The Pacific Northwest is known for its bountiful runs of salmon. Several species of fish call Washington state home, inhabiting the rivers, lakes, streams and sounds throughout the state. One of the most popular bases of salmon fishing is Everett. Located on the salmon-rich waters of the Puget Sound, Everett is a great choice for anglers looking to kick start their season.
Types
Chinook salmon, commonly referred to as King salmon, are the largest of the salmon family and offer the biggest fights. Coho, or silver salmon, are smaller than Chinook, but are produced in massive numbers in hatcheries throughout the state, making them a very accessible standard in Everett salmon fishing. Chum salmon are the second largest, favored along with Chinook for their big fights. Pink salmon own the distinctly characteristic humped back while sockeye salmon are prized above all other species for their delicious meat.
Geography
Everett's geography creates a salmon fishing wonderland that rivals all other fishing sites in Washington state. Salmon fishing is characterized by migration seasons. Salmon spend half of their life in freshwater and half in saltwater. This exchange between fresh and saltwater create angling opportunities. Everett is lucky enough to be situated on the shores of Puget Sound and at the mouth of the Snohomish River. Puget Sound is Washington's gateway to the Pacific Ocean, where salmon feed and mature before returning to freshwater. The Snohomish River is one of the largest salmon rivers in the state. Their confluence in Everett creates a hotbed of salmon activity throughout the year.
Techniques
Salmon fishing techniques are largely dependent on the environment and the type of salmon you are fishing for. Chinook salmon are found primarily in the saltwater of Puget Sound and are usually caught either trolling or drifting with herring. You can also simply cast and reel from shore locations near Port Gardner Bay and Jetty Island State Park. This technique is good for any saltwater salmon fishing, but when fishing for Chinook your lines should be set deeper than 30 feet of water. Pink, sockeye and coho salmon are found in both saltwater and freshwater, while chum salmon are found mostly in freshwater, like the Snohomish River. Freshwater techniques involve either jigging with spoons, drifting with bait and yarn or fly fishing on the calm deeper pools found in slower parts of the river.
Licenses
Anglers fishing in the state of Washington must possess a fishing license from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. These licenses are available at most sporting goods stores. They are offered in units of single or multiple days, up to a year. For salmon fishing in Everett, purchase a combo freshwater and saltwater license, which will allow you to fish in Puget Sound and the Snohomish River. Keep in mind that certain seasons may favor one environment, in which case a single freshwater or saltwater license is best.
Guides
Those who are unfamiliar with the salmon heavy waters near Everett may want to consider hiring a professional guide service. Several private guides operate out of Everett and provide an excellent service to those who could use assistance fishing. Most guide service includes equipment such as rods, reels, tackle and the use of a boat as well as cleaning and filleting your catch. But the real benefit comes from the expert advice of a seasoned professional which greatly increases your chances of landing a big keeper. Find guides in the yellow pages and classifieds ads, both in print and online.
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