During the summer months, Washington's rivers experience prodigious runs of Pacific salmon. Unusually, Washington salmon can be effectively pursued in both salt and freshwater. All five species of Pacific salmon enter Washington's fisheries. All these species can be caught using either fly or spin tackle, ensuring the availability of sport to all types of anglers.
Where to Fish
Washington offers a wide variety of environments in which to pursue salmon. In saltwater, the areas around Ilwaco and Grays Harbor can be productive. Salmon enter many of Washington's river systems. Of these, the Columbia River is often considered the best. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife states that "Year in and year out, more salmon are caught in the Columbia River and its tributaries than any other region in the state."
When to Fish
Exactly when to fish depends on which fishery you wish to visit. In saltwater, the Ilwaco area has runs of coho and Chinook salmon. Both species arrive in July. Chinook salmon leave in mid September. Coho leave at the end of the month. Grays Harbor has runs of Chinook and coho salmon. Chinook are available mid September to mid October, while coho are best mid September through October. The Columbia River system has runs of Chinook and coho salmon. Chinook enter the rivers in March and are found throughout the system until the end of October. Coho arrive in August, and are present until the end of December.
Tackle
Tackle must be matched to the size and strength of the fish. Chinook salmon require powerful rods. For spin fishermen, rods should be stiff and capable of fishing line of 30- to 50-lb. breaking strain. Fly fishermen require rods of 9 feet for a 12-weight line. Coho, chum and sockeye salmon require medium strength spin rods and 10- to 20-lb. breaking-strain line. Fly fishermen should use a rod of 9 feet for an 8- or 10-weight line. For pink salmon, a light spin rod with 10-lb. breaking-strain line is sufficient. Fly rods should be 9 feet and take an 8-weight line.
Guides
Due to the quality of the fishery, Washington has many guide services. If you are unfamiliar with the area, a guide will advise you as to the best performing fisheries. Your guide will then help you locate and catch your chosen species within that fishery. Guides access the fisheries using four-wheel-drive vehicles, and drift and jet boats.
Tips
When fighting salmon, if at all possible remain slightly downstream of the fish. Doing so enables you to pull the fish's head toward the bank. Consequently, you prevent the fish from angling its body into the current. If the fish is able to do this, the current against its flank adds to the pressure on you, and allows the fish to fight longer. For clothing, remember that Washington's weather can be wet. Buy good-quality waterproof clothing and try it out before traveling. Some cheaper jackets are simply not effective in extreme conditions.
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