Happy New Year Winter Chinook Fishing

Blackmouth Fishing on New Year’s Day

Marine Area 10 opened for salmon fishing today, and going fishing with Evan and Chris was the perfect way to kick off 2019!

I met these two salty Ballardites at the Shilshole Marina, where Evan had his boat moored and ready to head out. I can’t explain what it is, but idling out past the breakwater before the sun rises over the Shilshole Bluff brings me satisfaction. As we motored out, we were greeted by large schools of herring breaking the surface with the ferocity of a spring hailstorm. The gulls noticed and seemed to be enjoying an early breakfast.

Puget Sound Fishing — The first sunrise of 2019.

Early Dawn at Shilshole Bay

We deployed the downriggers and made one pass in Shilshole Bay before first light would allow us to cross the Sound safely. We released a small one, then gave up on the Shilshole side as the bait had scattered and we were ready to head across. The wind was nonexistent and the water was glassy.

Evan shows off our first Puget Sound Blackmouth of the day.

Salmon Fishing at South Jeff Head

South Jeff Head is a severe slope that confronts the currents of an outgoing tide and concentrates the bait. Salmon find this area appealing, and so do us salmon fishermen. We started fishing just after the tide change. And although I usually opt to fish this area during an outgoing tide, sometimes the bite will be just as good on the incoming.

Strong Start to Blackmouth Season!

Fishing was exceptional. There were quite a few other boats working the southern contour lines of Jeff Head, and the catching was pretty evenly spread out among the fleet. We trolled around a flasher and spoon, as well as a 4″ Tomic Plug. Working the bottom 10′ of the water column in 120′ to 150′ was productive for us. We ended up releasing a number of little ones. Released a decent Wild Chinook, then caught three keepers in a row. The Chinook that we catch around here in early winter rarely win any prizes for their size. But we get back out on the water and have a chance to bring home some fresh salmon fillets. Here’s to hoping for a successful rest of the winter salmon fishing season!