fish and open up some additional fisheries. However, if we get the rain they are predicting on Thursday and Friday it just might blow the rivers out for some time. If you want to get some fishing in I would do it the next few days .

Those trolling plugs in the lower tidal water are still getting some fresh coho on the tides. Fat Fish, Brad's Wigglers and Wiggle Warts have all been getting fish. Down in the lower river it is just a matter of fishing when there are fish moving through this sections of river. It's not like fishing like fishing out of the tide water where the fish have been stacking in all the deeper holes waiting for some water.

Razor Clams & Salmon Fishing - Grays Harbour

This next weekend will give you a unique opportunity to go dig a limit of razor clams as well as partake of some fine salmon fishing. We have heard nothing but rave reports out of the Humptulips River for both Coho as well as Chinook. The Chehalis River has been doing fairly well even with the commercial netting in the bay and the tribal netting in the river taking their toll on the migrating fish.

With the rains coming this next week, we should see a real push of fish into both systems and give us perhaps some of the best fishing we have seen on these systems this season. Hopefully, it will not be so much that it will put the rivers out of shape.

For those that don't want to fish the rivers you might give the Westport Boat Basin a try. They have a coho net pen project in the harbour to which all the adult fish from it return to. At times it can be quite a productive fishery. People fish spinners such as Vibrex or Vibrics, Floats with Herring or Anchovies, Fatfish or Brad's Wiggler plugs and Brads Super Bait Plug Cuts. Westport even has an ongoing derby for these returning coho for those fishing off the docks. Make sure that you take a cooler to put your fish in after catching one as if you decide to hang it from the dock it just might end up a sea lions dinner.

There's lots of opportunities for fishing at this time of the year, those I mentioned are just a few things one can do.

Make sure to read over the razor clam regulations on the WDFW web site before you venture out as well as the salmon regulations.

Chum Showing in Snohomish / Stillagumish

We're starting to see a number of chum salmon showing in the catches both on the Snohomish and Stillagumish systems. At least at the present they are being hooked incidental to the coho most fishermen are targeting. We should see the numbers of these tenacious fighters increase as the month goes on with late October and November being the time to target them here in our northern Puget Sound Streams.

Shawn that works here at the shop mentioned that he and the friends he was fishing with on Friday managed to hook five on the Snohomish just out of the tide water.

With the rains that we are expecting this week should bring in some fresh coho as well as as few more chums and do us a favor and clear out a few more of the over the hill pinks!

Hanford Reach Kings

Jeff Witkowski e-mailed me these photos of a couple of Hanford Reach kings that he and Randy Davis from Schawana caught yesterday in the reach. Between them they hooked 11 kings and landed 7. The largest weighed 33.8 and 31.10 pounds, all were caught on Superbaits.

If you want a change from the fishing here the reach fishing is very unique and different.

To contact Jeff for a good day of fishing on the Hanford reach section of the Columbia.
Jeff Witkowski

Big Dog Fishing
(509) 860-7345

Lone Lake - Whidbey Island

If you have tired of chasing salmon, you might head over to Lone Lake on Whidbey Island and do a little fly fishing. The reports have been fairly good for some nice sized rainbows in the 14 - 16 inch range. With fall weather and the water temperatures dropping the fish have gone into their Fall feeding to put on some weight to overwinter. This is perhaps the best fishing opportunity of the years to have some very fine fishing. Though many fishermen are still fishing Chrinomids and doing well, this is the time of the year where some larger leech offerings come into there own. You might try leech patterns in black, olive, maroon, burgundy or combinations of those colors for some excellent results.

Steelhead - Columbia River Tributaries - Methow - Wenatchee

We have been hearing some fair reports coming from the Columbia River Tributaries this past week. With the water being as low as it has I am amazed that we are hearing as good of reports as we have. The water has just been dropping more every week and the streams really do need to get some water. Hopefully this next weeks weather will do just that - hopefully we will get a good rain. I am sure that there are good numbers of steelhead holding in the Columbia and will enter the streams with a rise in water height.

With the numbers counted over the damns we should really see some outstanding fishing shortly.

Whidbey Beaches - Coho

The western beaches of the Island are still putting out a few coho for anglers that have not put away their gear for the season. The regulars are still catching fish at Bush, Lagoon and Casey. The fishing has definitely slowed, but those putting in the time are still catching a few fish. Most of the folks have been fishing floats and herring, Buzz Bombs, Krockodile Spoons or Wannabees.

There should be coho through the month, however the numbers are declining and the fishing will get slower as the season progresses.

Chum (Dog) salmon will be migrating past the beaches here just shortly, but for the number that pass by very few are caught. Perhaps one of these days we might figure out how to consistently catch more off the beach.

On the other hand, beach fishing for winter steelhead with get going around the middle of next month.

Port Angeles - Blackmouth

Talked with one of the PA boys a day or so ago and he said that they are seeing some fair blackmouth fishing for fish in the 7 - 10 pound range. Though most have been taken incidental to the coho they are targeting, it does sound like they are around in fishable number. I am sure once the coho finally peter out they will change their targeted species.

This area has a chinook limit of 1 fish with a 22" min size limit and is open through October 31 - wild fish may be retained.

Coho Fishing - Area 9 & 8-2

Still getting some fair reports coming in from these two areas, though the fishing has definitely slowed up there are still good numbers of coho migrating through on their way to home waters. It is a matter of you picking the correct spot and hopefully being at the right spot at the right time and having an offering that they are interested in. It's simply a matter of luck! Even some of the better fishermen have been "Skunked" this week. However, on the other hand we have seen some good catches and heard of many more. We will be seeing coho sneaking through in good numbers into the end of the month and even into November, December and even into January - but not really in fishable numbers - just a matter of luck.

Many of our regulars have been reporting incidentaly catching some really nice blackmouth that they have released this week, many of them in the mid teens. Things are looking really good for the upcoming blackmouth season opening November 1 st.

There have been a few more chum salmon hooked this week, there numbers should do nothing but increase toward the end of the month and into November.

Though the pinks should be through, there has still been an odd one caught this week in our areas. I suppose it just has to do with the shear numbers that we have had returning to Puget sound streams.

Nice Mahi Mahi - Big Island Hawaii

Tim Bauer e-mailed another of his catches while kayak fishing off the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii. This is an average Mahi Mahi, but quite good on the grill or in fish tacos. Kayak fishing has taken off big time in the Islands. With the weather and water the way it is no wonder.

Great Day On The Water - Just Fair Fishing

The weather finally really cooperated with the saltwater fishermen today - didn't get that many reports from them today, but overall would have to say that the fishing was just fair at best. Most of the regulars found fish but nothing fantastic - a fish or two. Most of what we heard caught today were coho in the smaller size range 6 - 8 pounds with an occasional fish into the low teens. Most did better fishing the shipping lane areas of the deeper water. Everyone mentioned that they marked a good number of fish, however getting them to cooperate was something that did not occur.

Coho Twitching Jigs

We have a new product from John's Jigs - A coho "Twitching Jig" in 3/8 ounce in a variety of coho enticing colors. If you haven't tried this method for silvers in the river you have been missing some "Great" fun. It is a very different technique that has been a well kept secret for a number of years . Not to say it always works well but is another technique to put into your bag of tricks.

Just ask Shawn or Mike for more information.

Chartreuse Wannabees - Back In Stock

Just a quick note to inform any of you that have been looking for the Chartreuse Wannabees, we have once again received another shipment. The last batch went in just a day and a half. These have been the most popular color on the Whidbey Island beaches this season for coho. We should have enough to get through this season.

Blackmouth Sightings - Area 9 & 10

Talked with Pete (one of the WDFW test fishermen in Area 10) today and they managed to catch a few legal blackmouth and lots of 17 -19 inch sub-legal shakers off of Jefferson Head today. they also managed to catch a couple of coho in addition to the blackmouth.

One of the other customers had 4 nice blackmouth up to 12 -13 pounds incidental to his coho while fishing off the west side of the Possession Bar yesterday. That makes things look good for the November 1 opener in Area 9.

Make sure to look over your regulations as things are quite confusing at the present time.

Coho Fishing - Mukilteo / Possession / Picnic Point

The local coho fishing continues! Wouldn't say that we have heard of "Red Hot" reports over the weekend, but we have heard of some fair fishing for those that have been putting in the time. Most of the regulars are still getting a fish or two but it's not "Hot" by any means. All these fish are motivated to get to the rivers and have not been holding at all in any area. There are here and gone! We should see some coho in the catches all this month but without a doubt it is on the slide. There has been an odd Chum (Dog) showing in the catches at this time and should get more numerous toward the end of the month and into November.

West Side Big Island - Hawaii - Uku

Here's a nice 28 pound Uku caught by Uncle Timmy Bauer on the west side of the Big Island - Hawaii.

With the way the weather has been going it's no wonder the Tim packed up his gear and headed back to the Island. Not a bad way to spend the Fall-Winter-Spring.

Hanford Reach - Kings

Here's a picture of a nice king from the "Reach" e-mailed to me by Jeff Witkowski yesterday.

Angler is Luke Jeimberg from Bothell, fish weighed 27.2 pounds and was caught on a Lemon/Lime Superbait.

If you would like to fish with Jeff contact him below.

Jeff Witkowski
Big Dog Fishing
(509) 860-7345

Snohomish / Skykomish - Silvers

Shawn talked with a number of the regular Snohomish / Skykomish regulars and guides this morning to find out what was happening on the rivers. Everyone gave a thumbs up report! With the river coming up and coloring the other day was all that it took to motivate the silvers into biting. In the Skykomish they did best fishing both Dick Nite Spoons and also eggs. In the lower tidal water the guys were doing well by trolling plugs such as Fat Fish or Brads Wigglers in Flame / Fire Tiger or Flame with Black Herring Bone. There were some very nice Coho taken into the mid teens. We should see some good fishing for the next day or so before the rivers drop too much.

Silvers - Area 8-2 & 9

Didn't have a lot of reports out of area 8-2 & 9 today, but those that I spoke with did have limits of coho this morning. From what I heard it didn't sound like it was easy fishing but still wasn't that bad either. The fish that were caught were typical silvers in the 7 -13 pound range. I would still have to say that the fishing isn't half bad and well worthwhile to get out and get in a few more days before the weather really turns.

Upper Skagit - Coho & Pinks

Spoke with Nick Petosa this evening and got the scoop on the upper Skagit fishery. Nick has been fishing the Marblemount to Concrete section on the river. He has been getting 8-9 coho a day for his clients in the 7 - 13 pound range. He has been been fishing spinners, which is a very pleasant way to fish them as the fish are very aggressive and you get some really good strikes. He says that there are still a good numbers of pinks in the river and are from just barely alive to fresh bright and in either case have been nothing but a nuisance for anglers targeting silvers.
The silver fishing should be good through October.

Nick said that there have been a number of silvers caught in the upper teens this past week.

For a guide trip contact Nick below.
(360) 854-0259
Petosa's Guide Service

Stillagumish Main River - Very Low Visability

With the rains we had this past evening the visibility in the main river has dropped to about 6 inches. Both of the forks are dropping at the present time and the river should be in better fishing shape in the next day or so (Providing we don't get much in the way of rainfall).

It doesn't take much to put the south Fork out of shape and in turn the main stem.

You might go fish the Skykomish or the Snohomish (though it colored up a tad from last night also).

Fall Fly Fishing - Pass Lake / Lone Lake

With the cooler weather the trout fishing at these two popular lakes has been coming on real well. We have talked with a number of customers that have had some good fishing at both of these lakes. With the cooler weather and the change in seasons the trout are going on the fall feed to bulk up for the upcoming winter. This is without a doubt the best of the fishing of the entire year. The fish are feeding heavily and are in prime shape.

Some of the Browns at Pass have been pushing the 24 inch mark.

Brad's Super Bait Plug Cuts

We will be receiving another shipment of this popular lure this next week on Wednesday or Thursday. We will be getting a good assortment of all the colors, but I don't exactly know what we will receive until it arrives. The shipment will arrive in the US on Monday.

I will post what we receive this next week. I am sure that they won't last very long as they have been extremely popular this season.

Chartreuse Wannabees

We received another shipment of chartreuse Wannabees yesterday for those of you that have been looking for them. For some reason this color has been a "Hot" one on the beaches this fall for coho.

It's Friday Afternoon 2:00 - We are already just about out of the shipment we received yesterday! If you need any make sure to call before you come and we will put some away.

Beach Fishing - Fort Casey

There was a "Fair" coho bit at Fort Casey yesterday. We had one of the beach regulars in right at closing last night that had caught and released a number of fish there yesterday. He was fishing a float and herring combination. He said that there were a number of fish caught by other anglers. He also mentioned that a number of fish were very aggressive and gobbled his offerings without any hesitation. Hopefully, they will be feeding aggressively for some time in the future.

Rivers Went Up - Should Bring On Bite

Both the Snohomish and Stillagumish River Systems went up a fair amount last night and this AM. This new influx of water should not only bring in more coho but should perk those up that have been in the system for awhile. The next few days should see some improvement to the fishing. With the new water there should be some color to the water, making the fish less skittish and should get them moving making them a little more accessible. In the lower water conditions the coho move into the heaviest cover that they can find especially log jams. They have quite an affinity to wood!

Get out and fish!

Might forget the salmon and give the steelhead a try in the Reiter Pond section of the river.

Captain Downriggins - Hoochie Leaders

John (Captain Downriggins) has just delivered the first shipment of this Hoochie Leaders to us today. They are tied on 50 lb Maxima Ultragreen Leader with double Matzuo 5/o or 6/0 hooks (your choice) . they are tied 56 inches long so one can rig the leader length of your offering any distance you desire.

We have been asked for these leaders countless times over the past season.

Price $2.09ea

Wenatchee River - Steelhead

Didn't sound as if the opener on Tuesday was much to write home about on the lower Wenatchee. Water was "Low", and though there were a few fish hooked and landed it was a far cry from what was expected. I am sure that there are good numbers of fish hanging in the main stream of the Columbia just waiting for some rain and a rise in the waters flow to entice them into the tributary streams.

If I were going over this weekend I would more than likely join the boys fishing Lake Pateros with a bobber and jig tipped with a shrimp for some steelhead action.

Make sure to read the WDFW regulations before you venture forth.

Saltwater Coho Salmon

Though the weather has turned to our more typical Fall weather and the number of days that one can fish the saltwater has declined there are still a few good reports coming in. We had a few of the regular guys in yesterday that managed to find a few coho in the Picnic Point / Shipwreck are south of Mukilteo. Didn't sound that is was a slam dunk day of coho fishing but at least there were a few fish caught. Most of the fish were found in the deeper water areas off the beach and most were caught in the 40 - 60 foot zone, though some of the boys did find them a bit deeper. From what we are hearing from the Straits, there are still good numbers of fish moving through those areas and we should see a fair shot of coho all through the month of October. However, these later returning fish do have a tendency of just having the river on their minds and not biting real well. This season has been one of the best years I have seen for fish that are willing to bite this late in the season. A far cry from last year when it was a real oddity to entice one into biting, even though they were there in good numbers.

Hanford Reach - King Salmon

Jeff Witkowski e-mailed this photo of a really nice sized Hanford Reach Chinook which he caught yesterday on a "Guides Day Off". The fish weighted 39.1 pounds and was caught on Hot Lava Superbait.

For A trip with Jeff, contact as follows.

Jeff Witkowski
Big Dog Fishing
(509) 860-7345