Where are the salmon? Chinook waiting for rain

Been asking the same question. Anybody else?

Article from KING 5 app!

http://www.king5.com/story/tech/science/environment/2014/09/22/salmon-chinook-waiting-for-rain/16078457/

You would think there would be epic posts with fish being caught if they were pooling up in front of the rivers.  But sure seems quiet on the interweb if people are catching them in the South Sound.   Saw lots of people trying Chambers, but must have missed the "Look I actually caught  one" thread.  I have about 2 weeks left of fishing (before duck hunting starts) and I still want to try and connect with some species of salmon but so far no luck.

I thought it was really odd to catch a bright Chinook in the ocean last week, but they're still out there.  I also wouldn't be surprised if the puget sound Chinook ran into environmental problems or some other factors.

Went to Chambers two weekends ago. Saw a PB catch one and another roll in the salt. Paddled up to the hatchery and there were no signs of any salmon. Last weekend on the Duwamish the coho were in thick, but would not bite. Plan to try again on Sunday.

Cool video.  You would think with all the fish you could get one to bite!  But when they lock jaw they lock jaw.  Sometimes it is more frustrating to know they are there!  lol.

I have two weekends left so I have to try and decide where to go and try and get one salmon in the boat.  Of course there are chum that come a bit later.  I am hoping to target them in the salt around Minter Creek this year. 

Widgeonmangh,
After three hours and emptying my tackle box last Saturday I'm not ready to give up.
Also consider the 2014 NWKA Salmon SlayRide Derby Benefit Tournament 11 Oct 2014 at Hoodsport, WA for Chum. https://www.facebook.com/NWKASalmonSlayRideDerbyBenefitTournament

I would be all over going to one of those tournaments, but they are always on Saturday.  It is my church day and since I am the pastor, I probably better not skip to go fishing. LOL.  One of these days the stars will align and I will get to go on one.

I haven't given up yet. But when ducks fly , fish take a back seat. 

You would think there would be epic posts with fish being caught if they were pooling up in front of the rivers.  But sure seems quiet on the interweb if people are catching them in the South Sound.   Saw lots of people trying Chambers, but must have missed the "Look I actually caught  one" thread.  I have about 2 weeks left of fishing (before duck hunting starts) and I still want to try and connect with some species of salmon but so far no luck.

  Have you ever fished the Willapa River ? I was on the upper end of tide water yesterday ( above Ward Creek) and saw a lot of fish jumping out of the water.... just never saw one jump on anyones hook. Probably a fish jumping every 20 seconds. And the majority were all keepers nice and bright.. very few dark fish at all. Most folks down here troll spinners . I tried a variety of spinners and some kwikfish too. If you'd be interested in coming this way--- give a shout out. There are a LOT of fish in the river and I would be happy to show you known areas for fish. That's not a guarantee of catching-- but just an offer to try to get you into some salmon. They are here. And you're not that far away.....

Thanks for a great offer!  I will have to consider that.  It is roughly 2 hours away (one way) but getting into a salmon tempts me. 

Salmon caught just South of Edmonds Marina.  Last minute decision to go out yesterday due to weather forecasting of 1-15 kt winds and 1 -2 foot waves.  Tree tops were not blown by winds at house so went out at 4:30 PM staying close to marina to play it safe.  Salmon caught at about 5:15 on surface with green & white Buzz Bomb close to shore with 60 feet below kayak per FF. Did not bring trolling pole knowing I wasn't venturing too far due to forecast.   The wind & waves did not appear and only some light rain. May go out again depending on day to day weather forecast.

I saw several videos of coho swimming vigorously up small streams created by the recent rains.   They're definitely around.

I had a buddy fly in from Boston who lives the city life & doesn't fish much. He agreed to battle the wind & rain with me yesterday so I swung by Next Adventure & picked up a Hobie for him on the way to the airport.
Tidal currents came in strong & I found myself cleaning my line of debris every 5 minutes while drifting in a 3mph . We worked hard against the wind but I just continued to diligetly troll & drop into the deeper holes. Trolling with the current, I noted one particular hole that dropped from 12 to 19 fow. I circled back to give it a pass against the  tide & as I let a little line out my rod slammed down. My buddy held onto my yak as the two of us faught that fish & drifted for over 10 minutes. Folks were surprised to see a native chinook cause coho were mostly being caught. I was surprised because  I've never marked so many on the FF but the bite just wasn't on.
It was a good day for the Boston city slicker.

   With the little bit of rain we have just received , it is time to get out there and harvest more fish.
 
   I'll be hitting the upper tide water of the Willapa River from the Ward Creek launch Saturday morning.

   Open invite to any that would like to fish this nice stretch of water.

   From Highway 101 turn east on Monohan Rd. and drive 6.5 miles to the launch which will be on the right.

   Go upstream to "Cattail Corner" and have at it.

   Pretty liberal limits down here and lots of nice fish.

    I'll be there about 7....with a little of my "Cpt. Morgan's Spiced Rum" smoked salmon available for munchin'

Wish I could join you Mark it sounds like we have a similar concept of an ideal day of fishin. I save my fine spirits & fatty smoked bellys for my fishin trips. Cheers!

HH

How was the Willapa River today?

-JT