Northwest Fishing Reports

Depends on the situation....if I'm running one rod I'll usually stop and play the fish for fun....if two rods running, then keep trolling, maybe slow down, but decreases the chances of hanging up the other rod....IF I've got kids in the boat I might stop and pull in the second rod, so the kid can pl...

Chris, Very generous of you and hopefully someone can make use of all that good looking stuff. God knows I don't need any more fishing gear myself, but would be interested in flashers and that line counter, if that's ok. If it's easier to send it all to one person then won't be upset if you choose s...

[youtube]https://youtu.be/Mxrk8Ge_gEU[/youtube] Reach out to Tyler Hicks (SpiltMilt Productions). He's usually pretty helpful. Otherwise, standard trout lures...spinners, spoons, flies, jigs, etc. I do suggest the KastMaster spoons as they get down in the water column quickly. I've never fished arou...

Historic Tokul hatchery steelhead escarpment numbers:

1/19/2011 - 677 (no report for 1/12/2011)
1/11/2012 - 636
1/9/2013 - 500
1/14/2014 - 354
1/14/2015 - 474
1/12/2016 - 161
1/9/2017 - 22
1/9/2018 - 318
1/9/2019 - 41
1/8/2020- 41
1/6/21 - 28

Overall the Snoqualmie is very safe. However, there are hardly any Steelhead in that system. I'd suggest heading toward the coastal rivers or the Columbia tribs.

The only thing you're missing is data from the previous 10+ years. Granted, yes, logically one would think that the returns this year should be better than last, but overall they're all still quite dismal compared to what used to be normal and highlights that there is a serious issue in the pipeline...

It's the hormones that dictate the physical change, not the water. Salmon that wait too long to go up into the fresh water will still change in the salt. That's why you start to see hook nosed Coho or humped up Pinks in the salt later during that run. Seems like MOST salmon make it into fresh water ...

You don't have to go big on Lingcod. That setup sounds way too heavy/stout. There are many budget friendly setups that would work for both Lings and the other species you mention. You could get an Okuma Celilo or SST and pair to an inexpensive spinning or baitcaster for around $100 total. I like som...

All the reels you mentioned are fine...but on the low end of quality. They will do the job though. I like 3000 series spinning reels for Coho fishing (really a 2500 with a slightly larger spool capacity).

Unfortunately, experience, word of mouth, and time on the water are the only clues. Networking helps. There will be more fish moving through, but it's going to be sporadic with weather and tides. Got to go frequently to be there when the fish are moving through the area.

I've yet to target Kokanee, but from what little I know and the reports I've been reading, it seems like they tend to go deeper as the season progresses. The guys I know who are having success are fishing 100' on downriggers at the moment. But, that's based on a just a couple reports.

It's a difficult time of year to fish for stocked trout. The lake temperatures are warm after baking all summer which tends to cause the fish to go deep. Also, the lake weeds are all fully grown and choke the bottom of the lake. If you're going to fish off the bottom, use a floating bait, like power...

Trolling flies work great for all trout and salmon species it appears. I've caught rainbows on trolling flies both in Lake Sammamish and the local smaller lakes.

Interesting topic. It is a good question. I'm relatively new to the winter trout fishing on lakes thing. I am usually targeting Steelhead in our rivers, but the last couple years has been so bad I've needed to look for alternate fishing opportunities. Some friends have got me out on Lake Sammamish f...

Thanks for the help. I was looking at Sawyer too....but expect it's got the same story as Meridian....So, probably not a great time to go try for Kokes....and further hampered by the total lack of Kokanee in general. Think I might look for a different path until the temps come up. I do want to check...

Sideburns, I found this thread while researching where I might go try for Kokanee. I appreciate all the info. I've never specifically targeted them before so am trying to decide where to go (or if this is even a good time to go). What's your feeling on targeting Kokanee in February on Meridian? or j...

Check out the Cedar River between Renton and Black Diamond. It's a C&R river with lots of easy access. You can also go fish the forks of the Snoqualmie river. There are other options all around you, but those are the ones I'm more familiar with. Like Tom mentioned, go seek out a fly shop and they ca...

Looks like a beautiful day!

Try posting this same question on the NWFR Facebook page....I wouldn't be surprised if you get some suggestions from local fishermen. I don't know much about those lakes, but imagine they're similar to ours and hold trout. To start, either PowerBait on a sliding hook rig off the bottom (cast and let...

I've never heard of the Newport Vessels brand. Minn Kota has a strong reputation. I have a 40 lbs thrust MK for my 12' aluminum that I bought used. The only thing I've replaced is the shear pin for the prop (broken when I got it) and it's been a strong performer ever since. Seems like Motor Guide an...