Salmon/Crabbing

My son and I are just getting into the yak fishing. When do the salmon run into the bays?

Which bays are you interested in? Seems like every river system has a little bit different timing.

Which bays are you interested in? Seems like every river system has a little bit different timing.

Look for Astoria to kick off the season with Chinook.  Opening is Aug 1st.  All the other bays will start lighting up soon after.

-Spot-

Seems the runs may be somewhat delayed this year.  We had an El Nino last winter and appear to be oscillating into an El Nina for next winter.  El Nino/El Nina have interesting effects on fish migration and runs. 

http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/research/divisions/fed/oeip/g-forecast.cfm

Based on superior ocean conditions during spring–summer 2008, we expect spring Chinook runs in 2010 to rival the high returns of this species seen in 2001 and 2002 ... However, expectations for returns of coho in 2010 are considerably lower due to warm sea–surface conditions

Not exactly what we are seeing now for Chinook.

Sorry... after I quickly wrote that I realized I did not say which bay. I live in Redding, CA, so heading up to OR and and especially WA is challenging to do on a regular basis. Would love to move out of this CA mess, but that's another story. We have driven up to Bandon, Charleston, Winchester. I would drive a bit further if it's better. As it is it is about 5 1/2 hours. We have res. at Bullards Beach over Labor Day and will use as a base camp. Will be crowded, but that's what I can do with my work schedule. Any suggestions? My son and I loved our trip right before the 4th. We could not hook fish...however a few keeper crabs and we considered our first trip a success. great being on the water!

You could come up to Coos Bay and do all of the above and more, depending on conditions of course.

Crabbing in the bay proper or Sunset Bay
Bottom fishing if swell is good
Salmon fishing in the rivers/ocean(closes Sept. 6th)

Psssst..Don't tell anyone but the Coquille river will be open for wild Coho during your visit, kinda handy since you will be camped right next to it. 

Send me a PM if you want to hook up and do some fishing