Eat, Sleep, Fish, Repeat

Looking back at this past fishing season makes us reflect and realize how lucky we are to be in such a prolific and beautiful part of the coast. Not a day goes by that we don’t feel blessed to be able to offer these adventures to guests, friends, and family.

With our sold-out lodge season and the incredible fishing we experienced in 2024, our prime spots are in high demand. Already, just over 70% of our guest list have taken their returning dates for our 2025 season. With that said, if you're contemplating on a fishing vacation with Reel Obsession, drop us a line and don’t miss out on getting your preferred dates locked in with us.  

Allow us the opportunity to express a heartfelt shoutout to our 2024 team of professionals. From land to sea, with out each and every one of these incredible humans, we could not do what we do. Trust me when I say, you are in excellent hands when experiencing one of our all-inclusive packages with this crew. 

2024 SEASON RECAP

From our opening day the first week of June to our season end early September, we had incredible fishing for halibut, bottom fish... while the Chinook fishing was the most consistent in my 24 years of guiding our area. Each boat was hooking up 15-40 Chinook each day. This kind of action continued for most of the Summer!!

The action speaks for itself. In 2023, the West Coast of Vancouver Island saw the largest return of Chinook salmon in 44 years. These kinds of statistics give us great confidence in knowing we have a healthy fishery that is second to none. The official 2024 run returns won’t be out for a few months however all indicators are showing that we matched or surpassed the 2023 numbers.

You know what this means... we are looking forward to having some incredible fishing in years to come!!

VICTORIA CHARTERS ARE AVAILABLE WITH REEL OBSESSION

Just because the lodge is shut down for the season doesn’t mean fishing is over! Victoria is our winter home and a fantastic place to get out for a charter with the family, get away from the cold, or perhaps organize a team building session out on the waters for your employees. 

Coho fishing is electric at the moment with nonstop action, tons of double headers and even some triples. Winter Chinook are showing up in great numbers on Constance Bank and will be thick in the Straight within the next month. Halibut fishing remains open and looks like it should stay open until the new year.

Give us a call this Fall to keep the action going!!! 

Many exciting TV shows on the horizon for Reel Obsession

Keep your eyes peeled!!

• West Coast Sporting Journal with Mark Pendlington has released one of our 2 new episodes airing this Fall.
• Northwest Fishing TV will be airing next month with our first ever Victoria show featuring Winter Springs followed by a couple of Zeballos lodge episodes.
• Reel West Coast with Brendan Morrison will also be airing in the New Year with some exciting action out of Esperanza from this past July.

Come join us in the prime summer months of 2025 for an unforgettable all-inclusive fishing vacation!

Please check out our online reviews through Google and Trip Advisor.

Don’t miss out booking your preferred dates and let’s talk today!

Give us a call or drop us a line anytime to discuss your next great fishing vacation!

TRIPADVISOR REVIEW - LARRY AUSTIN, FISH DATES: JUNE 17-19, 2024

GUIDE: Kashes

"Amazing trip. Fishing was fantastic. We got limits everyday. We fished out of a Grady White and our guide was great. Worked hard and definitely got us into fish. The dining experience was fantastic. Our chef prepared gourmet meals every night with appetizers at 5:00. Great atmosphere hanging out having a cocktail and sharing fun stories with other anglers. Top notch breakfast as well as lunches. Everything was taken care of from beginning to end. Angie and Adrian were great host as well as all the employees. Great folks. We would do it again!"

TRIPADVISOR REVIEW - RANDY & KAREN, FISH DATES: JUNE 13-15, 2024 DERBY DATES!!

GUIDE: Dave aka Sprinkles

"So much fun and so many fish!! Good food. Comfortable lodging. Happy people! We enjoy fishing here better than Alaska!!!!"

At Reel Obsession this is a lifestyle and a passion, and we feel grateful for it. Don’t be left on the dock or fishing with an outfit that wasn’t your first choice.

For more information on our warm west coast hospitality, incredible fishing and stories that last a lifetime, give us a call or drop us a line anytime. We look forward to hearing from you!

After our very cold January followed by the big thaw that brought us almost summer-like weather, more than our toes have thawed out. The average kokanee-obsessed sportsman is suddenly waking up with thoughts turning to spring kokanee fishing, kokan-energy.

If so, plug in and use your kokan-energy to get ready for this year’s kokanee adventures. Spend the time making sure everything is in tip-top condition. Check out your boat, gear, and tackle while developing a game plan for filling the freezer with mini sockeye. Let me share some ramblings that may help you prepare for this year’s Kokanee crusades.

If you store your boat outside and are a seasonal user you have some work cut out for you. Garage-stored or year-round boaters have a task or two to attend to also and now is the time to get at it. The number 1 most important item on your pre-season chores list is your fuel system. Even if you used a fuel conditioner or stabilizer in your portable tanks get rid of last year’s fuel. Pour any gas from the portable tanks into the lawnmower gas can. I have nothing against lawn mowers but a little SeaFoam will cure many small engine fuel-related ailments that you don’t want to deal with on the lake. 

For built-in tanks, hopefully last season you treated the fuel with each fill up. Even so, it is a good idea to drain the fuel filter bowl and replace the fuel filter/water separator cartridge as appropriate. If your rig (built-in tank or portable) is not equipped with a fuel/water separator, now is a great time to install one.   

Check all fuel lines and fuel line fittings. Replace anything that is brittle, cracked or otherwise damaged. If you are a seasonal user and your boat was winterized this task is much easier. Next check fluid levels for your hydraulic steering, power tilt/trim units, lower unit/gearcase and your 4-stroke motor oil. Use your motor manufacturer's recommended products and do not top off or mix the various products.

Pull the propeller and check the shaft for fishing line or damage. Remember to lay all the nuts, washers, sleeves, or adaptors out in the same order they came off the shaft. This makes reassembly much easier and remember that most thrust washers have a right way and a wrong way to install them. Look at the propeller, if the blade edges are showing an excessive number of nicks/dings, now might be the time to send it off to be rebuilt. Even slightly damaged blades will affect performance and running a boat with severely damaged blades can lead to all kinds of shaft/seal problems down the road.

Each spring, be sure to top off the batteries with distilled water. It’s a good idea to get them on the appropriate charger for your battery type and bring them up to a full charge. If you find corrosion on the terminals remove the battery from the boat and clean it off with a mild solution of baking soda and water. Once everything is clean, it is also a good idea to use one of the various corrosion guard offerings. As long as you have 12-volt wiring on the brain you should also go through the rest of your electrical installation and look for loose connections and damaged wiring. 

Mice and other rodents can cause a lot of damage during the off season. Check all the switches and breakers to make sure they are working. Then hook up the fish finder, VHF chart plotter, VHF, trolling motor and any other major electronics you are running to make sure they have power. Check all the lights to make sure they work. Electrical gremlins are difficult to trace and best investigated in your driveway. 

Independent of the weather, my retirement job has me on the water running a small boat as many as 6 days a week. The winter weather is not forgiving and often rattles or jars nerves and electrical connections loose. I have lost the radio, wipers, tilt/trim motor and the bilge pump while running in winter chop. I just deal with things as required but you don’t want to spend your precious fishing time troubleshooting electrical problems. 

After all things electrical are functioning as expected, hook the engine up to the garden hose (be sure to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer recommendations) or dunk it in a livestock trough and start your baby up. If your rig has water pressure and temperature gauges check them now. Make sure the tilt and trim are working. Check the steering, especially mechanical steering, to see if there are any problems. Also, before you shut the engine off pull the kill-switch to make sure it works. Check all the switches and breakers to make sure they are working.

Inspect the condition of your downrigger cable or braid. If you are running a stainless steel cable and it is rusted or kinked, replace it. If you are running one of the synthetic braids cut off a few feet and re-tie it. You don’t want 10-15 pounds of lead to suddenly head for the bottom, potentially taking your rod and rod holder with it. However, if it does, it may be an indication that your release clip was a bit too tight. Also check for loose fasteners, worn or missing parts and corroded electrical connections. Fix anything that is even remotely questionable.

Give your trailer the once over. Now is the time to check the trailer lights and trailer brake fluid levels. Also, check the tire pressure on all the tires including the spare. Ensure that all bunks and/or rollers are in good condition. Check your safety chain, winch strap or cable and tie down straps and replace them if they are questionable. Check your lights and if they need replacing consider replacing them with waterproof LED lights. Initially, they are more costly but with increased reliability they will pay for themselves in no time. As an added safety benefit the LEDs are much brighter than the standard 12-volt incandescent lights. Now is also a good time to check and maybe even repack your trailer bearings, better safe than sorry. 

I know, all your rods are piled up safe and sound in the corner of the garage and better yet everything worked fine last year so you have nothing to do, wrong! It is the start of what should be a productive fishing season and you don’t want to lose the fish of a lifetime because your favorite reel has a case of the herkie-jerkies. Although with most reels it is easy enough to replace the drag washers, sometimes getting the replacement parts can be a challenge. When you disassemble your reels use simple green to thoroughly clean the reel components. Rinse and then dry the parts using the low setting on a blow-drier or heat gun before reassembly. Once the parts are clean inspect everything, look for unusual wear and replace anything suspect. Use advanced synthetic lubricants and reel grease sparingly during the reassembly process. 

If you are running mono, replace it with new line. Take your reels to a high-volume tackle store (Think Holiday Sports in Burlington or similar) and have them bulk-fill your reels. Their line should be fresher, and most tackle shops recycle your old line.

Also, give all your rods the once over. Make a point to verify that each line guide is not cracked or worn. You can use a cotton swab and swirl around in each guide. If the guide catches any cotton fibers the guide needs to be replaced. I have lost a few notable fish due to cracked ceramic guide inserts. 

On any given trout or kokanee trip I pack several pre-tied rigs and various components to craft more. Often several of them were tied the previous year. Last year we caught a lot of fish and the 12# fluorocarbon I use to tie gear looks frazzled. It’s time to retie much of my Kokanee arsenal. Fishing with sharp hooks is critical when chasing kokanee. Check your hooks and replace them as required. Look over your gear, and retie anything questionable.

A few years back, one of the kids and I were fishing at the Lake Stevens Kokanee Derby. We ended up losing a huge kokanee. When I looked at the rig afterward, the trailing hook had come unraveled. It was a home-tied kokanee fly and after catching many fish it had just failed. There’s peace of mind in knowing that your gear is in tip-top condition.

Now is a great time to develop your Kokanee game plan. With all the PNW Kokanee lakes to choose from, my recommendation is that you choose a Kokanee lake close to your home. Somewhere where you can fish both on the weekend and during the week as your schedule permits. Don’t fret about the size of the fish or even the numbers. This will be your learning/confidence building lake. Learn your boat, fish finder, downriggers, trolling speed, lure presentation and generally become the local expert while building confidence in your kokanee angling abilities. Then, whether you’re fishing a new lake or fishing a frequently visited lake the lessons learned at your home lake will help you catch kokanee with confidence.

Kokanee are filter feeders, and the bulk of their calories come from plankton blooms. There are windows any given day where a bloom or hatch will occur, and the kokanee will briefly leave their comfort zone to feed. Because the bite may go off at 2:08-2:24 with your gear running at 43’, it is best to choose a kokanee lake close to home and as said before learn it. Especially when late winter or spring kokanee fishing, keep a detailed fishing log.

Be the local expert and share your hard-earned knowledge. Back at the ramp… “Yeah, it was great fishing today… Good luck, tight lines and may your cooler be full”

Although I align my tactics for a given lake, seasonally I don’t really change my overall approach much. The usual kokanee drill: a small dodger, lure with tuna corn is a great place to start when hunting for spring kokanee. Make sure you have your favorite scents, maybe a container of worms and additional leader onboard. Not always but occasionally you will need to revise your leader length. When trolling for spring kokanee you will want to run 0.8-1.2 MPH. “S” turns or tools like the iTroll “Hunt” mode help. Make sure to make a mental note of what’s working when you get bitten. “Monkey see, monkey do” strongly applies to kokanee fishing. Repeat what works.

Our dodger box has more dodgers in it than most but during the spring Kokanee fishery my go-to dodgers are painted dodgers in various colors. Using either spinner rigs, flies or a very small Spin-n-glo behind the dodger seem to consistently produce kokanee during the spring fishery. After you hook your prize, gently fight the fish. Always lead the fish to the net, don’t repeatedly stab at the fish with your net and hope that the slimy bugger ends up in your cooler. As with any kokanee fishery, a long-handled net will increase your actual catch verses hook up statistics. 

During the spring the lake temperatures should be down. But still make sure you still care for your catch. Bleed them and keep them on ice or even better in a slurry (ice, water, and salt) in your cooler. You’ll want to preserve the quality of your hard-earned prize. 

Kokanee are a noble opponent. They often make short runs, jump and go bonkers at the net. Summer fish are more aggressive, but spring kokanee take more finesse to get them in the net. After grilling, smoking or chowderizing hundreds of Kokanee, both the summer and the winter fish are excellent table fare. But the early spring fish are outstanding for whole or fillet panfries and grilling.

The above is just a starting point. Choose a lake, learn it and you’ll soon be the local expert! Trolling for Washington State kokanee can be frustrating. But, with the management challenges impacting most of our salmon fisheries; a bit of kokanee frustration will quickly become an addiction. Enjoy your spring koka-energy!

Of the many rivers in the beautiful state of Washington, the Sol Duc is one that can manage to keep just about everyone happy. Whether you fly fish, spin, or bait cast, there is, or at least was, a fish with your name on it!

Fish species on the Sol Duc include Fall and Summer Chinook, Winter and Summer Steelhead, Coho, Sockeye, and both resident and sea-run cutthroat trout. The Sol Duc River runs 78 miles from the Olympic Mountains and cuts Southwestward through the most spectacular scenery in Washington State. With a variety of access points, you'll be greeted by precipitous gulches and mossy rocks in vivid green tones set a fire by the angle of the sun.

Picture perfect moments around every corner. The river is a pleasure whether you're catching or not. Just to be there, to catch a glimpse of an ancient creature born of the gravelly riverbeds. Traveling their way through genetic imprinting, magnetic fields, the temperatures, and conditions of the earth, making a 70-mile journey into the unknown.

What is it that ensures a fish can find its way back to the place it was born? When I can't even find my way home without an app. An interesting factoid, scientists have discovered fish have ear stones called otoliths. These “otoliths” incorporate chemical elements from the water as the fish grow and move. Picture a growth band of a tree, with each ring recording a chemical map of where the fish has been, how long they stayed there, and how fast they grew. Scientific advances like this are pivotal in managing fish populations.

I have a deep concern and respect for the natural world, a curiosity for things we can and cannot explain. A desire to be a part of it all, to get my hands dirty and my mind clean. So, while we still can, I will travel my own way, finding places that provide an opportunity to get my line wet.

My most noteworthy experience would be a fantastic stay at the “Cabin on the Middle run” in Forks. (olympicpeninsulawaterfrontcabins.com) Easily accessible and found off 101, this well-appointed, clean and cozy cedar cabin boasts everything you need and more. For me it was the stocked kitchen and comfortable beds, topped off with a long hot shower. Though, I must admit we spent most of our time in the backyard. Our hosts and neighbors were so very friendly and helpful. Which isn't always the case when you're fishing in someone's backyard. We were rooted on and engaged in friendly conversations with guides floating by and neighbors on their decks. When I lost a huge dazzling Coho the echoes of disappointment hummed through the valley.

The comradery of fishing is something you'll never understand, until you feel it. Like a Folie à deux, are we driven by madness or passion and is there really a difference? Whatever it is, that makes us feel hyped up by each other's experiences, it is infectious and exhilarating. I desperately hope the rivers will return to a place where we can enjoy catching at least one fish. Not just for the fun, but also for the food. Nothing beats a filet from the river. I have become so spoiled by the flavor of a fresh catch, commercially sourced just doesn’t make the cut.

Make sure you check all regulations before heading out these days. Low returns have caused a system-wide closure in the Quillayute river system. This system includes the Sol Duc, Bogachiel, Calawah, Dickey, Sitkum Rivers and Thunder Creek.

As heartbreaking as these closures are, they are necessary to ensure that our rivers can support humans and the local ecosystem. I admit, a mix of resentment but also understanding that the system works to protect, preserve, and perpetuate fish and wildlife.

As a fisherwoman, my recreational opportunities are last in line and that is ok. Will this closure stop me from enjoying the beautiful Olympic rainforest and its awe-inspiring rivers? Never! I will plant my feet in the forest, hike to the waterfalls and sit my soul quietly by the river. Waiting my turn.

2023/2024 Blackmouth Prospects

With the exception of a few laggard B-run coho in the rivers, our PNW salmon focus should be shifting to the 2023-2024 Puget Sound winter blackmouth fishery. Typically, winter blackmouth is one of my favorite local fishing opportunities. Going back to my mid-teens winter blackmouth fishing has always been one of my very favorite ways to grow snotsicles. 

Because recent conservation measures have severely reduced our opportunity to drag downrigger balls in the gravel, many of us will be considering putting the salmon gear away and winterizing the boat. You may want to hold off a bit, break out a wool hat, hoodie, and your cold weather friend Mr Heater. it’s almost blackmouth season. But, what’s a blackmouth?

Blackmouth are chinook salmon that have decided not to migrate to the usual feeding grounds in the Gulf of Alaska. Instead, they tend to remain in Puget Sound and the Straights to feed on local schools of herring, candlefish, other forage fish, and squid. 

Back in the 1960s, WDFW decided to duplicate the natural tendency of a small percentage of chinook to remain in Puget Sound and create a year-round sports fishery. The WDFW established a team led by Frank Shaw and got to work. It was determined that if you held the usual hatchery release at 3 months for an additional year, or 15-18 months total, the chinook would forage locally. 

The original releases were made in Capital Lake in Olympia. The program moved to net pens by Squaxin Island but the WDFW determined that the salt-reared fish tended to migrate. The program was shifted to several local hatcheries. They are for the most part clipped, but there are certain releases where the co-manager agreements do not allow the fish to be clipped.

Over the years we have seen a reduction in opportunity; a few years back we lost the winter blackmouth fishery in Marine Area 7, 8-1, 8-2, and MA 9. They were closed to preserve or extend some of the summer chinook fisheries while still supporting federal and co-manager escapement goals. 

Reduced opportunity, well maybe, but there are still a few areas that will host a blackmouth fishery this winter. That said; chip the ice out of your bilge, gas up the boat, and read on.

But first, no boat? While most of our winter blackmouth fishing will be from a boat, there is also an opportunity for a limited shore-based fishery. More on that later, if you do have a boat here is a breakdown of the 2023/2024 Puget Sound winter blackmouth fishery.  

• MA 5 will be open 4/1/2024-4/30/2024 with a 22” minimum and a 2 fish limit, (1 chinook may be retained). 
• MA 5 Management Criteria – Sublegal Encounters; the encounters guideline is 3,707 fish.
• MA 10 will be open 3/1/2024-4/15/2024 with a 22” minimum and a 2 fish limit, (1 chinook may be retained). 
• MA 10 Management Criteria – Total Encounters; the encounters guideline is 4,953 fish. Unmarked Encounters; the encounters guideline is 953 fish. Sublegal Encounters; the encounters guideline is 4,181 fish.
• MA 11 will be open 3/1/2024-4/15/2024 with a 22” minimum and a 2 fish limit, (1 chinook may be retained).  
• MA 11 Management Criteria – Total Encounters, the encounters guideline is 1,191 fish. Unmarked Encounters; the encounters guideline is 259 fish. Sublegal Encounters; the encounters guideline is 816 fish.
• MA 13 will be open 10/1/2021-5/14/2021 with a 2 fish limit and a 22” minimum size. Management Criteria do not currently apply. 
• MA 6, 7, 8-1, 8-2, 9 and both North/South MA 12 will be closed for the 2023/2024 winter blackmouth fishery.

The above information was extracted for the 2023 North of Falcon data and may be subject to additional closures. Consult the WDFW App, or website for the current regulations and emergency closures.

With the limited blackmouth opportunity for the 2023/2024 winter season, the open areas will likely be busy. Instead of detailing each area, I’ll try to break down the different Marine Areas into a few general options for starting your adventure. 

Before that though; think of points, banks, and flats. Look for areas where the currents will collect bait. Keep a constant eye on your fishfinder and look for schools of bait. Although forage fish populations change from year to year, candle fish and herring are the primary forage fish for Puget Sound blackmouth. That said, because of a general crash in the Puget Sound herring populations, candlefish are currently the major blackmouth food source. 

Candlefish show as a cloud of bait right on the bottom. Find candlefish and you significantly improve your odds, find arches and candlefish on the deck and it will be hammer time! Candlefish spawn in the gravel and are rarely found above that. I have caught many blackmouth where their gill plates and bellies were all scraped up. I have even cleaned fish and found gravel in their stomachs. So, where does one target gravel filled salmon? 

Marine Area 5

Or basically the Sekiu/Pillar Point area has a few notable blackmouth areas to target. The Caves, Clallam Bay, and then Slip Point to Pillar Point can all be awesome blackmouth fisheries. All can be very exposed to winter weather so know your limitations. Help is a longways off if you get in trouble so always err on the cautious side.

Marine Area 10

Is the Seattle/Bremerton area and includes a number of well known, semi-protected blackmouth fisheries. Kingston, Jeff Head, West Point, Elliot Bay, Alki Point, Point Monroe, Skiff Point, Manchester, and different banks or points around Blake Island consistently produce blackmouth. Look at the weather, choose a launch and learn a given area to feed your winter addiction.

Marine Area 11

Or the Tacoma area is one of the best small-boat blackmouth fisheries on Puget Sound. The Slag Pile, Owens Beach, and Clay Banks are all easily accessible and just minutes from the Point Defiance launch. With the proper boat for the conditions, Dalco Point, the Beach just north of Gig Harbor, Point Robinson, Browns Point and Dash Point all offer solid blackmouth fishing as well.

Marine Area 13

Is an interesting fishery. It is the area south of The Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The whole area is fairly protected from winter weather but the better fishing areas are a bit of a run from any of the all-tide metropolitan ramps. With that said, MA 13 is kind of a local’s fishery, with smaller boats launching into open water from a handful of unimproved county ramps. A few areas stand out; including Point Fosdick, various areas around Fox Island, Lyle Point, Oro Bay, and Johnson Point all hold fishable numbers of blackmouth. Depending on the tide there are many less known points that disrupt the tidal flow and hold bait. Be that guy, maybe more so than any other area in Puget Sound, MA 13 has many 1 fish spots. Review both your charts and tidal information and know where to fish during the different tidal phases.

Blackmouth fishing is a planning and patience game. Choose a ramp, select a handful of areas you want to fish, and understand how the tide will impact them. Independent from the tide often the best fishing will be at first light. From there follow your plan, if you make a pass on your initial stop and there are no signs of life move on to plan B and C as required. Depending on the tidal conditions don’t be afraid to revisit plan B! I know that I mentioned patience but if you’re not seeing bait on the meter move on. Typically boat limits will be hard to come by, but put a couple of nice blackmouth on ice and you’ve had a good day. 

My general blackmouth drill includes trolling with the downriggers or motor mooching cut plug herring. If dogfish are in the area, skip the cut plug plan and stick to trolling. Run 11” flashers ahead of spoons, trolling flies, or hoochies. Spice up the trolling flies and hoochies with salted herring strips. Target schools of bait along the bottom in 90-140’ of water while keeping your gear within 5’ of the bottom. I troll 2.5-about 3.5 mph for blackmouth and all my blackmouth leaders are tied on 42” of 30# fluorocarbon. 

Earlier I mentioned a shore-based opportunity to catch blackmouth. No really, I’m not nuts. Well, OK maybe I am a little nuts but there are many piers and boardwalks that are open to salmon fishing year-round. Study the WDFW Sport Fishing Rules and check the Emergency Rules as they supersede the general sport fishing rules. When I was a kid, well before cell phones and computers I used to frequently fish the piers and caught a lot of blackmouth. I didn’t chase reports to fish a hot bite. I had to put in the time while experimenting my way through the gear and presentation until I caught fish. 

I usually carried two rods, a dozen small herring (fresh or frozen, back then fresh herring was the norm), and a small handful of gear. My go-to rig was a level wind steelhead rod rigged with a large sliding float and a hand-tied mooching leader. I would nose hook the herring, leaving the trailing hook free, and gently cast it off the down current corner of the pier. I would free spool, letting the rig drift until I was down the last few wraps of line on the spool and then put it in gear. Recovering a crank or two every few minutes, it would take forever to reset. The process was deadly and accounted for many salmon dinners.

I also fished hardware. A double hooked Colorado spinner with a herring strip will catch anything in the sound. I’d rig them on a 24-30” leader behind a piece of pencil lead. Easy-peazy; just cast, let sink and slowly wind it back in. Where most fish would hammer it, salmon seemed to cause the retrieve to hesitate then go in for the kill. The other method was to use flutter spoons. This was pre-buzzbomb/rotators and involved casting heavy spoons or Swedish Pimple type lures and letting them sink for a bit. The process was similar to twitching jigs, slowly lifting your rod tip, and then picking up a crank of two while you quickly tower the rod. Between the 3 methods, most of my pier fishing excursions were a success.  

This should get you started in your quest to extend your local salmon fishing opportunities while you freeze your keister off. The when, where, and how are baselined but I suggest choosing an area and learning it. As a boater or pier-ite, become the local expert! Please remember that our winter weather can be unpredictable. Make sure your boat is seaworthy, full of fuel, fuel conditioner and you are dressed for the weather. A little upfront planning will help to ensure that you and your crew have a safe and productive blackmouth adventure.

By Hannah Pennebaker

In all my years of fishing, I have heard many legends and stories about fishing at the infamous Brewster Pool. Articles on the Internet caution readers about hostile fishermen and hundreds of inexperienced boaters creating chaos.

My own experience couldn’t have been further from these stories. This year, I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to film and participate in the derby on behalf of Northwest Fishing.

From the moment I got to Brewster, I was blown away by the friendly locals and energetic atmosphere of the derby. Other fishermen were giving each other high fives and complementing one another on their catches.

This was far from the stories of combat fishing and fishermen yelling at one another that I had heard. Although there were hundreds of other boats out there, everyone was very patient and gave one another plenty of space. Guides and recreational fishermen alike were joking with one another and having a great time doing the sport we all love.

I saw hundreds of beautiful fish caught and weighed in over the 3 days of the derby, and even got to reel in some of my own. Here’s the story of my experience at this year’s Brewster Salmon Derby.

On day 1, Mike Mauk, the president of the Brewster Chamber of Commerce, greeted me with a warm handshake and a big smile. Mike organized this year’s derby, bringing together dozens of sponsors and coordinating prizes and staffing for the event.

He gladly took some time from his busy schedule to chat, and I interviewed him about the history of the derby and the town of Brewster. He told me that the proceeds from ticket sales go towards helping the community of Brewster and enabling them to run the derby year after year.

The Brewster Salmon Derby is the largest derby on the Columbia River, and up to $20,000 in cash and prizes are given out every year.

Next, I interviewed the derby weigh master, Ernie Mauk. Ernie brought incredible energy to the weigh station, high fiving each kid that brought a fish to him. He showed me how he weighs each fish, taking the girth and length measurements and calling them out to be recorded and put on the board. He said that even though he weighs hundreds of fish every year, he still admires the beauty of each and every fish he weighs.

WDFW also had a presence at the weigh station, scanning the fish for tags. When they found a tagged fish, they cut the nose of the fish off to remove the tag (after making sure the fisherman had gotten all the pictures they wanted).

They let me know that the information they get from the tag helps WDFW determine the health and abundance of salmon populations. Not only does the derby help the small community of Brewster, it also aids WDFW’s research and provides valuable insights into this amazing fishery.

While getting to see the ins and outs of the weigh station was certainly a fascinating experience, fishing is truly my passion, and my experience participating in the derby was absolutely unforgettable. Brianna Bruce of Livin’ Life Adventures was our guide during our 3-day adventure.

My friend Michael Francisco, my fiancé Chris Decker, and Northwest Fishing regulars Andrew and Joe Czapla were on board. Brianna (Bree) kept us entertained with dozens of fishing stories from her 11 years of guiding.

She told us all about the fishery and what makes it so productive and popular. Every year, thousands of sockeye and chinook salmon stage in Lake Pateros, also known as the Brewster Pool, between the dam and the mouth of the Okanogan River.

The mouth of the Okanogan River heats up and creates a thermal barrier, and the fish wait in the pool for it to cool down so they can enter and reach their spawning grounds. This year, Bree said there were over 100,000 sockeye in the pool! Good numbers of chinook are caught every year, some reaching over 30 pounds. Some fishermen got their limits of sockeye and headed back to town for breakfast before the heat of the day began.

Others stayed out until 6PM, braving the heat for a chance at a derby winning chinook. There was a 4 fish limit for sockeye, and a 2 fish limit for chinook. The bite seemed best in the early hours of the morning, but there were fish caught all day. Bree’s dog, Waylon, was our bite alarm throughout the weekend. Every other fisherman in the pool knew when we hooked onto a fish!

Bree alternated between steering around other boats, netting fish, baiting hooks, and swapping fishing stories, making it all look easy. Her natural talent, great humor, and mastery of the fishery made for an unforgettable experience.

On day 2, one of our cameramen had a big, feisty sockeye on the end of his line. As he brought it up to the boat, he lifted the fish out of the water and the hooks popped out. Our hearts sank, but Bree effortlessly scooped the fish into the net and saved the day!

We started off fishing for chinook the first day, armed with spinners and chrome flashers. Bree is an expert in this fishery, and told us that sockeye often hit chinook gear, and vice versa. The second day, we fished sockeye gear, and were rewarded with many nice fish.

For her sockeye gear, Bree ran homemade pink spinners and smaller flashers. On the third day of the derby, we fished a combination of sockeye and chinook gear. She ran 2 spinners, 2 sockeye setups, and 2 tuna stuffed Brad’s Super Baits.

It was tough to find the right speed to get the different gear to fish right, but like a true pro, Bree made it work. We trolled slowly, between .8 and 1.2 MPH, and kept an eye on the depth. To avoid tangling our 6 lines, Bree used a variety of different cannonball weights, which also allowed us to fish throughout the water column.

No matter how tired and hot we were after fishing all day, we always looked forward to lunch at one of Brewster’s amazing, locally owned restaurants. Mike Mauk and the Brewster Chamber of Commerce treated us to lunch and dinner each day.

The sizzling, fragrant fajitas at Campreros were absolutely delicious! Later in the afternoons, we usually got some time to explore the area each day. I was surprised by just how much the town of Brewster has to offer.

There are numerous family-owned stores that offer cool refreshments and homemade snacks. If you’re fishing the Brewster Pool, it’s definitely worth it to take the time to sample some of the local cuisine and explore the town.

On day 3 of our adventure, we got to see the winners of the derby take home their prizes and win their bragging rights. The winning fish, the “king of the pool”, was a tank of a chinook weighing in at 29 pounds and 10 ounces that got the winning angler a nice check for $2,000.

The top 10 winners got a beautiful wooden plaque to commemorate their win. One of the most memorable parts of the weekend was when a young girl weighed in a 26-pound chinook. She ended up winning the youth category of the derby!

Besides the competition for the top 25 biggest chinook, there were also side pots and a raffle to take part in. There were many raffle prizes, such as free fishing trips for 4 people, a bow, and a downrigger.

The grand prize for the raffle was a 9.9 HP Mercury outboard motor. Weigh master Ernie announced the winners, and photographer Cori Kogan snapped photos of them holding their prize next to Mike Mauk.

All 3 days of my experience at the Brewster Salmon Derby culminated into an unforgettable adventure. From Mike Mauk’s warm welcome to Bree’s terrific netting skills and incredible sense of humor, I’ll always tell stories about the derby with a smile. I know I’ll be back next year for another shot at winning the derby! 

@hannahNWF on Facebook and Instagram

By Josh DeBruler

As summer winds to an end, readers are likely anticipating glorious tales of monster sized salmon bending rod tips over the sides of boats, while adrenaline filled anglers run about with nets in hand, hoping to assist a buddy in bringing the big-one aboard for a well earned grip-and grin photo of a lifetime.

This story, regretfully, does not end in such a manner. The story does, however, dispel some myths about importance of boat size, shares some boating safety advice that pertains to smaller boats, and ends with a nice haul of tasty fish (the type that are more suited for a fryer rather than a smoker).

It was Saturday morning in the Sekiu village, and the gentle waves of the incoming tide at Clallum bay woke me in my tent at Masons Marina.

Thick marine fog typically blankets the waters from Sekiu to Neah Bay during the summer mornings, however, the start to this day greeted me with glassy calm seas, and blue skies that extended from Masons marina, all the way north, across the straits, and to the mountainous shores of Victoria B.C.

It was perfect weather, and it helped ease the nerves that had been accumulating over the past two days as I obsessed about all of the things that could possibly go wrong in a small boat out on the big water.

My boat is a V-hull 2008 14’ Smoker Craft Pro Mag with a 20 HP Honda. It’s a good little boat, equipped with a live well, an electric trolling motor, navigation lights, and a backup 6 hp Suzuki that I keep onboard in case of emergencies.

I take her out often, with most of my destinations being on the Puget Sound, Hood Canal, and various lakes in my region. But, as with many others that own boats similar to mine, the thought of taking a small boat out onto water that behaves a lot like the ocean never really crossed my mind.

Boating is fun, until it isn’t. And I’ve always figured it was better to avoid a bad situation than to plop myself directly into one. It wasn’t until I was on the Hood Canal that a friend told me about Sekiu, and how anglers were easily catching their limits of chinook and coho up there, that I began to put more thought into the idea.

Thus, a seed was planted. As I researched and asked around, I found that it was actually quite common to take smaller boats out around Clallum bay. In fact, 14’ kicker boats were at one time the most common sport-fishing boats seen on the water.

At least, that was the case in the 1940’s, when most people weren’t towing around larger boats and instead opted to rent the 14 footers from the marinas. The marinas still rent boats of this size today, most of them equipped with 15 HP outboards.

Sekiu is the quintessential small fishing town. It has two main marinas (both with campgrounds), a handful of motels, a cafe, a restaurant, and plenty of fishing tackle. The town got it start as a salmon cannery back in the late 1800’s, but after regulations ceased to allow commercial fishing, the cannery business crashed, and Sekiu had to look to other industries like logging, hide tanning, and sport fishing.

The latter of the three being the one that worked, and oh did it work well. The fishing is world-class, and seldom will you find anywhere outside of Alaska that has this type of salmon and other saltwater fishing. The unincorporated community is situated right inside Clallum bay, in the northwestern portion of the Strait of Juan De fuca.

The bay itself, and just west of the bay, enjoys decent protection from S,SW,W, and NW winds. Once you head further towards the ocean or out north into the open water, you become more exposed to the common west and northwesterly winds.

Luckily, you will find excellent fishing near-shore, or without having to travel too far west in the direction of the ocean. In fact, most fisherman catch their limits of salmon just west of the bay near what is known as “the Caves”.

Two main summer-run salmon routes exist in the area, and those two routes follow near shore on the Canada side and near shore on the Washington side. This is an ideal situation for a small boat fisherman who doesn’t want to venture too far out into the open water.

When I motored out of the marina that first morning, I was a day behind on my already limited schedule. This had me fishing on an odd numbered day of the month. At the time, odd days were closed to salmon retention due to emergency regulations set by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

This meant that fishing for salmon that day was out of the picture. However, in Marine Area 4, just northwest of me, lingcod, rockfish, and other bottom dwellers were all very much on the table! To get to these, I had to run about 5 miles west to Shipwreck Point just east of Neah Bay.

So, with calm waters on my port side, I gunned it west towards the MA-4 boundary line. The swell and wind forecast for that day were predicted to be favorable up until around 1pm, and so far, the predictions seemed to be holding up.

My little boat planed quite nicely heading out with the ebb tide and gracefully skipped over the rolling swells. My first “yikes” moment occurred when I approached Kaydaka point. This large point that sits roughly 2 miles from the marina brings underwater structure out into the straits, and as a result, kicks up the wave height significantly.

Though the increased wave size didn’t pose a significant threat to me, I still figured it was a good idea to run a bit further offshore to avoid the turbulence. It’s worth noting that points like these can present sea conditions that might not be tolerable for particularly small boats during rougher conditions.

The bottom fishing was hot within minutes of being inside the MA 4 boundary.

I fished a 2 oz jig head with a pearl white double tailed grub over some structure, and within minutes I was into some fish. A few good-sized lingcod found my hook, along with several rockfish and a beautiful cabezon that fought like a bull! All in all, the day was a success.

I won’t bore you with the details of my next morning’s salmon trolling trip. I only had an hour to get it done, and let’s just say I’m still eating last season’s silvers from my freezer (and yes, some of it’s looking a little freezer burnt). But the success was had in that I made it back to the marina both days in one piece.

This wasn’t accomplished in a 30’ fishing boat that’s worth more than my life savings- nope, this was done in 14’ aluminum boat with a small engine and an even smaller backup.

Small Boat Safety

Now, let’s talk the important stuff. Small boat safety. Is it safe to take a small aluminum boat onto the straits? It certainly can be! There are inherent risks that come with any type of boating, regardless of the boat size or the water that you are on.

Risk assessment, risk avoidance, and preparation are all key components to keeping you safe on the water.

DISCLAIMER: I am by no means, an expert on boating safety. All I can do is share what works for me and what I have learned myself.

My first bit of safety prep comes well before I arrive at the marina. Fortunately for me, I have a work schedule that affords me the liberty to plan my trips around weather windows, so I’ll start by looking for consistently fair weather in the long-range forecasts.

As I get closer to my desired departure dates, I’ll home in on the NOAA webpage and start looking at wind directions and speed, wind waves, then swell predictions (paying close attention to wave period or duration), and then tide charts. It’s important to know how wind, swell, and tide currents all work together to cause either rough or manageable conditions.

I don’t have the page space to get into that here, but there are plenty of resources available online for anybody who wants to educate themselves on the nuances of ocean behavior. The calm waters typically occur in the morning, so be up and ready before sunrise.

If the winds are predicted to pick up, say, by 1pm, then I’ll be heading back to the marina at least 2 hours before those winds are predicted to occur.

Safety Equipment

Before I leave the docks I want to make sure I have life jackets (I carry an auto-inflate and a standard), a waterproof radio, working navigations lights, at least two GPS devices, a manual bilge pump in case my auto fails, a well-tuned and properly functioning outboard motor, a backup kicker, flare gun, an air- horn, and a reflector to hang up in case of dense fog.

Aside from these things, I also try to scout out beaches nearby that would be suitable for beaching my boat in case a situation calls for it. This is definitely a last-ditch option, as the risk of damaging the boat on rocks is very present.

So, will I be taking my boat my boat out to Sekiu again? Absolutely! I already have my next trip planned! Do larger boats afford more comfort and protection in the event you get stuck in some adverse conditions?

They absolutely do. But, if a capable small boat is all that you have, and you have educated yourself on all the safety measures necessary, then there is no reason for you to wait till you get that 100k boat to go have some fun and catch fish in arguably the most productive fishing grounds in our region.

Slap on your earmuffs and grab that tacklebox, it’s winter steelhead season here in the Pacific Northwest! Steelhead, which are sea-run rainbow trout, call out to devoted anglers like a siren’s call. There’s just something special about these fish. They are elusive and wary. Some fishermen go their entire lives without landing one. These silver bullets are well worth pursuing, however. They make delicious table fare and put up terrific fights. Winter weather can create extra challenges, but it just makes netting these beautiful fish even more rewarding. Many anglers are tight lipped about their steelhead tips, which can make steelhead fishing intimidating to beginners. Let’s go over some tackle ideas, clothing tips, and hot spots to help make your first winter steelheading trip as productive and safe as it can be.

Tackle

In order to understand how to catch winter steelhead, you must know that there are some differences between summer and winter steelhead. Summer run fish head into the rivers early, and mature in the river over several weeks or months. Winter runs go into the river mature and ready to spawn. In general, winter steelhead are less aggressive. The cold water slows down their metabolism and makes them less willing to grab your offering. If you’re able to entice one into striking, hang on! Steelhead are famous for their long, athletic runs. Winter steelhead are often a bit bigger and fatter than their summer-run cousins as well.

One of the most convenient things about winter steelheading is that they are perfectly willing to bite cured salmon eggs! Around this time, I always have a fresh supply of eggs leftover from the previous salmon season. They are one of the best baits for winter steelhead! However, you’ll generally want to use a different strategy for curing them. Steelhead generally like a sweeter cure than salmon do. Most egg brines meant for steelhead create a harder, more durable egg, while salmon cures will make a softer, “milkier” egg. You can either drift your eggs or float them with a bobber. If you’re all out of salmon eggs, don’t fret. Winter steelhead absolutely love sand shrimp and coon shrimp! Make sure to tie a good egg loop knot and tuck your bait inside the loop. You can use stretchy thread for extra security. You can use a combination of eggs and shrimp to make your bait even more enticing. 

If you’re fishing on a river where bait isn’t allowed, or you don’t feel like covering your winter gloves with shrimp and dye, spinners, spoons, and jigs are deadly effective on steelhead. Just remember that the fish will be holding near the bottom, and let your lure sink before reeling it in. Bring a variety of different colors and weights: river flows and depths change constantly, and you may need a heavier lure than you were using the other day just to reach the bottom. Steelhead can be surprisingly light biters despite their size, so make sure you are attentive and ready for the strike. One of the most popular ways to catch steelhead is to float a 1/4 oz jig under a bobber. Make sure to adjust your bobber stopper so that your jig is floating just above the bottom, however. You can tip your jig with a bit of prawn if bait is legal where you’re fishing. There are a wide variety of jigs out there, and many anglers even tie their own! Experiment with a variety of colors and jig materials until you find what the fish are keying into.

Clothing

Nothing can ruin a fishing trip like the cold. Layers are the winter steelheader’s secret weapon! The fish don’t wait for good weather before moving in, and you may not be willing to wait weeks or days for a clear day. Check the forecast, but we prepared for sudden inclement weather too. Neoprene waders offer good insulation from cold water, but a good base layer and loose, warm pants can also work. Wool socks are a must! Gloves can make a huge difference. Even on relatively mild days, my hands can get cold, making it difficult to switch lures or apply scent. Hand warmers have come a long way these days. In addition to disposable, shake to activate handwarmers, there are also reusable ones. Many sporting goods stores in the area offer lighter fluid powered and battery powered hand warmers. Test out your options and figure out what you like best. Propane space heaters are also great options. My friend recently put a diesel heater in his Thunderjet, and it makes a world of difference. I’d recommend pre-tying your leaders, to minimize the amount of tying you have to do while fishing. It’s a good idea to bring a change of socks too, just in case. Nothing will make you feel more cold and miserable than wet socks. Earmuffs, hats, or head bands will help, but partnering them with a warm scarf will make all the difference on those frigid winter days. Be prepared! I would recommend gearing up the day before and spending some time outside. If you’re already cold, pack on a few more layers and try again until you’re comfortable.

Locations

More so than any others, steelhead fishermen tend to be the most tight-lipped about their secret spots. While it’s not my intention to “blow up” anyone’s honey hole, I do want to at least steer beginner anglers in the right direction. I’ll always remember the euphoric rush from landing my first steelhead, and I wouldn’t have known where to go without guidance. As previously mentioned, summer steelhead enter the rivers sooner in their life cycle, and spend months maturing and moving upriver. By contrast, winter steelhead don’t travel nearly as far upriver, and some spawn within a few days of going in the river. Check the WDFW hatchery escapement report daily for updated numbers. The Skykomish River, Cowlitz River, Humptulips River, and Wynoochie River all boast good returns of winter steelhead every year. The Cowlitz River is usually open every year, but the Humptulips and Wynoochie River may be closed if they do not reach their escapement goals. You can try coastal rivers such as the Hoh, Sol Duc, and Calawah if you are willing to make the drive. Make sure to check the regulations though, several of these rivers do not allow fishing from a boat. Be respectful of private property and tribal land. Drift boating is always hazardous, but the frigid waters during winter create extra danger. It’s never a bad idea to go out with a guide on your first winter steelhead trip. They can show you the right way to drift the river safely. Remember that rivers change every year, and always be on the lookout for submerged rocks and trees. 

While looking up popular locations for steelheading can be a good way to get started on your journey, you should also be able to recognize water that fish are likely to be holding in. In case your desired location is already full of anglers, or you just want to try a new spot, familiarize yourself with “steelhead water”. These fish are looking to spend the least amount of energy to get upriver and will take the path of least resistance. Sometimes the path of least resistance is right next to the shore, so make sure you fish your lures all the way to the bank. Look for calm waters near tailouts where fish are likely to be resting. Also check behind boulders and logs, but be careful of snags. I’d recommend thoroughly fishing one hole before moving on. Try both bait and lures, you never know what the fish will want that day. Winter steelheading can be a bit of a grind, but you’ll forget all about the cold and your numb hands and ears when you’re fighting a 15 pound silver bullet!

Wherever you decide to fish for winter steelhead, make sure you check your rules and regulations. Familiarize yourself with catch and release best practices. All wild steelhead in Washington State must be released. Make sure to check for an adipose fin before removing your fish from the net or pulling it into the boat- it’s illegal to remove wild steelhead from the water. Never grab a fish you intend to release by its jaw or gill plate. Wet your hands before touching the fish, to avoid damaging its protective slimy layer. Rather than just throwing the fish back, it’s a good idea to gently put the fish back in the water, facing it into the current so that water can flow over their gills. Let it swim off when it’s ready. If you must take pictures, take them quickly, and prioritize getting the fish released as soon as possible. Wild steelhead are beautiful, rare creatures that should be treated with the utmost respect and care.

Good luck on your winter steelheading adventure! Bundle up and stay warm out there!

“Welcome back to the 'Winter Doldrums’”, read the message on the marquis in front of the local fly shop. My buddy and I just glanced at each other and went inside anyway. I was hosting a bonefish trip to Mexico in less than a month. I had chosen a local fly shop to meet with everyone on the trip to assist with gear prep, clothing needs, travel details, etc. You know, all those things that a good host should do instead of just sending a pack list/itinerary and hoping for the best. Once we were inside the shop, it didn’t take long for me to realize the twelve inches of newly fallen snow and more than 60 days of frigid temperatures had won the battle for “chipper attitude of the month.” Hence the marquis message.

 Notice I said “a local fly shop”, not “my local fly shop.” The majority of the guests on that particular trip were from the upper Midwest, so I chose a fly shop most convenient to them to meet. Plane tickets were cheap for me back then. Alas, the old days of AirTran. I had spoken with the shop owner in great detail about our trip meeting. I had hoped it would generate some revenue for the shop as well as help him get into the travel fishing business. It seemed like a grand idea to use his shop, and it was. As the group started filing in one by one, the vibe in the room went from mass melancholia to downright elation in just a few minutes. It’s funny how just a little bit of talk about planning a fishing trip can change the mood. 

Nowadays, I plan all my fishing trips in January/February. It is a superb time to have a get together with my buddies and plan a trip. My family calls it angler-based group psychotherapy. Either way, the timing works. Over the years, we have put together so many trips. Some turned out beyond great, others not so much. Through all the group therapy down in the fly-tying shop, I have learned that following a particular planning protocol will lead to a more successful trip, no matter if I am booking a lodge or going full DIY. In addition, the amount of flexibility I am willing to bestow makes a difference as well. The following is the way I plan not only for myself but for anyone who asks me to help them plan their fishing trip. Since the last two decades of my guiding career have been based in Alaska, we will work with that planning protocol. However, you will find that using this protocol will work for just about anywhere you want to go, third world countries included.

1) Decide what species of fish you want to target.

This seems simple, doesn’t it? One would think so. Put 10 anglers in a room and start the discussion and you will find out that 6 of them are like minded when it comes to what species they want to target on any particular trip. Singling out a particular species to target for this fishing trip is the very most important part. Everything else will fall into place after that. Once this obstacle is overcome, move to step 2. Don't jump ahead in line. Trust the protocol.

2) Decide where you want to travel to target the chosen species.

This is the part where you get to control the financial commitment towards your fishing trip. For example; I have decided that I really want to catch giant, clowned up, sea run Dolly Varden. I would love to travel to some remote portion of Siberia to cast to a Dolly that has absolutely never seen a human, much less been fished to. Without a doubt, it would be the trip of a lifetime, right up until I see that it’s gonna cost a second, third, and fourth mortgage. So that gives me the opportunity to reevaluate my financial commitment to another location. Once you've got this nailed down, move to step 3.

3) Deciding when you go is pretty easy after steps one and two are done, especially with Alaska trips.

Most of the fishing is based around the migration of Pacific salmon and their lifecycle as a target species, or a food source for another species of fish that capitalizes on salmon eggs and flesh. So, if I wanted to target king salmon during the peak of the run on the Nushagak River, I would plan to be there in late June. But, if I wanted to target leopard rainbows behind spawning sockeye in a creek, I would go mid-August. Now we have that established, go to step 4.

4) Last, and certainly far from least, is how to go.

How you go encompasses everything left about your trip. Are you going to DIY or book a lodge? Maybe you want to do a combination of DIY and day trips with a guide. I look at every option available, how much it costs, and figure out the bang for the buck. In some cases, a DIY trip turned into a fully guided lodge booked trip, only because the lodge had a special price that coincided with my species and timing. The lodge price wasn't much more than the DIY price estimate, and all the guess work was taken out of the program. Therefore, it was easily worth doing the lodge deal. This doesn't always happen, but it’s worth doing the research.

 If you are like most of us self-taught anglers and wouldn't dream of doing a guided lodge trip even if budget wasn't a concern, I implore you to do your research. Make sure that where you are going and what you are targeting is still a viable thing. If you are doing a DIY raft trip for trout, make sure the river you chose has a good trout population in it. Alaska seems like a dreamy wonderland for all cold-water salmonids, but everything is cyclical. Just make sure. Don’t trust social media. Not all lodge owners and booking agents are telling the truth, some are just selling empty beds and boat seats. Probably the most valued asset you can find is a trip consultant. A trip consultant doesn't have any allegiance to a lodge or travel company, and for a couple hundred dollars, you will gain more information than you bargain for.

So, call your friends over, smoke a brisket, and plan a trip. It will do wonders for your mental state and seasonal affective disorder.

In all my years of fishing, I have heard many legends and stories about fishing at the infamous Brewster Pool. Articles on the Internet caution readers about hostile fishermen and hundreds of inexperienced boaters creating chaos. My own experience couldn’t have been further from these stories. This year, I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to film and participate in the derby on behalf of Northwest Fishing.

From the moment I got to Brewster, I was blown away by the friendly locals and energetic atmosphere of the derby. Other fishermen were giving each other high fives and complementing one another on their catches. This was far from the stories of combat fishing and fishermen yelling at one another that I had heard. Although there were hundreds of other boats out there, everyone was very patient and gave one another plenty of space. Guides and recreational fishermen alike were joking with one another and having a great time doing the sport we all love. I saw hundreds of beautiful fish caught and weighed in over the 3 days of the derby, and even got to reel in some of my own. Here’s the story of my experience at this year’s Brewster Salmon Derby.

Cori Kogan: Interview with Mike Mauk

On day 1, Mike Mauk, the president of the Brewster Chamber of Commerce, greeted me with a warm handshake and a big smile. Mike organized this year’s derby, bringing together dozens of sponsors and coordinating prizes and staffing for the event. He gladly took some time from his busy schedule to chat, and I interviewed him about the history of the derby and the town of Brewster. He told me that the proceeds from ticket sales go towards helping the community of Brewster and enabling them to run the derby year after year. The Brewster Salmon Derby is the largest derby on the Columbia River, and up to $20,000 in cash and prizes are given out every year. Next, I interviewed the derby weigh master, Ernie Mauk. Ernie brought incredible energy to the weigh station, high fiving each kid that brought a fish to him. He showed me how he weighs each fish, taking the girth and length measurements and calling them out to be recorded and put on the board. He said that even though he weighs hundreds of fish every year, he still admires the beauty of each and every fish he weighs. WDFW also had a presence at the weigh station, scanning the fish for tags. When they found a tagged fish, they cut the nose of the fish off to remove the tag (after making sure the fisherman had gotten all the pictures they wanted). They let me know that the information they get from the tag helps WDFW determine the health and abundance of salmon populations. Not only does the derby help the small community of Brewster, it also aids WDFW’s research and provides valuable insights into this amazing fishery.

Bree, Waylon, and Hannah with a nice sockeye

While getting to see the ins and outs of the weigh station was certainly a fascinating experience, fishing is truly my passion, and my experience participating in the derby was absolutely unforgettable. Brianna Bruce of Livin’ Life Adventures was our guide during our 3-day adventure. My friend Michael Francisco, my fiancé Chris Decker, and Northwest Fishing regulars Andrew and Joe Czapla were on board. Brianna (Bree) kept us entertained with dozens of fishing stories from her 11 years of guiding. She told us all about the fishery and what makes it so productive and popular. Every year, thousands of sockeye and chinook salmon stage in Lake Pateros, also known as the Brewster Pool, between the dam and the mouth of the Okanogan River. The mouth of the Okanogan River heats up and creates a thermal barrier, and the fish wait in the pool for it to cool down so they can enter and reach their spawning grounds. This year, Bree said there were over 100,000 sockeye in the pool! Good numbers of chinook are caught every year, some reaching over 30 pounds. Some fishermen got their limits of sockeye and headed back to town for breakfast before the heat of the day began. Others stayed out until 6PM, braving the heat for a chance at a derby winning chinook. There was a 4 fish limit for sockeye, and a 2 fish limit for chinook. The bite seemed best in the early hours of the morning, but there were fish caught all day. Bree’s dog, Waylon, was our bite alarm throughout the weekend. Every other fisherman in the pool knew when we hooked onto a fish! Bree alternated between steering around other boats, netting fish, baiting hooks, and swapping fishing stories, making it all look easy. Her natural talent, great humor, and mastery of the fishery made for an unforgettable experience. On day 2, one of our cameramen had a big, feisty sockeye on the end of his line. As he brought it up to the boat, he lifted the fish out of the water and the hooks popped out. Our hearts sank, but Bree effortlessly scooped the fish into the net and saved the day!

Some early morning sockeye action!

We started off fishing for chinook the first day, armed with spinners and chrome flashers. Bree is an expert in this fishery, and told us that sockeye often hit chinook gear, and vice versa. The second day, we fished sockeye gear, and were rewarded with many nice fish. For her sockeye gear, Bree ran homemade pink spinners and smaller flashers. On the third day of the derby, we fished a combination of sockeye and chinook gear. She ran 2 spinners, 2 sockeye setups, and 2 tuna stuffed Brad’s Super Baits. It was tough to find the right speed to get the different gear to fish right, but like a true pro, Bree made it work. We trolled slowly, between .8 and 1.2 MPH, and kept an eye on the depth. To avoid tangling our 6 lines, Bree used a variety of different cannonball weights, which also allowed us to fish throughout the water column.

No matter how tired and hot we were after fishing all day, we always looked forward to lunch at one of Brewster’s amazing, locally owned restaurants. Mike Mauk and the Brewster Chamber of Commerce treated us to lunch and dinner each day. The sizzling, fragrant fajitas at Campreros were absolutely delicious! Later in the afternoons, we usually got some time to explore the area each day. I was surprised by just how much the town of Brewster has to offer. There are numerous family-owned stores that offer cool refreshments and homemade snacks. If you’re fishing the Brewster Pool, it’s definitely worth it to take the time to sample some of the local cuisine and explore the town.

Cori Kogan: Filming the derby winners!

On day 3 of our adventure, we got to see the winners of the derby take home their prizes and win their bragging rights. The winning fish, the “king of the pool”, was a tank of a chinook weighing in at 29 pounds and 10 ounces that got the winning angler a nice check for $2,000. The top 10 winners got a beautiful wooden plaque to commemorate their win. One of the most memorable parts of the weekend was when a young girl weighed in a 26-pound chinook. She ended up winning the youth category of the derby! Besides the competition for the top 25 biggest chinook, there were also side pots and a raffle to take part in. There were many raffle prizes, such as free fishing trips for 4 people, a bow, and a downrigger. The grand prize for the raffle was a 9.9 HP Mercury outboard motor. Weigh master Ernie announced the winners, and photographer Cori Kogan snapped photos of them holding their prize next to Mike Mauk.

All 3 days of my experience at the Brewster Salmon Derby culminated into an unforgettable adventure. From Mike Mauk’s warm welcome to Bree’s terrific netting skills and incredible sense of humor, I’ll always tell stories about the derby with a smile. I know I’ll be back next year for another shot at winning the derby!

Slowly drifting along with the current until we reached the next hole, I heard a splash along the shoreline. Looking to my right I could see the rings in the water where a fish jumped near the tall grass that lined the river. Instead of continuing on, I quickly dropped the anchor and told my fishing partner to cast his float over to the shoreline and be sure to do so a bit upstream. As the float neared where the fish jumped, it disappeared underwater and he set the hook. A large coho leaped out of the water and took off to the fast water below. All the while, line began peeling off of the reel.

That is what I love about river fishing for coho: you think you know where they are, then you find one in a spot you normally would have just rowed right by. After he fought that fish to the net, we slid it into the fish box and just looked at each other for a minute. Then we saw another boat coming down the river. The quiet discussion we had was if we should pull anchor and try to stay ahead of the other boat to get to the deep hole we were heading to first, or to stay put. Electing to do the latter, we waved as the boat went by and never said a word about the fish we just caught. Once out of sight, we cast towards the shoreline again and the float went down once more. After pulling three more fish from that grassy bank, the fish had moved on and so had we. 

Normally, anglers who head to the rivers target coho with spinners or twitching jigs, and mostly concentrate in known areas for chinook with the float rods. This works well, and is what I like to do too, but I also always have the float rod ready. Last year, we were almost to the take out and I saw a fish roll under a tree. Just downstream from this overhanging branch was a fallen tree with a large root ball sticking out. I cast ahead of the branch and let it go under it, but nothing happened. Then, just before I decided I needed to get my gear out of the water, as it neared the root ball the float went under. Thinking it was part of the roots, I pulled back, hoping it would free my gear, but instead a fish jumped out of the water with my float in tow. Coho are known to be acrobatic, and I was once again pleasantly surprised to have one bite the eggs.

The reason why I threw a float with eggs to this fish wasn’t because I thought it was a chinook that was hiding under the tree branch that I first saw, but instead it was the only way I could fish this spot. Tossing a spinner was an option, except I didn’t have one tied on my rod. Twitching was out, as I knew that if I tried to lift the line from the water it would catch in the branch, so I threw out some eggs and it ended up being the right choice. The float would easily drift under the branch and continue down to the hazard below. 

I always have a float rod rigged and ready as we make our way down the river, for this very reason. But when I come to a spot that is known to hold coho, it is time to break out the twitching rods. Deep holes often strewn with logs means coho. Knowing how to twitch is important, but also knowing where to twitch will lead to more coho in the box. For deeper holes I actually use the lightest jig possible. This means 3/8 ounce or ¼ ounce jigs if the water is very still. Twitching has been given a bad name in the past because anglers tend to foul hook fish. Most of the time this happens because the heavier jigs fall fast and end up below the fish. What the angler should do is use a jig that will fall slowly and into the fish, then when twitched will jump up in their face and again fall slowly, allowing the coho to grab it. If the jig is too heavy it often falls too fast, and when you go to twitch again you end up foul hooking the fish. By using the right weight, you not only reduce the chance of foul hooking fish, but also increase your chances of them biting. 

Spinners are a top technique for good reason. When fishing spinners, they are always working. A good cast into a seam, and then the swing of the spinner and the thumping of the blade reinforces the confidence of the lure to the angler. There is nothing like a hooknose coho violently grabbing your spinner and yanking the rod nearly out of your hands. There is no guessing if it is a bite, and the fight is on right away. Spinners also work well in different water conditions. Several years ago, we were fishing during a hard rain. The water was getting murkier by the minute, and after the bite seemed to go off on twitching jigs we began throwing spinners. That thumping silver blade reflecting the sunlight was all it took to get the bite back on again. 

On sunny days, try using a dark bladed spinner, or alter the ones you have with a black permanent marker. Dark bodies like black and purple tend to do well, but on dark days or in murky water try chartreuse or fluorescent orange bodies. A Blue Fox Vibrax spinner in sizes 4, 5, and 6 are top producers for fall coho.   

Knowing when to go and which river or part of river to fish will lead to more success. A couple of years ago we were going to hit my favorite Olympic coast river for the opener on September 1^st. Normally this time of year the river is running as low as it will get all year, but that night a rainstorm approached. The river went from 400 cfs to over 3,000 cfs in twelve hours. Waking up and seeing the brown murky water flowing quickly, we should have canceled for the day. Instead, we launched the boat and had a nice ride down the river, and a fast one at that. We didn’t touch a fish or see another boat all day. Returning a few weeks later, that same run was back to normal and we caught fish.

This particular river has several access points and can be broken down to three main runs. The upper run is usually unfishable until October, when the rains fill the banks and make it floatable. That part of the river is where we should have gone to that day. The middle section is good almost all of the time, but offers very few holes which tend to get crowded early in the day. The lower part is tidal influence, so not only do you need to keep an eye on the river flows, but also the tides. 

Fishing tidal waters is often overlooked by anglers. Fish only stack up here when there is a really low tide and that can also be at different times of the day. Personally, I prefer to fish tidal areas because they are predictable. You know that with each tide a new push of fish will come in. I try to time it to fish as the high tide is over and water is pushing out. This is best when it is mid-day to late afternoon, because most anglers will want to be on the water at daylight. Instead, I like to fish “clean up” or after everyone else has gone down the river. The fish fresh from the salt haven’t been harassed all day and anglers are gone, often leaving me in holes all to myself. 

If you don’t have a choice but to head to the river early, then remember that during high tide fish will be on the move. This is a good time to drop anchor and let the fish come to you. One year during a high tide time, we sat on the anchor for several hours, casting jigs to a small pocket along the shoreline. This area had a back eddy and the moving fish would stack up here to rest. When they showed up, we would catch a fish, and when they moved on we would take a break. One way to keep fishing during times when fish are moving is to throw out diving plugs or plunk. Plunking tends to be a lost art, but the idea is to cast out and let your lure or bait sit in a spot where the fish will come along at some point and bite it. Why not do it from a boat while taking a break, as this will lead to more fish and it is a great way to know when fish are arriving.

There are a lot of ways to catch coho in rivers, and learning to fish them all not only adds to the experience but also keeps you engaged in fishing. Once you learn to twitch, then learn to float eggs, and then throw spinners. Discover where the holes are and where to fish when the tide is in or out. Best of all, most of the river conditions and routes will change each year, so each time you go to the river it is like learning a new spot all over again. Just like when we were drifting along that grassy cutbank and heard that fish jump; you never know where you will find coho, and that is what makes river fishing for them so fun.