Westport salmon fishing
Westport, Washington has long been called the salmon fishing capital of the world. With one of the largest marinas on the West Coast, it offers easy access to some of Washington’s hottest saltwater salmon fishing action. Numerous charters are located on Westport’s main drag; with lodging and dining all in close proximity to the Westport Boat Basin, the convenience and ease of fishing in Westport makes it Washington’s busiest coastal fishing port. Halibut, Lingcod and bottom fishing kicks off during spring each year, and throngs of salmon seeking anglers pour into Westport during summer months.
Wesport salmon fishing in 2010
Salmon fishing during the 2009 season was considered good by most anglers’ standards, with great catches of Coho and fair catches for Chinook. This year promises to offer an even rosier picture for anyone interested in tackling a Westport Chinook. According to Don Davenport of Ocean Charters, Captain of the Ranger, the Chinook forecast looks extremely promising. With earlier opportunities and high forecasts, Westport is going to be the place to target Chinook on the Washington Coast.
June fishery new this year
Salmon fishing on the Washington coast typically kicks off in late June or early July, but WDFW has set a June fishery for hatchery Chinook retention June 12 – June 30, 2010. This early fishery has a coast wide guideline for 12,000 Chinook. Captain Don Davenport told us that he is pretty excited about this fishery, “We’ve got a pretty unique opportunity out here, open 7 days a week for marked Kings before we get into our standard season. While we see most of our trophy Kings caught later in July and August, there ought to be plenty of 10 -15 pound fish, with the possibility of larger.” During the June fishery, the salmon daily limit is 2 combined, release Coho and wild Chinook.
Summer salmon season
Westport’s traditional salmon fishery usually opens in late June or early July. This years’ summer season is set for July 4 – September 19, open Sundays through Thursdays only. Salmon daily limit is 2 combined, only one Chinook may be retained and release wild Coho. Westport’s share of the salmon guideline is 24,860 hatchery Coho and 28,000 Chinook, if either Coho or Chinook harvest meets that number, the season may close earlier.
Chinook will be available starting on June 12. Chinook feed all summer long, and the average size will increase as the summer rolls on. From late July through August, trophy Chinook up to 40 pounds are a definite possibility. Coho fishing picks up by the end of July and action builds until the end of the season. When Coho fishing peaks, it isn’t uncommon for charters to limit the boat.
Charters in Westport
Westport offers a great variety of charters to choose from featuring experienced Skippers. Booking in advance is recommended, as many of the charter offices book up quickly. The majority of charters can accommodate 10 anglers or more, and mooching with herring is the preferred technique for Coho and Chinook. Charters provide all the gear, but many experienced anglers prefer to bring their own rod. If you would like to fish with your own rod, be respectful and check with your captain first.
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Pic of the week
Andrew with a Snoqualmie River winther hatchery steelhead.
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Fishing reports
Tommy with a big hatchery steelhead caught on the Wynoochee River!
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Beautiful cutthroat trout caught on Lake Sammamish, Washington!
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Chrome fall chinook from the Washington coast! November hogs!
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