Seattle, Washington, is home to sockeye salmon, considered by some to be one of the best-tasting salmon species and one of the easiest to catch, according to Salmon University, an online resource for salmon fishing, in an article entitled, "Sizzling Sockeye Secrets." The Puget Sound Shorelines Department of Ecology notes that the Seattle area is also home to Chinook salmon, chum salmon, coho salmon, pink salmon and steelhead salmon.
Guides and Tours
Individuals interested in salmon fishing in Seattle, Washington, may choose to reserve a spot on a charter fishing boat. Some companies, such as Adventure Charters, cater to smaller groups of two to four people. Advantages include accessing the knowledge of the captain and crew and, in some cases, the boat's fishing tackle and equipment. Disadvantages may include higher prices, companies pitching unrealistic projections for catching fish and crowded boats. When booking a charter, ask if the boat offers "hands-on" fishing. Some companies may micromanage the fishing process, not permitting guests maximal fishing time.
Equipment
Seattle salmon fishing works best with a downrigger for controlling depth, although an 8 oz. weight attached to fishing equipment may be substituted if a downrigger is not available, according to Salmon University. "Sizzling Sockeye Secrets" recommends using an 8-inch flasher, tied 13 to 16 inches above the hook, and a 20 lb. leader. Keep landing nets handy in the event of simultaneous bites.
Techniques
Sockeye salmon is best caught when trolling slowly at about one mile-per-hour, according to Salmon University. During busier fishing times, such as weekends or holidays, Salmon University recommends speeding up by about two miles-per-hour.
People salmon fishing in Seattle in the early morning should start out trolling at depths ranging from 50 to 60 feet, venturing about five feet deeper each hour.
Salmon University recommends keeping multiple fishing lines in the water to maximize the chance of landing salmon in Seattle. After landing a salmon, "Sizzling Sockeye Secrets" advises that you guide the boat in a "figure eight" trajectory through the school of salmon before dropping another line. Boats lacking a downrigger can navigate in a slow, "S-shaped" trajectory.
Caught salmon should be stunned so that they don't thrash around the boat, damaging the tasty meat. Clean the fish quickly, storing it in a cool place. Avoid leaving sockeye salmon in the sun, or allowing it to trail behind the boat on a stringer, according to Salmon University.
Timing
Salmon University recommends that individuals salmon fishing in the Seattle area aim to fish between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. Bites may slow down later in the day, except on cloudy days when the sunlight is more obscured.
Permits
The state of Washington requires all individuals over the age of 15 to hold a valid fishing permit. Children under age 15 are still required to hold a catch record card. Violation of Washington salmon fishing laws results in a five-year suspension of fishing privileges, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Examples of offenses resulting in suspension include illegally purchasing or using a fishing license, or harvesting endangered fish.
There are different permits for salt- and fresh-water salmon fishing. In 2010, cost ranges from about $8 for senior Washington residents and around $91 for non-resident individuals seeking an annual permit.
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