Skagit River questions

[rola76]

A buddy of mine and I are heading to the Skagit this weekend. This is new territory to me, and we're apparently being "guided" by another guy he fights fire with.

Anyone a veteran of this river or have some helpful info for us? :shrug:

I'll be running a sled, which sounds like it won't be a problem.

Thanks in advance!!

[Silver Hilton]

Should be a fish fest. The pinks are running strong, and the Silvers aren't far behind. We'll be fishing salt water rather than fresh, just south of there. My friend who lives on Camano island said that there are massive schools of fish off the mouth of the Skagit, and limits of silvers are common. That was a week ago, so some of those fish should be in the river.

One minor issue is that we haven't had any rain to raise the rivers and bring fish in. They seem to be coming in anyway, but I'll be hitting salt to get the freshest fish.

[rola76]

S.H. (or anyone else),

What gear is used? I heard small, pink hotshots, diver and spin-n-glos w/ bait, and small spinners. It sounds like pink is the color. Any suggestions and/or verifications?

[Silver Hilton]

That stuff, and small dick nites. Pinks are not known for being picky. Don't be afraid to try chrome, chartreuse and/or orange stuff, too. A shrimp tail also works.

[rola76]

Sounds good!! Thanks Silver Hilton.

[Green Machine]

Rola-

I live on the Skagit River. What day you coming up? I'll probably fish Saturday for sure. Last Saturday we caught 36 for 4 people. Sunday was better with 52 landed for three people. Average of 6 hours fishing per day. If you want to anchor up, use this.
1) A 10 " dropper with 2 ounce pyramid sinker on a barrel swivel, slide up mainline, add a bead, tie to another barrel swivel, then a three foot leader with a small pink spin & glow, two beads, and sand shrimp rigged backwards on a double hook set-up.
2) My favorite....Slowly drift down river under kicker power.....Use a 10" dropper with a 1/2 ounce tear drop sinker on a barrel swivel, add a bead, tie to another barrel swivel, four foot leader with a medium size pink Dick Nite. Cast at a 45 up river and let sink 3 seconds. SLOWLY retrieve and when the lure is even with you, BAM!!!, fish on!!

Nice fresh fish right now, averaging 3 to 4 pounds. River is low, but plenty boatable. It has been silty with the heat, but today looks a lot better. The tribes netted today, but plenty to go around. They do not net on weekends, so Sunday is usually better with two days rest.

Are you taking the Weldcraft?? No problem if you do.

For other I-fishers, better try it out!!! Willing biters and plenty for all. LOL

Green Machine

[rola76]

Thanks Green Machine!! The report is awesome!

I sent you a private message, so hopefully I'll see ya Saturday, and yes, I'll be in the Weldcraft.