fishing the north jetty illwaco

[uey89]

My family and I are taking a vacation to the beach and I was wondering about the fishing off the jetty. Were going in mid Aug.Any help would be appreciated

[Pitch Pocket]

Herring under a bobber and hold on!

[TWB]

uey89,

I might be able to help you a little on this one.

It depends a little on what fish you are targeting(Salmon or Bottom Fish?)

At the time you are planning to be there both species could be available, however bottom fishing is usually better in the Spring during spawning time. Your timing will be close on Salmon, you can usually expect Chinook to be entering the river about the 15th of Aug., followed in a couple of weeks by the Coho. Coho is better fished off the jetty.

Pitch Pocket is right, bobber and herring or anchovy for Salmon. Most any bait shop around there can show you how to rig and give you a report.

Salmon are best fished on an incoming tide, as the flooding water brings the bait fish into the river followed, hopefully by the Salmon.

Bottom fish are better fished on the high and low slack water periods. Cast plastic worms, shads, or spoons out and work them back up the jetty rocks with a jigging motion. Fish lay in the holes in the rocks and come out to get your offering. You will snag fishing up the rocks, don't set hard and give it a shake to free most snags. Most of the time you will be snagged on weeds which will pull free. Use cheap heavy spoons, 4" to 6", as there can be a lot of current here.

Its hit or miss this time of year, but can be very good if it's happening.

Have fun on your vacation, :grin:

Jerry

[ 07-16-2003, 11:30 PM: Message edited by: TWB ]

[uey89]

hey thanks for the tips this salt water fishing is going to be a kick. Sure wold like to get a chromer on and hold on for dear life. My Dad and I are talking about going out on a boat for a day also any suggestions? thanks

[tramp]

Mid August is perfect. Check the tides incoming/slack is best. Herring bobber rig. Lots of silvers, nook if your lucky. Ling may take the herring near the rocks. "Let the fishin' begin" (shakerfish)

Be careful.

[PeterMac]

That sounds like a lot of fun...

PeterMac

[Zippy]

Just be sure to pay attention to the special regs. surrounding Bouy 10 and the "fish conservation zone" in place now.

[TWB]

For a boat trip, check out ifish/guides/charter/tackle. These folks are ifish sponsors.

For an ocean trip which would be salmon or possibly tuna, I would start checking with Tackle Time or Warrenton Deep Sea in Warrenton OR. Both are quality operations.

For river salmon fishing (bouy 10 to Astoria) you couldn't go wrong with David Johnson or Len Self.

There are many guides and charter offices in the area including Hammond,Astoria OR, and Illwaco WA. This would be a good place to start.

Also, keep your eye on the main board. There will be many ifishers down there in Aug. and some times there will be some open seats.

Zippy could be right, the north jetty is in the conservation zone. They always used to let you fish salmon off of the jetty only. Check the WA Regs on this one or call a bait shop down there.

Lots of fish, boats and fishermen. Crazy fishing and a lot of fun! :smile:

Have a good time,
Jerry

[ 07-17-2003, 05:46 PM: Message edited by: TWB ]