Coho Salmon Fishing in Bellingham, WA

Coho build slowly through spring and early summer in Bellingham Bay, Samish Bay and the north Puget Sound, when resident feeder fish make up most of what you find. The run changes character in August as Fraser, Skagit and Nooksack-bound migrants stage in these waters. Late August through mid-September is the heart of it, with large schools holding in the bay before they push into the rivers. October drops off fast, and from December through April the saltwater fishery is effectively empty. Plan around June to October, and target the first half of September if you get to pick your dates.

Seven spots hold coho here. Alden Bank, Belle Rock, Hein Bank, Parker Reef, Partridge Bank, Point Lawrence and Thatcher Pass all give you structure and moving water to work.

Trolling is the main game. Run flashers with hoochies, trolling spoons or cut plug herring through the upper 30 to 60 feet around Bellingham Bay, Lummi Island and the San Juans. Drift mooching with whole or cut plug herring works the tide rips off Point Migley and Lummi Rocks. When bait balls up in the bay, cast and rip metal jigs through the surface-feeding schools. Fish the run of an ebb or flood at 0.6 knots or more and avoid dead slack. Go at first light or the last of the evening, in a wind wave under 5 feet and a tide swing of 5 to 10 feet.