Skagit County, Washington Area Report

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FRESHWATER
Baker Lake sockeye fishermen have been remarking that fishing has been the best before 7AM. Kevin (tackleshop employee) and Mike(our bait supplier) headed up yesterday and managed to land 5 nice sockeye by 8AM. Some days have been better than others but it is better to get up there during the week since the weekends have been pretty crowded. Kevin said they did best on chrome dodgers with a pink squid and a piece of a shrimp on the hook trolling slow. The fish count has been steadily increasing as they have still been trapping plenty of fish in the Baker River.

The Skagit has started off pretty well for this years early humpie season. The water has been running a little high and dirty but plunkers have managed to land quite a few nice bright fish in the normal locations. The Gardner Boat Launch has been a good bet for humpies. One customer just came in and said he landed two yesterday in an hour and saw a few others caught while he was there. Other areas that have been good for plunkers have been the Railroad Bridge and the Spud Bar. Don't forget that there are still sockeye coming through and they are legal to retain. A few fishermen have reported catching sockeye above Sedro Woolley using standard humpie plunking gear (Spin N Glo with a sandshrimp).

The Samish River is now open for chinook fishing. We haven't seen any fish coming in yet but they shouldn't be too far out.

SALTWATER
Marine Area 7 has started to put out humpies. A few fishermen have reported mixed bags out at Eagle Point on San Juan. One customer remarked that he trolled flasher/pink squid combos and managed to land nine pinks and two chinook with the largest weighing 26 pounds. The Samish chinook should start filtering through the islands. Good spots to intercept these fish are Secret Harbor or Indian Village. People troll and jig these areas. Jigging can be very productive in these spots.

West Beach on Widbey Island has started to see a few humpies passing by. Watch out for Deception Pass and West Beach to turn on as more and more fish start to show up. Casting Buzz Bombs or trolling flasher/pink squid combos can be very productive when big schools of fish show up.

Marine Area 7 crabbing was great by most accounts. Quite a few people have reported easy limits in all of the regular spots.

HUNTING
Bear hunting opened August 1 in most areas. Grouse and early goose season are only about a month away!

Anthon Steen
Holiday Sports Center
Burlington, Washington
(360) 757-4361