San Juan islands in August-What fish for

Blue Water 23 · 02-03-2003, 08:29 AM

I will be camping on Lopez island in the Puget Sound the second week of August. What is there to do there then. Are the salmon in then? silvers? chinook? How is the crabbing then? HOw about bottom fishing? I haven't been up there since I was 12 so I don't remember what time of year everything happens up there. Do they rig for salmon like you do on the coast here?

Sensei-san · 02-03-2003, 09:18 AM

You might get a good suntan. Are these the islands off Costa Rica??? Just kidding.... You are talking about the Pig War Islands I presume. From what I understand, the local pronounciation of Lopez Island is LOPES, in what a jogger does to cool down.

If I remember correctly there is salmon fishing there. But it is a timing thing. The schools in the Straights go back to different watersheds at various times and the tides are very fickle. Best talk to a native and they aren't very talkative. Don't ever say that you are from further south than Anacortes or Island County.

Mooching was developed in the Puget Sound and the Straights. The preferred method there is still mooching. It can also be used with great success to catch rockfish.

[ 02-03-2003, 10:21 AM: Message edited by: Sensei-san ]

Mark Mc · 02-03-2003, 10:35 AM

Take a look at this site; I think you'll find your answers:

salmon university website

- Mark

Popeye · 02-03-2003, 10:39 AM

I have had really good luck crabbing in Aug. Fisherman's Bay is a good spot

Pitch Pocket · 02-03-2003, 02:19 PM

Although the Salmon U guys say they will have info up for the San Juans in a few weeks, it's been saying that since they put up the site. He was kind enough to give me some high points for salmon fishing if you've got the boat to get there.

He mentioned Hein Bank, Haro strait from Pile Point to Kellet Bluff (you can troll for about 9 miles!), and the NW side of Orcas. I'm sure there are others. Spoons, hootchies and flashers were recommended.

We were up last year at the end of July and didn't see much happening on salmon. A few reports of fish, but didn't see much effort. We trolled for many hours with no results. Crabs were spotty and shrimping was so-so. They discourage bottom fishing in the obvious areas because it has been overfished. We located a few rock fish in areas other than those. Lings are closed that time of year too.

I think the best bet is to plan on hunting a needle in a haystack (it's a big area), or hire a guide for a day to see what he's doing. If you've got the range, you can get a Canadian license and head over to Race Rocks and try for some summer halibut.

That said, we'll be back in July this year. Nothing better than sunny days in the San Juans. Whale watching and sightseeing is a fine reason for visiting the islands.

Orca · 02-04-2003, 06:02 AM

As Pitch Pocket said, the bottom fishing is very restrictive. Check the Washington regs, and you will see that lings and some rockfish have a very short and/or restrictive season.

corkyking · 02-04-2003, 11:13 PM

I went to HS on Orcas and lived on Shaw early 60's.

It was lovely then - not so good now.

Go where they ain't - same old story - old indian saying "too many whites"

August should be mostly bottom fishing but this year should be a Pink year no? Pinks should be in the neighborhood in Aug. around Deception Pass, Bush Pt and other areas.

Fshklr · 02-13-2003, 10:14 AM

Yes the nookers are in at that time. head to Eagle Bluff..(Northwest side of orcas Island) It is a popular spot so be ready for the numbers. Once there locate a troll line 100' depth of water. also I have used the Dart Stingers that resemble Candlefish for jigging. ( has a red eye ) in 2 1/2 " model and jig with them...Be ready for anything as these also tease Halibut, Lings, And several varieties of keepers.
Troll Setup.
bead chain swivel, with 12" 30lb mono to large hotspot emerald green w/prismtape body to another 12" leader and chain swivel to 24" of mono to a #3 Pt. Defiance Green Spoon. This is a Hot ticket in the san juans, Place set-up 12' behind cannon ball and clip...Maintain downrigger line at a constant 45 Degree angle to the water...This Is a hot Ticket. Post back how ya did if you used this info..You'll be happy I'm sure

Also try..Hein Bank, Middle Bank, Smith Island, Eastern Bank, And Blakely Island is a bottom fish haven. Be sure to check regs..It's been some time since I've been there

Tight lines

Liquid Asset · 02-13-2003, 06:30 PM

Hey Blue...

You might be in for some salmon. There is a sporting goods store in Friday Harbor, Dukes....ask for Andy he usually helps us out well. One of the local guides is Buffalo Works, they're pretty good.

Check the 800 Crab Hotline and make sure (Area 7???) is open first. No need to haul the pots if it's closed! It happened to us last summer!
Bottomfishing is slim pickens....basically one fish per day. There are some wishy-washy rules on greenling.

Make sure you hit Rosario for Sunday Brunch!!!!Yum!

Liquid

Blue Water 23 · 02-18-2003, 10:08 AM

Thanks a lot guys. How about silvers at that time? Does anybody troll diver, flasher, hoochie set-up there? I didn't know the chinook are in at that time, all I heard about was silvers. A guy told me they are thick up there in early-mid August. Is that true? How far is Orcas from Lopes? Thanks a lot guys.