Kayak Fishing San Juan Islands

Hey there... was just referred to this board. Looks like a good site. I am a 95% retired kayak fishing guide (California & Baja) that now lives in Hawaii. It's my 10th wedding anniversary this summer... not to mention my parent's 40th and sister's 5th. So we are planning a family vacation to the San Juan Islands in the middle of July. My Dad and I are really looking forward to some good fishing!

I do not necessarily need a guide, but I DO need to know what place may have rental kayaks outfitted for kayak fishing, and of course where to actually do the kayak fishing. I would appreciate any info (I think our rental house is near Happy Harbor). Also, I know this is only a kayak fishing board, but we'd also like to know if there is any fresh water fly fishing (rivers, streams, brooks, etc.) that is accessible... may have to take a Ferry to a different island??? We have fly rods, waders if necessary, etc. I may be way off base, as I'm not sure if there is even any fresh water in that area  Finally, we were looking to take one day for charter fishing on a boat so my older son could pull on some lings, rockfish, etc. I got a few places of a general Web site, but I trust a board more.

Thanks in advance,
Trout

Welcome Trout!

I'm not familiar with Happy Harbor.  Do you know which Island it is on?  Once I have that info, I can try to point you in the right direction.

July is pretty much a salmon game.  Lingcod is closed then.  You could potentially target rockfish, but the limit is the FIRST one caught.

-Allen

Howdy Trout,

I hope we can help, but I'll second the need for a better ID of the location. Lot's of Harbors out there, but after 33+ years in the state, I can't find any "Happy Harbor".

There are some freshwater opportunities on the islands, all stillwater (ponds and lakes). Will you have transportation, or will you be relying on public transport?

There are two charter fishing options out of Anacortes, that I know of, neither that I've used, but have heard good things about. Highliner, at http://www.highlinercharters.com/ and Catchmore, at http://www.catchmorecharters.com/index2.htm  The WORST  charter experience I've ever had was with this guy, about 7 years ago- http://www.fishthesanjuans.com/index.html

I guess I was so happy, I just put "happy." Sorry. I meant to put "Friday" and I'm sure that clarifies things. I've been doing some additional research and I think the fly fishing isn't in the picture, and it looks like a number of species are off limits in mid-July. Anyway, we're still excited and we booked place a block and a half from Friday Harbor and we're looking forward to relaxing and having a good time. Part of my guiding days included Northern Baja expeditions, which included bottom fishing and jigging for rockfish, lings, halibut, etc. so I think I'll do fine. I'll check the regulations before we go to know what's catch and what's release (which I do a lot anyway). I assume I'll just paddle and look for some kelp stringers and go from there (jigs, cut bait, etc). Unfortunately we're not going until July, but it gives us something to look forward to.   

Try Discovery Sea Kayaks in Friday Harbor (http://www.discoveryseakayak.com).  Not sure if they have SOTs.  I met Jason Gunther, the owner there, about 6 weeks ago at the West Coast Sea Kayaking Symposium.  He seemed quite interested in the whole kayak fishing thing.  Perhaps he can put something together for you.

San Juan Safaris (http://www.sanjuansafaris.com) runs out of Roche Harbor at the north end of San Juan Island.  They have SOTs although I'm not sure what kind.  Almost assuredly not rigged for fishing.  If you want to try to kayak with the Killer Whales, this is a good place to start.

Note: you're really not supposed to CNR the lings or rockfish (after keeping your first legal one).

-Allen

The area you're allowed to use the rental kayaks, out of Roche Harbor, is pretty darn restrictive. Here's their map- http://www.sanjuansafaris.com/Map_kayak_rental_fullsize.html I've checked them before. Besides being restricted, another thing to be aware of, is that this is a big resort and it gets lots of traffic, including fisherman. I've even rented a PB, out of Mitchell Bay, and not had good fishing. Your best fishing is going to be away from the harbors and will usually be at pinnicles that casual fisherman will miss. (BTW, in defense of San Juan Safaris' rental restrictions, they are dealing with {mostly} people that are clueless about kayaking, and the hazards in that region. Cold water; strong tides and big wind potential are all problems. Few renters are going to be ready for the exposure.)

I don't know how you're getting to the islands, but if it were by car, I would be very tempted to just rent a double from an outfit in in the islands, or Anacortes, or Seattle. They are way stable, and will cruise like you won't believe, if you're use to shorter SOTs. I'm not aware of any one renting SOTs set up for fishing.

Have you seen Acme Mapper? It's got some useful charts of the area. http://mapper.acme.com/?lat=48.33902&long=-124.669&scale=14&theme=Topo&width=4&height=3&dot=Yes

The west side of San Juan is good for salmon. It's mostly cliff-like and tough for bottomfish. The south end of San Juan, at Cattle Point, it's possible to catch salmon off the beach. People use small irons/jigs like Pt. Wilson Darts, Buzzbombs, etc. Surf casting gear is useful. The best bottomfish areas seem to be north of Orcas, around Sucia and Patos,or south of Lopez. Patos and Sucia are (popular) marine state parks, and it would be possible to camp out there (recommend midweek), before returning.

Nice info Pisco Sicko.

Regarding rentals.  I know Northwest Outdoor Center in Seattle (http://www.nwoc.com/) has had some rigged kayaks for rent in the past.  You may also want to check with Seattle Raft and Kayak (http://www.seattleraftandkayak.com/).  If you check during the offseason, it may influence them to stock one in their rental fleet for next year.   

I agree with the west side.  Careful with the south side near Cattle Point.  There has been a closed area near there.  Will have to wait until next years regs book to see if it's still there.

-Allen

Thanks, guys. I'll take those pieces of info and go from there. We have plenty of time before our trip, so I'll get things ironed out in the time being. I was thinking of packing some rod holders and other accessories and then installing them on a rental (if it's ok with the co.) and leaving them as a thank you... I'm sure they'll use 'em after. I always check the regs, but thanks for the head's up. I'm sure we'll figure out something somewhere... even if it's just one fish each. My pop and I are pretty fishy in both ocean and stream and we always seem to do pretty well and have a good time. I've kayak-fished Hawaii, California and Mexico, and I can't wait to see your neck of the woods... looks beautiful.