Northwest Fishing Reports

Want to try it. Made up some bush point specials and heading out this weekend. Has anyone ever fished ala spit for steelhead? I know its a good bank spot for pinks and coho. Figure to intercept some steelies heading for the skagit

I have heard about this at Bush Point and Fort Casey. I'm just up the road from Ft. Casey or Ala Spit, I think I need to try too. What is the Bush Point special if you don't mind me asking? Some guys have some good luck at Ala Spit for Pinks and Cohos (I never have). I think I will have to try Fort Casey out soon, I seem to have better luck fishing there (at least for pinks and coho).

Its basically a two hook mooching rig. You slide down a bead, then a hoochie, then a bead, spin and glo, maybe another bead and spin n glo. Saw it on another site. Fort casey is a great spot just trying to branch out. I figure all those skagit fish probably come through deception instead of going all the way around the island.

In regards to the Bush Point part... what size hooks do you use. I'm swear I'm going to go fishing for Steelhead at Bush point one of these years.... and I hope it is this year.

Did a bing search and found a few things to check out.

http://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/sports/22159854.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.steelheader.net/steelhead/sa ... elhead.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Bush Point,Lagoon Point,And Fort Casey are the top spots for saltwater steel.I start at Bush. If the sealions are hanging out I go to Lagoon point just north of there then Casey.I cast the hoochie /spin n glo combo.

One important thing to remember on your retrieve slide your hooch up on the bank those steel will hit it close to shore!!

bassplayer17 wrote:One important thing to remember on your retrieve slide your hooch up on the bank those steel will hit it close to shore!!

Very important. I have had Steels hit in under a foot of water.

Fort Casey is my "go-to" Spot for those chrome salt-water rockets! Just about every fish coming back into the sound crosses that gravel bar.

As far as gear, The hoochie/spin glow is a great combo. But I have got them with sand shrimp under a float. Ripping back INtruders on the fly rod, and casting plugs- which usually will pick off any black mouth in the area.

They hang out in the shores tidal area. Youll see them in the breakers hitting shore. Good Point.

Thanks guys, waether looks good. May give it a try we have family in oak Harbor so I can drop the wife and kids in for a visit....and I'll go fishing

Steelheadin360 wrote:

bassplayer17 wrote:One important thing to remember on your retrieve slide your hooch up on the bank those steel will hit it close to shore!!

Very important. I have had Steels hit in under a foot of water.

Fort Casey is my "go-to" Spot for those chrome salt-water rockets! Just about every fish coming back into the sound crosses that gravel bar.

As far as gear, The hoochie/spin glow is a great combo. But I have got them with sand shrimp under a float. Ripping back INtruders on the fly rod, and casting plugs- which usually will pick off any black mouth in the area.

I must concur! Very close. I watch them working the bait fish, right on shore in front of our place on Camano. No more than 5 to 6 feet out. They push the little fish right on the beach. I would have to say, don't even wade out. One of these days, I'll have my gear in hand when I see them workin it. You see them hit it and work the little fishes and gone in about 2 to 3 minutes. If a guy were to walk down the beach he might spot them again, they seem to move pretty darn fast.

Thanks for the 2 links. I too have heard they hit really close but I was told to use way less than 1 oz because of how close they hit.... so he whom has no Steelhead experience is confused. And I was also told don't bother with waders but maybe have boots unless you like getting your shoes wet.

I have always wanted to try this. What tide do you guys usually hit? or is it just on any tide change?

Norm wrote:I have always wanted to try this. What tide do you guys usually hit? or is it just on any tide change?

Don't know from first hand experience but I read to be there at high tide and fish the outgoing.

One more thing is when they hit close and you get a fish on loosen your drag. When they take off they go..I fish with a looser drag then tighten when I bring them in.

fishindude wrote:

Norm wrote:I have always wanted to try this. What tide do you guys usually hit? or is it just on any tide change?

Don't know from first hand experience but I read to be there at high tide and fish the outgoing.

Regardless of the tide, I see them at just sun up and a little on either side of dusk.

I pretty much only hear of people fishing for them on whidbey. Can you catch them anywhere else in the salt?

Hey Spoonman, how did it go?

Hi I figured this would be a good place to ask since this is a pretty recent topic. I plan on fishing either high tide or low tide with a float and pink maribou jig in the hoquiam river, its saltwater, I dont know if that makes a difference. I have been told they are right near the bottom so I am gonna have a pretty big leader on there, but I think I am gonna lose a bunch of jigs.....

Am I doing anything wrong? I will post feedback on how it goes.

kingroobes wrote:I pretty much only hear of people fishing for them on whidbey. Can you catch them anywhere else in the salt?

checking through old wdfw creel reports sekiu accounts for a few in the summer. an occasional one comes in at pt. defiance.