Fishing

For many anglers, panfish are the first fish we've caught, and for good reason. Bluegill, Crappie, Perch, and other panfish are plentiful, cooperative, and can be enjoyed as a delicious meal. Yet, despite their reputation as "Beginner Fish", experienced anglers know that panfishing can be as technical and rewarding as any pursuit in freshwater fishing. With the right strategies and tactics, you can consistently put more fish in the boat or on the ice, no matter the season. 

In this article, I will break down the keys to successful panfishing, from understanding their behavior to fine-tuning your presentation. 

Know your Body of Water and Species you’re fishing. 

"Panfish" is a catch-all term for several species, most notably bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and both black and white crappie. While they all share similarities, each has its own quirks, which can help you understand how to approach each one on the water. 

• Bluegill & Sunfish: Aggressive feeders that relate closely to weed edges and shallow flats, especially in the warm months. 

•Crappie: More structure-oriented, often suspended over deeper basins, or schooling up around brush piles. I also target large Marina docks and boats. 

•Perch: Typically roam a little more, especially in winter, but will still relate to breaks, deeper weedlines, and especially sandy muddy flats where they gorge themselves on bloodworms.

Knowing the tendencies and behaviors of your target species will help you decide where to fish and what tactics to use.

Seasonal Patterns

Understanding how panfish move through the seasons is the foundation of consistent success. 

•Spring: As water warms into the 50s, panfish start to move shallow to begin their spawn. Bluegill and Sunfish fan out nests in shallow bays, creating mine fields of circle beds, while Crappie will hold on to brush piles and structure a little longer before moving shallow. 

•Summer: After spawning, Bluegill will typically remain in the shallows around their spawning grounds, if there's good cover. While the Crappie tend to move a little deeper, and when I say deeper, I'm referring to 15'-17'.  This is prime time for early morning and late evening action near the weed edges. 

•Fall: Cooling water pushes baitfish and panfish towards deeper structure. When crappie form large schools over deep basins, fan casting and bobbers come in handy. Perch will be found chasing baitfish on steep breaks and roaming the flats.

•Winter: Panfish will typically group tightly in the winter, and you can get into large schools when found. I will target the last remaining deep weed edges for Bluegill and Pumpkinseed, and hit them on the deep, muddy flats for the hungry Perch. The most difficult, and rewarding, is fishing the suspended Crappie, finding the 2'-3' just below the ice, cruising deep basins. 

Locating Panfish 

The most successful anglers spend more time finding fish than fishing empty water. Key tools and techniques to locate panfish include:

•Electronics: Sonar or Forward-Facing Sonar can reveal schools and depth preferences in seconds. In open water, Crappie are typically suspended while the Perch and Bluegill hug cover or bottom. Electronics will show you these behaviors of these fish in real-time.

•Visual Cues: In shallow or clean water, polarized glasses can help spot so much. Beds, weed edges, stumps, brush piles, deep ledges, and fish.

•Structure: Focus on those weed edges, fallen timber, brush piles, docks, and submerged humps. 

•Mobility: Don't linger in that "Empty" water; if the fish aren't there, you have to move. Use those Electronics as you move spots, marking schools of fish or looking for that structure we've talked about. From the boat to the ice, this is what it takes to find 'em! 

Tackle and Gear Selection 

Panfish gear doesn't have to be complicated, but it should match the presentation. 

•Rods: Light or ultra-light spinning rods (5'-7' feet) offer the sensitivity to detect soft bites. For ice fishing, I like the same action in a (24"-32" Inch) rod.

•Reels: Small 100-200 series reels with a good, smooth drag and bearing system are ideal. 

•Line: I typically will run 2lb-6lb monofilament or fluorocarbon for most situations.  Braid with a flouro leader works well when fishing deeper water, like 30'-50' feet at Curlew for those Jumbo Perch.

•Hooks and Jigs: Size 8-12 hooks for bait such as worms, maggots, or mealworms. These baits are Bluegill's favorites, while Crappie will indulge under a Slip bobber. 

•Slip Bobber: A slip bobber will allow you to precisely control the depths of your bait, adjusting until you're right above the fish. Critical for suspended Crappie.  

Live, real baits work in all seasons but can make the difference for finicky fish. 

Artificial Lures & Presentations

Artificial baits often outfish live baits when fish are aggressive, or when you need to cover water quickly.  

•Small Plastics: Tube jigs, curly tails, and micro swim baits mimic small prey and can be fished fast or slow. 

•Spoons: Flashy and effective, especially for Perch and Crappie under the ice. Use subtle jigging motions to trigger bites. 

•Panfish on a Fly: Don't be timid about pulling out the Fly gear on these shallow bedding fish, or a beaded head fly under a bobber, or under the ice. Possibilities are endless!

Experiment with different sizes, profiles, and colors. Staying more in the natural hues (White, Brown, Olive) or bright colors such as (Pink, and Chartreuse) excel in catching limits. Oh, and remember... "It doesn't matter what color it is as long as it's Gold"!

Presentation Tips

The way you present your baits is often more important than what's on the hook.

•Match the Mood: Aggressive fish respond to faster retrieves or sharper jigging. Neutral or negative fish may want a slower retrieve or movement about the water column. 

•Depth Control: In suspended situations, keep your bait just above the fish, as most panfish feed upward. This is where the Electronics come into play, while you can see the fish and your bait.  

•Pause and Hold: Especially in cold water, when fish are not as active. Pausing your bait can trigger strikes from hesitant fish. Often, we ice anglers will always have a "Dead Stick" fishing not too far from us. 

Adjustments for Ice Fishing 

Winter panfishing demands extra precision and extra clothing. 

•Drill in Grids: I like to drill a grid pattern of holes over a flat or structure. Typically, I drill 15-30 holes before I start dropping lines.

•Downsize: Smaller baits and light lines are necessary. Tungsten baits are my go-to, as I can fish them fast and get down to depths quickly. Minimize the gear you bring to lighten the load in your sled you're dragging behind you. 

•Stay Mobile: Panfish roam, and staying on top of them is key to steady action. Electronics are especially valuable here, letting you watch fish react to your bait in real time.

Conservation & Ethics

While panfish are abundant, local populations can be impacted by heavy harvest, especially large breeding fish.

•Practice Selective Harvest: Keep enough for a meal, but release the larger ones when you can, to maintain healthy genetics 

•Know the Regulations: Size and bag limits vary State to State, and sometimes by body of water.

•Handle with Care: Use a wet hand when unhooking and handling fish in the cold temps. I try to minimize the time I lay a fish on the ice, as fish don’t have eyelids, so you can damage the eyes, not just the skin. Minimizing air exposure will help the survival of the fish you plan on releasing.  

One of the best things about panfishing is its accessibility.  Whether it's from the dock, boat, or ice, you can enjoy success.  It's the Gateway to introduce kids and beginners into fishing, fast action, frequent bites, and plenty of smiles. But for a handful of us seasoned anglers, panfish offers a challenge. Finding the biggest Crappie in the lake or coaxing a wary Bluegill from its bed takes skill, patience, and attention to detail. 

My final thought is this. If you approach panfishing with the same strategic mindset you would for Bass, Walleye, or Trout, you'll quickly discover that these "small fish" can be very rewarding. Whether you're filling a bucket for a fish fry or targeting Trophy Class Slabs, the combination of smart location choices, precise presentations, and seasonal awareness will keep your rod bent all year long!

And don't forget to "Reel in Those Memories"!

Squid fishing in the Puget Sound is becoming an increasingly popular resource for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Squid are a relaxing, low-pressure fishery and can be targeted successfully on nearly any budget. And you don’t even need a boat; in fact, some of the most successful squid fishermen only fish from shore. This piece will give you some understanding of where, when, and how to fish squid in the Puget Sound.

We will start with the rules and regulations for squid. You will need a shellfish license. I always recommend that everyone just get the Fish WA license, because with that, you are covered for everything, but squid can be covered simply under shellfish. The season and bag limits for squid are very simple. 

Squid is open year-round, and the bag limit is 10 pounds per person. This is a lot of squid. I rarely stay and fish out a whole limit, but I always make sure to have a scale handy to make sure I don’t overfish! The only other relevant rule is that you can fish with a maximum of 4 squid jigs on your line at a time. I typically use two. If you are within these rules, you should be all good to get out there!

Next, let’s talk about where. Squid can be found in nearly all waters of the Puget Sound, from the Strait of Juan de Fuca, all the way to Tacoma. Depending on the time of year, they will be more prevalent than others. The general rule is that squid start showing up in the Port Angeles area around September and migrate down to Tacoma through January and February. This is not a hard and fast rule, but they generally follow that pattern. 

There are people who catch squid every single day from the Les Davis pier in Tacoma. I, however, do not have that expertise. Some hot spots to check out are the Port Angeles City Pier, the Edmonds Pier, Pier 70 area in Seattle, Seacrest Marina Pier, and Les David Pier in Tacoma. There are several Facebook groups dedicated to squid fishing, and you can usually find out where the squid are from the number of success posts.

When to fish for squid is fairly widespread. There are some people that find success all year long from the same pier. But in general, squid fishing is best, and the squid themselves are largest, in the winter months. I usually start fishing for squid in about November and will fish regularly through February. Earlier in the season, I will usually fish closer to Edmonds, and then the deeper we go into winter, I will move further south and usually end my season closer to Tacoma. If I intend to fish from the pier, I will almost always fish at night. Sometimes I will arrive at 1 or 2 in the morning and fish until sunrise. If I am fishing from a boat, I will often fish in the morning or evening, but almost never at night. 

Lastly, how do we fish for squid? Squid can be caught from shore or from a boat, so we will break down how, based on this distinction. Fishing from shore is the most popular and simplest method. You will need your own bucket and a long, sensitive rod (I would say no less than 9’). 9-foot, 5-weight fly rods are growing in popularity due to their sensitivity, and you can rest your arms on the pier and not have a long butt section getting in the way of your jigging action. 

Generally, people will set up their rods with braided line about 20–30-pound test, with a corky on the mainline to act as an indicator so you can tell where your line is in relation to others. You will also want to have your squid jigs tied on with monofilament that is about 12-15-pound test. I really like to use one weighted Fisherman’s Gold squid jig in green or pink with another unweighted Fisherman’s Gold jig above that. 

The current and tide will impact whether I am going to use half, three-quarter, or one-ounce jigs. The optional part of your kit is a light. There will generally be people on the dock who have lights. If you don’t have a light, you can try to get close to them, but be respectful of their space and bring your own if you want to fish right under a light for your whole session. When you are all rigged up, you will want to cast out and let your jig sink. I usually let mine go to the bottom to start, and I will slowly work the jig back towards me and up the water column using slow jigs with pauses at the top.

To detect a strike, you can usually feel either an increase or a decrease in the weight on your line. A big hookset isn’t required, but a fast set and an increase in your retrieve are enough to keep them pinned on the jig. Strike detection will take some time. If you see someone on the dock really crushing them, be nice and try to learn what they are doing, and maybe ask some questions. My experience has been that if you treat people with respect, they will treat you with respect and usually give you some pointers on how to do better.

If you are going to fish from a boat, the kit is mostly the same, but I usually use a 9’ or 9’6” spinning rod instead of a fly rod. Because you are not limited to how far you can cast from the pier, I will typically drive around slowly and look for a haze near the bottom on my fish finder in roughly 80-120 feet of water. I will then drop my anchor and fish on top of the squid. Because it is light out, they are almost always on the bottom. I will use the same jigging technique, but in a more vertical motion.      

So, now you have the what, when, and how of catching squid in the Puget Sound. Give it a try this winter, and instead of waiting for calamari at a restaurant, you’ll be able to serve it up right in your own home.

If you ask me my favorite fishery of the year, I will always tell you that winter steelhead fishing is king! There is a romance to steelhead fishing in the winter that is unlike anything else, and I can’t get enough of it. A very close second is fishing for Coho salmon in our many rivers around the Puget Sound and along the Washington Coast.

Coho salmon begin entering our river systems in the early fall, generally from mid-late August, depending on rain. The migrations vary by river, but in some cases continue through January. The peak time to target these fish is from late September into late November. Since 2025 is a pink return year, I expect that the Coho will likely push in just a bit later to avoid the massive influx of pinks. We have over 7,000,000 pinks forecasted to return to the Puget Sound this year. You can always find both species in a system at the same time, but I don’t believe that they like to compete for water, and hence, the Coho tend to avoid the pinks as best they can. For this reason, I have found that early run Coho are often found in less common water when the pinks are in. Think center of the river in the current and on the soft edges.

The best thing about fishing for Coho is that they tend to be very predictable. You are going to find them holding up in softer water, staging for their final push to their spawning grounds. As one group moves out of a hole and upstream, another will travel up and fill in. This will continue as fresh fish enter the river system and continue to migrate upstream. For this reason, I have found that Coho are much more predictable and easier to target than species such as spring Chinook or winter Steelhead. The advantage of Coho fishing is that we often experience greater numbers of encounters, get to fight many fish, and often restock our freezers for the winter.

It is important to note that during the fall, you may find Chinook, summer Steelhead, Pinks, Coho, and even Chums in the same system. Depending on the river, you may be able to keep multiple species and, in some cases, even unmarked fish. Make sure that you read the regulations closely and comply with all rules related to gear restrictions and retention.

Coho can be finicky and may not bite at times, but by nature, they are very aggressive and territorial. It might take a bit to get one to bite, but once you do, it is usually game on for a while. The nice thing with Coho is that you can employ many techniques to target and catch them. It is fun to anchor in a slot and pull plugs. There is nothing quite like the takedown on a plug to get your heart pumping. This is a great technique for those who are looking for a relaxing day on the water. Note that fishing plugs generally means that you are fishing the traveling lanes, not the soft pockets of holding water.

Some prefer to use bait. For years, cured eggs drift-fished was the go-to technique. There are so many options today that you don’t see bait used as much. Some are even switching from bait to beads as they work very well and can be drift fished, bobber dogged, and even used under a float. Speaking of floats, fishing jigs like we do for Steelhead is another fun and proven method to target Coho in slow-moving water. Again, a jig takedown under a float makes for an epic fight.

Currently, I see more anglers targeting Coho in holding water by casting presentations at them. My favorite technique is to throw spinners, but depending on the river system, Wiggle Warts, Dick Nite’s behind an inline weight, or with a dropper, spoons, Wicked Lures, homemade hoochie spinners, and jigs all work very well. The technique that is really catching on is twitching jigs. A twitching jig is a bit heavier than a normal jig, weighing anywhere from 3/8 to 1 oz. They come in a variety of colors and are deadly for Coho. To twitch, you simply cast your jig towards your target and let it sink towards the bottom. Twitch up on the rod from about 30 degrees to 75 degrees and reel ¼ to 1 turn as you drop the rod tip. The speed of your retrieve will dictate your depth in the water column. Note that twitching will work in water as shallow as 2 feet and is deadly effective in deep pools. The takedown when twitching is unmistakable and often very violent. The only drawback to twitching is that it does tend to tire you out, so plan to mix it up throughout the day.

For newbies, I highly recommend that you book with a guide for your first few trips. Learn the tricks from them on where to find fish and which technique to use to target them based on the water you are fishing. Try the river systems in the North Sound, such as the Snohomish, Skagit, or Nooksack systems. Try the SW Washington rivers, such as the Cowlitz or Lewis. Target the rivers feeding into Grays Harbor and the Chehalis system. Some of the largest Coho can be found in this region. For a real adventure, try the rivers on the coast from the Humptulips all the way up to the Quileute system near Forks. I know that the lower Quinault can be a ton of fun when fished with a tribal guide.

I have always said that the fishing in an odd year for pinks is a great way to get the kids interested, since they will catch a lot of fish. Coho are not much different in that they tend to be plentiful and are often not hard to catch. The advantage of catching coho is that they make great table fare once they enter the river. Some might even say that they taste better after they have been in fresh water for a bit.

Give it a try and get out this year! Learn a new river system. Try a “new to you” technique. Most of all, have fun!

What Anglers Can Expect While Fishing Washington's Saltwater Frontier 

It was mid-June, and we rolled into Neah Bay just before evening. Our scenery was fishing boats packed into the marina and the heavy smell of fireworks, as the local kids ran the waterfront. Surrounded by lush rainforest and steep cliffs, the village sat within the Makah Reservation and served as a hub for recreational and tribal fishing. June marks the start of the busiest season here. As waters warm and baitfish like sand lance, herring, and anchovies flood the area, predators follow in force. From the protected inshore waters of the Strait to the jagged pinnacles and kelp beds offshore of Cape Flattery, anglers have options for nearly every style of saltwater fishing imaginable. So we got some sleep, cause early the next morning we had a meeting at the dock with Captain Fred Walker of SeaWalker Charters. 

Waking up early to the smells and sounds of the harbor is something I love. Walking down to the boat, seeing all the hustle and bustle so early, watching everyone load gear, and exchanging stories will get you excited for the day. Finding the "SeaWalker" boat was easy, and the captain and deckhand were eager and ready to go. Our captain for the day was Captain Fred Walker, and he had one of the cleanest and most organized boats and operations, which immediately put us at ease, knowing we were in good hands. Not to mention he's been fishing these waters for over 30 years. The top-notch Kingfisher boat was loaded with the highest quality of gear. From the Tanacom electric reels to the Custom Prolite Rods, we had everything from mooching, trolling, and bottom fishing covered. And he and his deckhand, Max, take safety very seriously, and the success comes with it. 

●Lingcod And Rockfish 

As we motored out, we were anywhere from 50-60 miles from shore and had everything prepared for the long day. Neah Bay is legendary for bottomfish, and June is prime time. Lingcod are aggressive and plentiful, often lurking around rocky reefs, underwater pinnacles, and kelp edges. These toothy predators just hammer the jigs, or whatever offerings you're presenting, with equal enthusiasm. It's not unusual for anglers to catch their 2 keeper-sized lings in a day, along with a chance at a true trophy over 30lbs. Rockfish, both black and yelloweye, fill out the action, providing near consistent bites for those dropping smaller spoons and jigs into the schools, making them furious while filling limits quickly. With daily limits generous compared to other parts, anglers can usually count on a cooler of rockfish to complement those lingcods. 

●Halibut 

By June, Washington's Halibut season is still underway, though regulations shift year to year. When opened, halibut is a major draw. Neah Bay is one of the few places in the state where anglers can run relatively short distances offshore to productive halibut grounds. Places like Swiftsure Bank and areas West of Tatoosh Island hold halibut ranging from 20lbs "chickens" to "barn door" halibut topping 100+ pounds. Fishing for halibut here is not only an exercise for the body, but an exercise in patience and persistence. Heavy lead and big baits waiting for the unmistakable thump of a halibut inhaling your offering. The payoff, however, is unmatched table fair and a true trophy to catch. Couldn't be more thankful for Captain Fred having them Tanacom 750 reels on board to winch up these flatfish from the depths of 380ft-500ft.

●Salmon 

June is often the month when salmon begin filtering into the region. Chinook (Kings) are the headliners, while the main summer salmon season in Neah Bay typically kicks off later in July.  Early arrivals show up in June, especially along kelp lines and nearshore structure, where we seemed to find ours. These early-season Kings are strong, chrome bright, and are prized by many anglers. Mooching can be a very exciting way to fish; having the knuckle-busting action can be just part of the fun. Coho may also be appearing offshore, although they are usually more prevalent in July and August. For those lucky enough to hook up in June, Coho provide acrobatic fights, and a taste you'll return for. 

(Also, don't forget the opportunity for Albacore Tuna in late June, depending on water temps)

●Tactics And Techniques 

•Bottomfish: Most anglers target lingcod and rockfish by jigging heavy spoons or jigs tipped with bait or soft plastics near rocky structure. Larger, similar profiles work very well for lingcod. GPS and electronics definitely help you stay directly on productive reefs and rocky structures. 

•Halibut: Halibut set-ups typically consist of a stout rod, like the Prolites we used specifically for the bottom fishing. Heavy-duty reel, like a Tanacom, is ideal for the depths, matched with a quality braided line. Often drifting over humps and flats, bouncing pipe jigs and larger offerings, tipped with herring, squid, scents, drawing in fish at depths of 200-500 feet.  

•Salmon: When targeting salmon, trolling is the go-to method. Downriggers with flashers and hoochies, spoons, or herring rigs dominate the setup. Inshore, mooching with different offerings can be deadly, particularly when schools of bait are thick near kelp lines. Definitely a "Knuckle Busting" Mooching reel can be so fun, and very sporty at times. 

●Conditions And Weather 

June weather at Neah Bay can be notoriously unpredictable. Anglers should expect anything from flat calm seas to fog, rain, and possible stiff winds. Mornings are often the calmest,  as wind typically builds in the afternoon.  Having the flexibility to fish on shorter notice, when the forecast cooperates, can make or break a trip. Fog can be a factor; the Strait and nearshore waters can sock in with heavy fog, making it invaluable for navigating, even with GPS and radar. Always plan for safety, as the Pacific can turn hostile quickly. Being on a guide’s boat, such as the SeaWalker, and knowing it was equipped with the best crew and safety gear, makes the trip so much more enjoyable.  

●Regulations And Access 

Neah Bay is subject to both Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) regulations and tribal considerations. Seasons for halibut and salmon can change annually,  even for bottomfish. So anglers must review the most current rules and regulations before making the trip. Size limits, bag limits, and barbless hook requirements are strictly enforced. Access also requires awareness, as you are on a reservation. As a visitor,  always respect the policies and rules of the tribe. And while launching and returning to the Big Salmon marina, there is a cleaning station to clean your catch daily. Or pay a couple bucks to have a couple locals do it for you. 

Fishing Neah Bay in June is an adventure into one of the richest marine environments on the West Coast. With stunning scenery from the rugged cliffs of Cape Flattery, the westernmost point in the contiguous United States, to the pristine beaches and rainforest nearby. Wildlife is abundant, and so many bald eagles share the water with anglers. 

The community itself is small and welcoming, with local lodging, camping, and the Makah Cultural and Research Center offers a window into the rich history of the Makah people and the many years of fishing. It's a place where the Pacific reveals both its bounty and its raw power. A destination where every trip feels like an expedition, and every fish tells a story. For those who are looking to make the trek, expect long days on the water, a cooler of catches, and the memories you reeled in at Washington's Saltwater Frontier. 

●Tips For Success 

1. Book lodging early; June is popular, and options are limited 

2. Hire a charter for your first trip. Water can be intimidating, and a good captain like Fred Walker with SeaWalker Charters would be my choice.

3. Pack for all weather. Layered clothing, rain gear, deck boots, waterproof bag or backpack.  

4. Stay Flexible - weather and seas dictate much of the fishing.  Having a couple of backup days built into the trip always helps. 

5. Pack snacks, drinks, meds, and motion sickness medication.  Not all charters cover a lunch, but most will have water on board.  

6. Know the rules and regulations, as they can change yearly, and enforcement can be strict 

7. Have fun, and respect the boat and the operation going on around you.

8. And most of all, "Reel In The Memories"!

The sun was dipping low on the horizon as I cast my #3 Mepps spinner into my favorite country pond. As soon as it hit the water, I gave the rod tip a jerk, activating the spinner blade, and began a steady retrieve. Suddenly, my rod pulled away from me with the strike of a hammerhead pike. I excitedly reel in the small pike, landing the 15” fish after a brief battle. Carefully removing the hook, I released the fierce-looking pike back to the pond, taking in the evening's quiet, golden red and yellow sunset illuminating the shoreline trees and fields. Having moved the past year from the city of Madison to the small country town of Waunakee, this had become my solace as I struggled with the challenges of trying to fit into a farming community, having little in common with my freshman high school classmates. This pond became my solace on many an evening and quenched my inner need for solitude.

Pike hold a special place in my heart for angling adventures. They remind me of freshwater barracudas, with fierce features and vise-like jaws with a full set of razor-sharp teeth. Pike are the kings of their abode, and if I were a perch swimming around, I would be looking over my shoulder!

Knowing your adversary’s tendencies is an important key to successful angling. When it comes to pike, there is a keyword you should always remember – ambush. Pike are masters at ambush hunting skills, using their fins to stay suspended and motionless, waiting for a feeding opportunity to go by.  They love cover. In rivers, look for downed trees and logs along the shoreline or cast to undercut banks. Slow backwaters and eddies are ideal locations to explore. If you see weeds under the surface, be sure to target those as well, using weedless baits like buzz baits or surface lures – frogs and poppers can be deadly effective, and hooking a pike on a surface lure is a blast – literally – as the pike comes up and slams your presentation.

Lake fishing presents a few more challenges, but again, target shoreline cover or find shallow bays with weed growth. In deeper lakes, pike will likely drop into cooler waters on hot days, making a deep diving crank bait a good option, casting along weedy drop-offs. More than one angler has been surprised by Montana’s Ft. Peck, jigging deeper waters for lakers and hooking into a pike!

Other popular casting lures include spinners, plastic paddle tail jigs, and spoons. These are all lures that pike will pursue and strike. Your retrieve should be steady and not too fast. A pike depends on sight, sound, and vibration. Often, that first splash of the lure hitting the water is what will alert the pike to a feeding opportunity, and strikes may come soon after your lure hits the water, so be ready to retrieve. Especially with buzz baits, the trick is to immediately close your bail, keep your rod tip up, and reel. You’ll find the sweet spot for retrieval speed that keeps the lure skimming the surface and making a big splashing commotion – so much fun!

Pike will hit just about any lure that moves, and they will also hit bait, including live or dead bait under a float. My personal preference is casting and moving locations. To each their own…

Rods and reels should match the lure you’re tossing, and both level and spinning reels work just fine. A medium/heavy rod will help pull those fish out of cover easier. Braid in a 20-30-pound weight is a good option.

As mentioned earlier, pike are predators, and one look at their mouth full of razor-sharp teeth will confirm that! Most pike anglers will use a metal leader to save those expensive lures. The pike aren’t leader shy, so no worries about scaring them off. When you catch your pike, if you plan to catch and release, handle them with care. Pike are surprisingly fragile. Barbless hooks, needle-nose pliers, and jaw pliers will help get that fish back into the water for others to enjoy. 

The best time to fish for pike is the morning and the evening hours, although they will bite all day long, and all season long, making them a good choice when other fish aren’t cooperating.

If you decide to keep a few, save the larger ones and keep the smaller fish. Pike are good eating, but a bit of a hassle to clean. The accursed “Y” bone can present an issue when cleaning. I recommend checking out some YouTube videos on how to filet your catch. Meanwhile, releasing those bigger fish will allow other anglers to pursue the pike of their dreams!

As we head into September, the color of salmon switches from pink to silver around Puget Sound.

The front end of the migratory coho run – also known as silvers for their shiny silvery-colored body – began to filter into the western Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound in August, and are expected to peak throughout September and early October.

Coho aren’t large – usually averaging 4 to 15 pounds, with some exceeding the 20-plus pounds – but they often put up a good tussle. Young coho spend a year in rivers and estuaries and then migrate out to the Pacific Ocean to feed and grow. They spend about 1½ years in the ocean, then return to spawn as three and four-year-old fish, generally in fall or early winter.

Puget Sound coho returns have gradually made a comeback from a downtrend that began in 2015 and 2016. This was due to negative environmental factors like drought, flooding, and warm water temperatures in their freshwater habitat as juveniles and then in the Ocean from a condition known as El Niño, when surface water becomes warmer than average.

The combined 2025 Puget Sound hatchery and wild coho forecast is 727,490 compared to 722,134 in 2024; 760,029 in 2023; 666,317 in 2022; 614,948 in 2021; and 504,604 in 2020.

Coho fill the air with enthusiasm for their leaping abilities when hooked, and unpredictable movements across the water’s surface.

A positive signal of 2025 expectations began with the good fishing for resident coho, who mainly spend their entire life feeding and growing in local waters – 

caught in Marine Area 10 (Seattle and Bremerton Area) from June to early August. Many of these coho have grown since then and will join their larger migratory coho relatives during the late summer and fall marine fisheries.

Knowing when it is “go fishing time” for migrating coho in Puget Sound is to monitor catch rates in the Strait of Juan de Fuca at Marine Area 5 (Sekiu and Pillar Point) and Marine Area 6 (East Strait of Juan de Fuca).

The Marine Area 5 salmon fishery is open daily through Sept. 26 with a two salmon daily limit, plus two additional pink may be retained, and release Chinook, chum, sockeye, and wild coho. The area is then open daily for coho from Sept. 27 to Oct. 9 with a two salmon daily limit, release Chinook, chum, and sockeye.

The Marine Area 6 salmon fishery is open daily through Sept. 26 with a two salmon daily limit, plus two additional pink may be retained, and release Chinook, chum, sockeye, and wild coho. The area is then open daily for coho from Sept. 27 to Oct. 15 with a two salmon daily limit, release Chinook, chum, and sockeye.

Oftentimes, the best coho fishing in the Strait of Juan de Fuca occurs offshore in the shipping lanes, which is the main migration path. These deep-water areas are about one to 10 miles out in 200 to 500 feet of water and sometimes even deeper off the edge of the main shipping channels. Remember to stay within the U.S. side of the shipping lane. Look for tide rips and current breaks where krill and schools of baitfish attract coho, and watch for coho jumping and rolling on the surface.

In the eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Dungeness Bay hatchery coho fishery is open from Oct. 1 to 31. The 2025 Dungeness River coho forecast is 13,328, down slightly from 14,305 in 2024 and 14,654 in 2023.

The Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) coho season is open daily through Sept. 6 with a two salmon daily limit, plus two additional pink may be retained, and release Chinook, chum, sockeye, and wild coho. The area is then open daily for coho from Sept. 7 to 30 with a two salmon daily limit, plus two additional pink may be retained, and release Chinook, chum, and sockeye. In Marine Area 7, look for coho staging along the western and southern portions of the island chain.

Coho fishing in Marine Area 8–1 (Deception Pass, Hope Island, and Skagit Bay) is open daily, Sept. 30, with a two salmon daily limit, plus two additional pink may be retained, and release Chinook and chum. Coho fishing is then open daily Oct. 1 to 12 with a daily two salmon catch limit, and release Chinook and chum.

In Marine Area 8–2 (Port Susan and Port Gardner), coho fishing is open daily through Sept. 24 with a two salmon daily limit, and release Chinook, chum, and pink. The Tulalip Bay Terminal Area Fishery has rules that differ from Marine Area 8-2. For details, check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishing regulations webpage at https://wdfw.wa.gov/.

In Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2, anglers should find coho along the entire eastern side of Whidbey Island, Possession Point, off the Clinton Ferry Terminal, the Langley/Sandy Point area, Shipwreck to Mukilteo, Hat Island, Camano Head, the entire west side of Camano Island, and outside of Oak Harbor. West Beach at Deception Pass State Park, located north of Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, provides excellent shore fishing access.

Moving further into Puget Sound, Marine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet) is another decent fishing location for hatchery-marked coho, which is open daily through Sept. 30. It has a two salmon daily limit, plus two additional pink may be retained, and release Chinook, chum, and wild coho.

In Marine Area 9, focus your fishing time in the unmarked shipping lanes where tide rips and current breaks are commonly found. Try Midchannel Bank off Port Townsend; Point Wilson north of Port Townsend (good public shore access); east side of Marrowstone Island (some shore access); Fort Casey to Bush Point and Lagoon Point (some public shore access); Double Bluff off the west side of Whidbey Island; Point No Point (excellent public shore spot); Possession Bar; Scatchet Head; and Pilot Point.

In Marine Area 10 (Seattle and Bremerton Area), coho fishing is open daily through Sept. 30 with a two salmon daily limit, plus two additional pink may be retained, and release Chinook and chum. Fishing is also open daily from Oct. 1 to Nov. 15 with a two salmon daily limit, and release Chinook.

In Marine Area 11 (Tacoma and Vashon Island), coho fishing is open daily through Sept. 30 with a two salmon daily limit, plus two additional pink may be retained, and release chum and wild Chinook (note, the Chinook fishery may close sooner so check the WDFW fishing regulations webpage for updates. Fishing is also open daily from Oct. 1 to Nov. 15 with a two salmon daily limit, and release Chinook.

Look for coho in the deep-water shipping lanes off Jefferson Head to Kingston, Richmond Beach to Meadow Point near Shilshole Bay, Point Monroe, Shilshole Bay south to West Point, Elliott Bay, the Fauntleroy Ferry area southeast to Dolphin Point, both sides of Vashon Island, Redondo Beach to Dash Point and the Tacoma area of Commencement Bay, Browns Point, and Point Defiance Park from the Slag Pile to the Clay Banks.

Two popular events tied to the arrival of coho are the Edmonds Coho Derby on Sept. 6. For details, go to http://edmondscohoderby.com/. That will be followed by the Everett Coho Derby on Sept. 20-21. For details, go to https://everettcohoderby.com/.

Marine Area 13 (South Puget Sound) is open daily for hatchery-marked coho through Sept. 30 with a two salmon daily limit, plus two additional pink may be retained, and release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Fishing remains open daily beginning Oct. 1 with a two salmon daily limit, and release chum, wild coho and wild Chinook.

In Marine Area 13, look for coho from the Narrows Bridge south to Anderson Island. The Squaxin Island area has become popular area for those targeting coho. The 2024 Squaxin Island net pens coho forecast is 59,596 up from 48,081 in 2024 and 45,417 in 2023.

If you’re looking for a Chinook and coho option try the Bellingham Bay Terminal Fishery open daily through Sept. 30 with a daily limit of four salmon.

Sinclair Inlet and Port Orchard are open daily through Sept. 30 with a three salmon daily limit, plus two additional pink may be retained, and release chum and wild Chinook. Fishing is then open daily from Oct. 1 to Nov. 15 with a two salmon daily limit, and release Chinook.

Lastly, a freshwater coho fishing option in Seattle’s backyard is Lake Washington north of the Highway 520 Bridge, which is open daily from Sept. 16 to Oct. 31 with a daily limit of four coho only, and release all other salmon species. The Lake Washington coho forecast is 28,112 up from 24,090 in 2024 and 21,554 in 2023.

In the October issue, we’ll switch gears and take a look at proposed fall and winter coastal razor clam digging opportunities.

I’ll see you on the water very soon!

We are captivated by trout. And we wonder why. Trout don't love us, they don't love each other, and they don't do anything for their fellow trout, except by accident or by instinct.

But the same could be said of art. We appreciate art for maybe the same reason we love trout. Let's see if the words — art and trout — are interchangeable.

Wynetka Ann Reynolds might have said,

“Anyone who says you can't see a thought simply doesn't know trout.”

For two summers, I spent afternoons and weekends exploring back roads, backcountry, and backwaters in streams and lakes down the flanks of Wy'East for a book we called Fishing Mount Hood Country. My co-author, Robert Campbell, covered most of the western water, and I fished more of the east side.

Early in the project, Campbell began to send close-ups of trout — Veda Lake cutthroats, Timothy Lake brookies, Salmon River rainbows — in hand, going back into the water. The imagery seeped into my consciousness, and when I brought East Fork Hood River cutts, or Boulder Lake brooks, or Badger Creek rainbows to the bank, I began to look at each one as a piece of art, at each scale as a stroke of a brush.

We seldom fished the same water twice during the two summers on and off the mountain. We caught bass, sturgeon, steelhead, and salmon, but the fish that defined the effort was the coastal cutthroat. There are many variations. The Clackamas watershed fish were different in coloration from Zigzag River fish, and in bigger lakes, trout coloration varied due to the micro-environments they frequented.

We might put the distinct differences down to genetics, habitat, food sources, and light penetration.

Hood River wild fish, where there are fewer trees above the water and the bottom is light, are bright and shiny. Fish in west-sloping rivers with darker streambeds are often tinted, an adaptation that helps them survive.

While there are a few resident rainbows near the mouth, Campbell's exploration of the upper Clackamas turned up big rainbows, part of a remnant strain that can grow to several pounds in that mountain water. I plan to research that water again soon.

If Goethe had been born to a fly-fishing family rather than to German drama, he might have written:

“There is no surer method of evading the world than by following trout, and no surer method of linking oneself to it than by trout.”

We caught hatchery planters, of course, and the further they were removed from the raceways, the better they looked. Holdovers — fish that had made it through a winter and gained inches and pounds — were the prettiest. We might call them modern trout and appreciate them in that regard.

John Anthony Ciardi could have said:

“Modern trout is what happens when fishermen stop looking at girls and persuade themselves they have a better idea.”

For me, one stream and one fish defined the project. A Still Creek cutthroat, about nine inches long, took a dry fly and threw the hook. The next fish was a bit smaller, but it shone in hand like treasure. I sent a picture to my friend Tye Krueger, and he drew it in every detail — a wild cutt with white tips on its fins and parr marks still visible on its sides.

Kojiro Tomita might have written it thus:

“It has been said that trout is a tryst, for in the joy of it, maker and beholder meet.”

Conditions seem to force beauty to the surface. Up toward the timberline, an angler finds the most striking examples — wild trout that in other environs would grow to be measured in pounds, not inches. Here, an eight-inch rainbow is mature, with white tips on the edges of his fins and a tint of rose in his gill plates, dark spots all the way to the tail.

G.K. Chesterton might have put it this way:

“Trout consists of limitation. The most beautiful part of every picture is the frame.”

Here in the Northwest, we have the run of an ancient gallery. The price of admission is a fishing license and the will to seek it.

“All trout requires courage,”
with apologies to Anne Tucker.

In the passage of time, we become collectors of art, the images stored in digital files and memories. And sometimes we make that beauty part of ourselves with brook trout grilled over a campfire.

If Scott Adams had been consulted, he might have offered:

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Trout is knowing which ones to keep.”

Alaska – it conjures up many images, and well it should. Our largest state is home to vast mountains, forests, and tundra. Rugged coastlines and salmon-filled rivers call to both casual and hardcore anglers. The opportunities seem almost endless.

It was my third trip to our 49th state. The previous trips to the Alagnack River and Thorn Bay were beautiful experiences, and yet there was something “missing”. Granted, imagining a single trip to Alaska could capture its essence was a fool’s errand. Be that as it may, I had high expectations for our latest trip.

Northwest Fishing TV had been invited by Alaska Kenai Adventures to stay for several days and get a taste of the Kenai Peninsula. I, Eric Magnuson, and Rob and Hillary Holman travelled to Seattle on June 19th for the flight to Anchorage. Our trip started off ominously as the flight was cancelled at 3am. Fortunately for us, Keith, owner of Alaska Kenai Adventures (which I’ll sometimes refer to as AKA) received a phone alert and promptly found us an alternate flight via Juno. A quick 3-hour flight to Alaska had turned into a delayed departure and 4 4-hour layover. 

The flight from Juno to Anchorage was nothing short of breathtaking. Looking out the window, I watched as a seemingly endless vista of snow-covered mountaintops passed underneath us, glaciers glistening in the evening sun. Finally, below us was Anchorage, looking much larger than I had imagined it would be. We landed around 5 pm, loaded up our belongings into our rental cars, and started the three-hour drive to the lodge. 

The route to the Kenai Peninsula is one of the most scenic drives I have ever been on in my life. Mountains rose all around us, and a mixture of conifer forests and tundra greeted us at every turn. Purple lupins were in full bloom and dotted the roadside. This was the Alaska that I had been dreaming of. 150 miles later, we turned down a gravel road and arrived at the Alaska Kenai Adventures Lodge. Waiting for us were Keith, the owner, and Pierce, the General Manager of the lodge. After giving us a quick tour, we were shown our rooms. It was 10 pm and still broad daylight. 

“Our summer days have twenty hours of daylight,” Keith explained, “And night is more like dusk. Blackout curtains are very popular around here”. I had brought a sleep mask, so no worries there – plus a twenty-hour travel day had our group ready to hit the hay. Pierce let us know we would be leaving at 5 am for a day of trout fishing on the Kenai River. Our comfortable beds awaited, and I quickly fell asleep in anticipation of the coming days of fishing adventures.

Alaska Kenai Adventures provides lodging and meals, and they have partnerships with guides and charters throughout the Kenai Peninsula. As a facilitator for trips, they have built up a cadre of outstanding businesses they work with to provide their clientele with fishing, hunting, bear watching, fly-in trips, and more. If you have a trip on your bucket list, they can likely help you, or if you’re overwhelmed by all the options, Keith and Pierce can help you there as well. 

Our first day featured fly fishing for rainbow trout on the Kenai River. We met our guides from Chasing Tails Guide Service and got the rundown on gear and techniques. The plan was to side drift with egg and flesh imitations. A strike indicator was attached to the leader, and our 7/8 weight rods would be up to the task of handling the larger rainbows. Our guide, Captain Alex, explained that the rainbows would follow the salmon and gorge themselves on eggs and decomposing salmon carcasses. Rainbows up to ten pounds were a distinct possibility.

The Kenai in this location reminded me a little of the Cowlitz River, size-wise, but with a beautiful turquoise hue to it. Side-drifting using this method is ideal for those who don’t have a lot of experience with fly rods, as much of the positioning can be done by a skillful guide maneuvering the boat downstream, similar to side drifting for steelhead.

The day was filled with catching; however, we were unable to find the big ones, instead landing fish in the 14-20” range. I’ll take that any day of the week! We returned after a full day of fishing to enjoy a culinary delight by lodge chef Stephan. King salmon in a teriyaki glaze, rice, fresh vegetables, and not a crumb left on my plate. Local wines and beers were a nice touch, finished off by a tasty tiramisu dessert, perfect.

Our second day was another river trip, this time on the Kasilof River, which was open for hatchery kings and native sockeye. We were only a few miles inland from the saltwater bay so the sockeye in particular were chrome bright. We fished with Hook Line Land Em guide service. Starting the day backtrolling spinners off river divers, we soon settled into the rhythmic vibration of our rod tips, until we heard an excited commotion coming from Rob and Hillary’s drift boat. Rob had a nice king on the line. We watched him battle the strong king from the top to the bottom of the run, and saw his guide swoop the fish into the net and the boat. A keeper! As we drifted by, Rob held up a beautiful king we guessed was in the 16-18 pound range, chrome bright. 

Back to the task at hand, we backed slowly down the next drift, taking in the sights of bald eagles feeding and the occasional moose walking the shoreline.

Suddenly, my rod doubled over to the pulls of a big king. “Wait for it…” our guide instructed. “Now!” he called out. Pulling the rod out of the rod holder, it was obvious this was not a hatchery king. Line began peeling off my reel, and about thirty yards behind the boat, a massive tail broke the surface, followed by what looked to be at least a twenty-five-pound king, bright red flank glistening in the sun. The back-and-forth battle was on! I worked the powerful fish slowly back to the boat, alternately gaining and losing line until the line counter on the reel read twenty feet. At the same time, we had reached the end of the drift and the fish had a choice to make – go through the fast water to the next section or run upriver into the pool we had just backed down. Taking a sudden run upriver, the big king passed our boat on the right, and as he came even with my rod, I felt the sickening pop of the hook pulling out of whatever corner of the mouth he was hooked in. 

A communal sigh of disappointment for the fish just lost, our guide commented, “That was a nice native. You would’ve had to release him. What an amazing fish.” Indeed, it was, and my disappointment was tempered by the opportunity to even hook and play it for as long as I did.

Back to fishing, we had drifted by various groups of shore anglers that were fishing for sockeye. Seeing these chrome-bright, hard-fighting fish was too hard to resist. After a group conference, we decided it was time to get some sockeye.

Sockeye fishing in Alaska is a different technique from Washington State. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, the fish entering the river have a very short run to their spawning grounds, and as such, Washington angling techniques of trolling are out. Second, the runs are massive. On the Kasilof, for example, the return was estimated to be over 500,000 fish. On the Kenai River, Alaska is looking to have almost a million sockeye return. With that kind of numbers, the biomass can easily handle what Alaskans call subsistence harvesting. Which means there are more than enough fish to keep the runs strong and healthy. That said, Alaska does monitor the run, and our current limit would be three fish (this was bumped up to six on the day we left). Residents in some communities are given another twenty-five fish later in the season for subsistence. 

The technique Alaskans use is what we in Washington call flossing. The process is simple – swing a one-ounce weight with a six-foot leader straight out in front of you. The sockeye travel within ten feet of shore, so long casts are not needed. Drift for five seconds and give a good rip at the end of that five-second drift. The single barbed hook slides through the sockeye’s open mouth, and it’s fish on with six to ten pounds of chrome, angry sockeye ten feet away. Remarkably, the number of foul-hooked fish is quite low. The hook must be in the mouth, or the fish is to be released. There is a certain level of skill required, and we watched many anglers who just didn’t get it. But for us, a frantic half-hour later, our group’s limits were on the shore. 

I know that many of you reading this are shaking your head and saying how unsporting this is. I mulled it over and decided that I was in this fishing culture, and here in Alaska, it was an accepted way to fish for sockeye. According to our guide, this is the only possible way to catch them, as they had tried other methods over the years and nothing had worked. That said, I did find myself daydreaming about fishing one of the lakes these fish return to and seeing if they would strike bare hooks behind a dodger off of a downrigger. It would be lights-out fishing for sure if they did!

Day Two came to an end, and we returned to the lodge; this time treated to perfectly cooked ribeye steak. The gang at Alaska Kenai Adventures sure know how to treat their guests!

Saltwater fishing in Alaska is a given. With thousands of miles of coastline and offshore locations to fish, AKA hooked us up with Alaskan Adventure Guides & Outfitters out of Homer to fish in the Gulf of Alaska. We would be targeting halibut and groundfish, fishing anywhere from 200-480 feet deep. 

Our luck had held up as we experienced a third day of pleasant temps in the 60s and mostly clear skies, affording us spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The wind was light, making for calm seas and an easy ride. En route to our fishing locations, we were entertained by porpoise and killer whale pods. The majesty of Alaska was in full display! 

Pulling up to our first drift, deckhand Savana had our group baited up and ready to go. Gear down, we soon were feeling the tap-taps of fish. In quick order, we caught our boat limits of 4-5 pound black sea bass. That out of the way, Captain Corey moved us to the next location, which he informed us would be a good spot to get our “unders”. The regs for halibut where we were fishing called for one fish under 27”, and one fish of any size. In a twist of irony, Captain Corey told us it was actually easier to get the over-sized halibut than the under-sized ones. He turned out to be right, as we took the next hour to grind out the small fish. Mission accomplished, Corey called out, “Bring 'em up, we’re moving to a spot that we have had good luck on for bigger fish!”

Our final location had us fishing in 480 feet of water, offshore of a group of islands that I swore were right out of the casting department for Jurassic Park. Sheer rocky cliffs with crashing waves along the shoreline and wooded peaks and valleys made it hard to pay attention to our rods. Soon enough, cries of “Fish on!” rang out, as did the gaff. These halibut were indeed bigger, too big to net. At around 30-50 pounds, they were the perfect eating size. Those 100-pound halibut are amazing to see, but as they get past 70 pounds, many are older females that have tougher meat, and, more importantly, produce thousands of eggs with each spawning, making them essential for maintaining the fishery. The hold steadily filled up with halibut, and before we knew it was time to head back to the harbor. But not before one last stop…

Our final adventure on this “Experiencing Alaska” trip was low-tide clam-digging. What is unique about this experience is that you get on the boat while it’s on a trailer, and are then backed down by a tractor into the surf. The captain then drives the boat off the trailer, and away you go!

We were clamming with Cook Inlet Clamming, owner and Captain, Sarah Brooks, and her daughter Savannah. Savannah was in the process of obtaining her captain’s license. At 19 years of age, she had been working with her mom from an early age, deckhanding and boats, fishing, and clamming were in her DNA.

Crossing the inlet, we arrived at the secluded beach where we would be digging clams. There were already a couple of boats that were high and dry on the beach, and around a dozen people were digging away. We had anchored in 1 foot of water and waited for 15 minutes for the tide to recede, then it was off with our clam guns and buckets. This section of Cook Inlet had a generous limit of two 5-gallon buckets, substantially more than Washington’s 15-clam limit. 

Clam shows were everywhere, and I started using the clam gun, easy to learn, but tiring to use. After pulling up half a bucket of clams, my back and legs were getting sore. About then, the tide began to turn, and we were called back to the boat – saved by the tide! 

With that, our Alaska Experience trip had come to an end. Four days of fishing and clamming, getting to truly experience all that Alaska has to offer. Each member of our group came home with over forty pounds of vacuum-sealed Alaska bounty.

If you want to experience all Alaska has to offer, and then some, check out Alaska Kenai Adventures and get your taste of Alaska, The Last Frontier.

I got to participate in something special in June.  It was a C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation event, put on for nine special needs youth anglers at Potholes State Park in Eastern Washington. The foundation, born in 1991, had its first event at Banks Lake in Washington. Today, the organization is on pace to host 100 or more fishing events all over the nation.

C.A.S.T. for Kids was founded by Jim Owens, a retired Bureau of Reclamation worker who wanted to get kids with special needs and disadvantages out for a fun, mentored day of fishing.  

Melissa McCalmant, who was present at the Potholes event, is the Western Operations Manager for C.A.S.T. for Kids. She said volunteers are a key part of their operation.  That includes a volunteer coordinator who does the bulk of the work putting each event together.  The coordinator gets with the venue owner and, in some cases, with their state fish and wildlife agency to arrange for fish stocking. In lakes or ponds that already have well-established fish populations, this is not necessary. The coordinator also seeks cash donations to purchase rods, reels, and tackle boxes at a discounted rate from Lews and Flambeau for each participant.  

McCalmant also told me they go to great lengths to get special needs kids out fishing.  She recalled one instance where a parent said their child could not participate because he was in a wheelchair. McCalmant procured a volunteer with a pontoon boat that was ADA accessible so that the young man could indeed enjoy a day out on the water.  In fact, for many of the kids participating, it’s their first time fishing.

Melissa went on to tell me that while many events take place with anglers fishing from shore, they also offer events where anglers will fish with volunteer boaters on bass boats or on pontoon boats. 

Summing things up, McCalmant said, “This is a free event for the participant and their family, and it’s a day that allows them to forget about their special needs and that they are too, just like one of us, and can fish and participate.’

As for the Potholes event, Levi Rodelo, a local fishing and hunting guide with Ross Outdoor Adventures, has a special needs daughter. He took on the role of Event Coordinator. Nixon’s Marine in Pasco, Washington, donated $500 so he could purchase the rods, reels, and tackle boxes for each kid.

Levi coordinated with Potholes State Park and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), who both readily agreed to partner in the event. Levi obtained a net pen that he put next to the boat launch in the park. WDFW stocked the net pen with 250 rainbow trout, the majority being catchable size, but some were much larger.

On the morning of the event, 15 volunteers met Rodelo and McCalmant. They assigned roles to all of us, and then the kids showed up with their families at 8 AM. The special needs of the children varied. One teenager had high-functioning autism, and one child had Down syndrome. Two other kids were non-verbal and couldn’t speak.

Each child (and volunteer) was given a t-shirt to wear from C.A.S.T. for Kids, as well as their fishing rods, reels, and tackle box. Each kid was paired up with a volunteer fishing buddy/coach. Hooks were baited under bobbers, and it was time to go fishing!

The fishing wasn’t fast and furious, but everybody got to reel in one or more trout in two hours of shore fishing. With the temperature heating up, the fishing wrapped up around 10 AM.  

After that, everyone involved went to a food truck brought there by Blacky’s Smokin Sweet from Othello. The owners heard about the event and wanted to participate. They refused all payment, accepted no tips, and served everyone their choice of hamburger or hot dog with fries.

The event wrapped up with every kid getting a picture with their fishing buddy, and every coach and participant received a plaque to commemorate the event. The kids absolutely loved the whole thing. Not just fishing, but being made to feel like they were the center of attention, doing something very fun.  

If you want to find out more about the C.A.S.T. for Kids non-profit Foundation, go to www.castforkids.org.  Once there, you can look for events near you and sign up your special needs kid.  If you want to volunteer or donate, you can do that through the website as well. C.A.S.T. for Kids…They are doing some great things for some very special kids out there.

A barrage of pink salmon are now beelining into Puget Sound, and the next couple of months should provide ample opportunities in many marine and freshwater areas. The hype about an expected Puget Sound pink salmon forecast of nearly 7.8 million — up 70% from the 10-year cycle average — began when the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) unveiled the 2025 salmon forecasts on Feb. 28.

If the prediction pans out, it will be the third-largest total return on record, up from a 2023 forecast of 3.95 million and an actual return of 7.22 million. In southern British Columbia, the Fraser River pink salmon forecast is an epic 27 million and will contribute to fisheries in northern marine areas like the San Juan Islands.

A breakdown of the pink salmon forecasts are:

Green River, 1,835,366; Hood Canal, 2,420,610; Nisqually River, 1,503,704; Nooksack River, 97,370; Skagit River, 468,073; Snohomish River, 315,942; Puyallup River, 709,292; Strait of Juan de Fuca, 294,503; and South Puget Sound areas, 503,000.

The Stillaguamish River, pink forecast of 117,322 is a low forecast compared to past years and won’t allow for pink fishing opportunities in Marine Area 8-2 (Port Susan and Port Gardner) and the river itself.

There will be a two-bonus pink salmon daily limit for Marine Areas 5, 6, 7, 8–1, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 during the August to September timeframe. Opening and closure dates vary for each area. Refer to the WDFW fishing regulations webpage at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations or the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet at https://www.eregulations.com/washington/fishing/ for specific dates of when the two-bonus pink salmon daily limit applies to each marine area.

Recognizing a pink versus a Chinook

It is vital for anglers to be able to know the difference between a pink and a young Chinook. Especially when fishing in marine areas.

A pink has very large black spots on the caudal fin and back, and heavy oval-shaped black splotches on the upper and lower lobes of the tail. They also have a white mouth, a few teeth (if any), with a black gum line and tongue. Their scales are very small with no silver pigment on the tail.

Their nickname “humpies” or “humpy” comes from the dramatic hump that forms on the back of male pink salmon as they return to rivers and approach spawning time. Males also develop gnarly hooked upper jaw during spawning season.

In the marine environment, a Chinook has large black spots on back, dorsal fin, and both the upper and lower lobes of the tail. They have a dark mouth and black gum line and large prominent teeth, and a silver pigment on the tail.

A pink salmon averages 3 to 5 pounds but can grow up to 15 pounds or larger. They are the fastest growing of the five Pacific salmon species and mainly return in large numbers during odd-numbered years after spending two years in the ocean before migrating to local rivers.

The Washington state saltwater record for a pink salmon was caught on Aug. 25, 2001, by Jeff Bergman at Possession Point and weighed 11.56 pounds. The freshwater state record was caught on Oct. 11, 2007, by Adam Stewart in the Stillaguamish River (closed in 2025) and weighed 15.40 pounds.

The Puget Sound pink return usually begin to arrive in July, and the run peaks in mid-August. In South Puget Sound, the bulk returns during the last week of August and early September. Pink fishing in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound was very productive in 2021 and 2019 during late summer.

Tips and tactics

A pink likes pink and will chase just about any lure, spoon, jig, or fly as long as the color is hot pink. Part of the reason why they’re attracted to anything pink is that the color resembles plankton or krill, which is part of their main diet. While I direct your attention to that specific color scheme, be sure to keep red, chartreuse, and orange-colored presentations in your tackle box as well.

Smaller-size presentations seem to work best like a pink mini plastic squid (aka a hoochie) or spoons tied behind a 13- to 16-inch leader to a 1/0 white colored or silver dodger.

You can also toss a pink colored jig and let it sink about a foot per second from the surface down to about 80 feet. Once you feel the jig go slack, reel up and don’t set the jig hard because a pink has a soft jawline. You can also cast and retrieve a pink mini hoochie jig with a single or tandem 1/0 pink- or red-colored hooks. 

Other lures include a pink Rotator trailed behind a small pink plastic “hoochie” squid with a single or tandem 1/0 pink- or red-colored hooks. Let it flutter down to the desired depth and then slowly retrieve from shore or a boat.

Fly anglers can also get in on the pink fishing action by casting a pink clouser fly with a 7 or 8-weight fly rod and a sinking line. When fishing from a boat, it is absolutely necessary to troll really slow, anywhere from 1.3 to 1.8 mph at most, depending on current, tide, and wind. Many prefer to troll with the tide or current instead of battling against it. Look for pink schools on your depth finder and also watch the surface for fish rolling and jumping. Around an hour before and right after a flood tide or a slack tide is the peak time to catch a pink. The bite can be fairly good throughout the day, but early morning, just before and right after first light is best. The evening bite just before sunset can also be productive.

By the time you read this magazine, the front end of the pink run should have arrived in the Strait of Juan de Fuca at Neah Bay, and from Sekiu to Port Angeles. In Puget Sound, their peak arrival is August off Midchannel Bank at Port Townsend, Possession Bar, the west side of Whidbey Island, Pilot Point, and Point No Point, Jefferson Head, Richmond Beach, the east side of Bainbridge Island, West Point south of Shilshole Bay, Alki Point to Lincoln Park in West Seattle. By mid- to late-August, look for pink salmon in southern Puget Sound south of the Narrows Bridge. The San Juan Islands will also be pink central as the expected huge return to the Fraser River in southern B.C., and fish turning south into Puget Sound should all contribute to the island chain fishery.

Prime shoreline locations are Deception Pass; Fort Casey, Keystone, Bush Point and Lagoon Point off the west side of Whidbey Island; Point Wilson and Fort Casey State Park near Port Townsend; Point No Point; Edmonds Pier; Alki Point and Lincoln Park in West Seattle; Richmond Beach; Redondo Beach; Dash Point State Park; Seacrest Pier in West Seattle; Browns Point Lighthouse; and Point Defiance Park Boathouse or Les Davis piers in Tacoma. By late August and into September, most of the pink salmon will begin to arrive in Puget Sound rivers and streams. Anglers should check fishing regulations for which rivers and streams are open or closed.