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Top-Rated Salmon Fishing in Pacific Northwest
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Washington
- $450 price range
- Updated Date: September 26, 2025
Summary
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Salmon Strikes & Smiles
Blasted today with Coho Salmon and Bluefish using jigging and trolling techniques!
Nice Coho Salmon using jigging and trolling techniques in Montesano waters!
Nice Chinook salmon using jigging and trolling techniques in partly cloudy conditions.
Nice coho salmon using jigging and trolling techniques in partly cloudy conditions!
Blasted today with rainbow trout and coho salmon using jigging and trolling techniques!
Nice Coho Salmon using jigging and trolling in clearing afternoon conditions!
Nice Coho Salmon using jigging and trolling techniques in clearing afternoon conditions.
Blasted today with coho salmon using jigging and trolling techniques!
Blasted today with Coho Salmon and Bluefish using jigging and trolling techniques!
Nice Coho Salmon using jigging and trolling techniques in Montesano waters!
Nice Chinook salmon using jigging and trolling techniques in partly cloudy conditions.
Nice coho salmon using jigging and trolling techniques in partly cloudy conditions!
Blasted today with rainbow trout and coho salmon using jigging and trolling techniques!
Nice Coho Salmon using jigging and trolling in clearing afternoon conditions!
Nice Coho Salmon using jigging and trolling techniques in clearing afternoon conditions.
Blasted today with coho salmon using jigging and trolling techniques!
Blasted today with Coho Salmon and Bluefish using jigging and trolling techniques!
Nice Coho Salmon using jigging and trolling techniques in Montesano waters!
Nice Chinook salmon using jigging and trolling techniques in partly cloudy conditions.
Nice coho salmon using jigging and trolling techniques in partly cloudy conditions!
Full Day Salmon Fishing in Washington's Rivers
Get ready to hit the water for some of the best salmon fishing Washington has to offer! Our full-day trip takes you to prime spots where you'll have a shot at landing trophy-sized salmon and trout. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, our expert guides will make sure you have an awesome day on the river. We've got all the gear you need, so just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a lucky hat).
What to Expect on the Water
We'll kick things off bright and early, meeting at the launch site as the mist is still rising off the river. After a quick safety briefing and gear check, we'll hop in the boat and head to where the fish are biting. Our guides know these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a treat. We'll spend the day drifting through scenic canyons, casting into deep pools, and working the eddies where big salmon like to hang out. Expect to learn new techniques, hear some wild fish stories, and hopefully feel the rush of a hefty salmon on your line.
Rods, Reels, and River Knowhow
No need to stress about gear - we've got you covered with top-notch rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need. We primarily use drift fishing techniques, bouncing roe or yarn balls along the bottom where salmon like to hold. You might also try some back-bouncing or float fishing, depending on the conditions. Our guides will show you the ropes and help you perfect your cast. Just a heads up - wading isn't required, but waterproof boots can come in handy if you want to hop out and work a particularly juicy run.
What Anglers Are Saying
"Went out with Jim today for my first time ever, he was super patient and informative on every aspect, put us on good fishing holes, and was extremely knowledgeable... Definitely recommend him, and I will definitely be back out for steelhead" - Daniel
"Captain Jim was an absolute treasure to find! We did an 8 hour trip today. The weather was incredible. There were bald eagles going over head all day. The water is crystal clear and fun to watch the fish run. Jim is incredibly knowledgeable about the area and he told us all about Big Foot. Yall, this is the guide you're looking for. We chit chatted for 8 hours and I'd do it again tomorrow! Jim, we will be seeing you again for sure!" - Kimberly
"Excellent fishing trip for salmon, got 2 nice fish." - Jay
Species You'll Want to Hook
Rainbow Trout: These feisty fighters are a year-round favorite in Washington's rivers. Known for their acrobatic leaps and hard runs, rainbows typically range from 12-20 inches. They're most active in the cooler months, so fall and spring can be prime time. Anglers love targeting these beauties for their spirited fights and tasty fillets.
Coho Salmon: Also known as silvers, these salmon are prized for their aggressive strikes and tasty meat. They typically start running in late summer and peak in the fall. Cohos average 6-12 pounds but can get much bigger. They're known for their surface-oriented feeding, making them a blast on light tackle or fly gear.
Steelhead Trout: The legendary sea-run rainbow trout that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Winter and summer runs provide opportunities to tangle with these chrome missiles nearly year-round. Steelhead average 8-12 pounds but can push 20+. They're famous for their long, screaming runs and acrobatic fights that'll test both your gear and your skills.
Chinook Salmon: The king of Pacific salmon, chinooks are the heavyweights you dream about. Fall runs can produce fish over 40 pounds, though 15-30 pounders are more common. They're known for their power and stamina - hooking into one of these bruisers can be the fight of a lifetime. Peak season is typically late summer through fall.
Sockeye Salmon: While not as big as kings or cohos, what sockeyes lack in size they make up for in numbers and table quality. These 4-8 pound salmon run in huge schools, providing fast action when you find them. They're most abundant in mid to late summer. Anglers prize sockeye for their rich, red flesh - perfect for the grill or smoker.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to get in on the action? Our full-day trips book up fast, especially during peak salmon runs. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch or want to put some premium wild salmon in the freezer, we've got you covered. Our experienced guides will put you on fish and make sure you have a great day on the water, regardless of your skill level. So grab your fishing buddies (or make it a solo adventure), and let's get out there! The salmon are running, and the river is calling - book your trip now and get ready for some world-class fishing in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Customer Reviews
Jims Fishing Magic
Daniel Boger
September 28, 2024
Eagle Eye Adventure
Captain Jim was an absolute treasure to find! We did an 8 hour trip today. The weather was incredible. There were bald eagles going over head all day. The water is crystal clear and fun to watch the fish run. Jim is incredibly knowledgeable about the area and he told us all about Big Foot. Yall, this is the guide you're looking for. We chit chatted for 8 hours and I'd do it again tomorrow! Jim, we will be seeing you again for sure!
Kimberly F
September 16, 2025
Salmon Success
Excellent fishing trip for salmon, got 2 nice fish.
Jay Lukan
September 13, 2025
Laughs and Lines
Captain Jim was great, funny and informative
MICHAEL KUHN
September 19, 2025
Learn more about the species
Chinook Salmon
Chinook, or king salmon, are the heavyweight champs of Pacific salmon. These brutes average 10-50 pounds, with some topping 100. Look for them in larger rivers and coastal waters, often holding in deep pools and runs. Fall is prime time as they return to spawn, but some runs start as early as spring. Anglers target kings for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. When hooked, expect long, strong runs that'll test your gear and skills. Their rich, oil-packed meat is considered top-notch eating. To land a king, try trolling with herring or large plugs in deeper water. From shore, drift roe or throw large spoons and spinners. Here's a tip: kings often hug the bottom in strong current, so get your offering down deep. Don't be afraid to bounce it along the river bed.
Coho Salmon
Coho, or silver salmon, are hard-fighting fish that'll test your skills. They average 8-12 pounds but can push 30 in the right conditions. Look for them in rivers and streams connected to the ocean, especially in slower, deeper pools. Fall is prime time as they return to spawn. Cohos are known for their acrobatics - expect wild jumps and powerful runs when you hook one. Their bright orange-red meat is prized for its rich flavor. To target coho, try swinging brightly colored flies or spinners through likely holding water. Cover lots of ground and vary your retrieves. One trick that works well here: use scented lures or add some fish oil to your offering. Cohos have an excellent sense of smell and will often strike out of curiosity.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout are a favorite around here, usually running 12-24 inches and 2-8 pounds. You'll find them in cold, clear streams and rivers, often near riffles or deep pools. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are ideal. Anglers love 'bows for their acrobatic fights - these fish will leap clear out of the water when hooked. They're also beautiful, with distinctive pink stripes along their silvery sides. For eating, the meat is mild and delicate. To up your odds, try nymphing with small, natural-colored flies like pheasant tails or hare's ears. Drift them along the bottom where trout hang out. And here's a local tip: on bright days, fish the shadows. Rainbows often tuck into shaded lies to avoid detection.
Sockeye Salmon
Sockeye, or red salmon, are smaller than other Pacific salmon but make up for it with their feisty nature. They typically run 4-8 pounds and 18-24 inches. You'll find them in rivers connected to lakes, often schooling up in deeper runs. July through September is prime time as they return to spawn. Anglers love sockeye for their hard fights and deep red, oil-rich meat - it's considered the best eating of all salmon. These fish can be finicky, often ignoring larger lures. Try small, brightly colored flies or tiny spinners. A local trick: use a bare, red hook. Sockeye see red as a threat and will often strike out of aggression. Fish your offerings right in front of their faces, as they're not likely to move far to strike.
Steelhead Trout
Steelhead are sea-run rainbow trout, and they're some of the hardest-fighting fish you'll ever tangle with. These bruisers typically run 24-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, though 20-pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them in coastal rivers and streams, often holding in deep runs and pools. Fall through spring is prime time as they return from the ocean to spawn. Anglers prize steelhead for their powerful fights and long, blistering runs. They're also a challenge to catch, earning the nickname "fish of a thousand casts." For best results, try swinging flies or drifting bait through likely holds. Cover water thoroughly - steelhead can be spread out. Here's a local tip: focus on river bends and seams where currents converge. Steelhead often rest in these spots on their upstream journey.
About the Miller’s Sportfishing
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
Went out with Jim today for my first time ever, he was super patient and informative on every aspect, put us on good fishing holes, and was extremely knowledgeable... Definitely recommend him, and I will definitely be back out for steelhead