Seattle Salmon Fishing: Early Bird Gets the Fish
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Morning salmon charter targeting Chinook, Coho, and Pink speciesClimatecontrolled 28foot Tollycraft with premium trolling equipment providedExpert guidance available for all experience levels aboard
If you're serious about salmon fishing in the Pacific Northwest, you know the early morning bite is where the magic happens. Our 5:00 AM departure from Seattle puts you right in the heart of Puget Sound's most productive waters when the salmon are actively feeding. This four-hour charter targets the big three - Chinook, Coho, and Pink salmon - during peak season from June through October. You'll fish from our 28-foot Tollycraft with all the comforts you need for a productive morning on the water, including an enclosed cabin when the weather gets choppy and climate control to keep you comfortable.
We launch before sunrise to beat the weekend boat traffic and position ourselves over the most productive salmon runs. The morning hours are prime time for these fish - they're actively hunting baitfish like herring and anchovies in the cooler water temperatures. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, from the drop-offs near Vashon Island to the kelp beds where salmon ambush their prey. You'll spend most of your time trolling with downriggers, covering water efficiently while keeping your gear in the strike zone. The 28-foot Tollycraft gives us the stability to fish comfortably even when the Sound gets a bit bouncy, and the enclosed cabin means you can warm up between fish. We've got top-tier electronics including fish finders and GPS to locate schools and mark productive spots for future trips.
Salmon fishing on Puget Sound is all about presenting the right lure at the right depth. We primarily use downrigger trolling with a mix of spoons, plugs, and cut-plug herring depending on what the fish are hitting. The downriggers let us control our depth precisely - sometimes the salmon are hugging bottom at 80 feet, other days they're suspended at 40 feet chasing bait. We'll typically run four lines with different setups to cover various depths and speeds until we dial in the pattern. Our tackle box is stocked with local favorites like Silver Horde spoons, Tomic plugs, and fresh herring that we'll cut and rig on the spot. The beauty of this fishery is that you don't need to be an expert - the fish will tell us what they want through our electronics and strike patterns. We provide all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, plus we'll handle the net and coaching so you can focus on fighting the fish.
Chinook salmon are the crown jewel of Puget Sound fishing, and these kings don't mess around when they hit your line. These bruisers typically run 15-30 pounds in our local waters, with the occasional monster pushing 40 pounds during peak season in July and August. They're aggressive predators that love structure and current breaks, which is why we target areas where the tide pushes baitfish against underwater ledges and points. What makes Chinook special is their fighting ability - they'll make long runs, shake their heads violently, and test every knot in your tackle. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for the grill or smoker.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the table with their acrobatic fights and willingness to hit lures. These silver bullets typically weigh 8-15 pounds and are known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. They're more surface-oriented than Chinook, often found in the top 50 feet of water chasing schools of herring. Coho are particularly active during tide changes when baitfish get pushed around, making them easier to locate with our electronics. Their meat is leaner than Chinook but incredibly versatile for cooking, and they're often the most cooperative fish for first-time salmon anglers.
Pink salmon show up in huge numbers during odd-numbered years, creating some of the most fast-paced fishing you'll find anywhere. These smaller salmon, typically 3-5 pounds, make up for their size with sheer numbers and aggressive strikes. When the pinks are running thick in late summer, it's not uncommon to hook multiple fish per pass through a school. They're perfect for anglers who want consistent action and are excellent table fare when prepared fresh. The best part about pink salmon fishing is the visual excitement - you can often see them rolling and jumping on the surface, which gets everyone's adrenaline pumping.
Seattle's salmon fishing scene is competitive, and the early morning slots fill up fast during peak season. This four-hour charter gives you the best shot at hooking into quality fish while still getting you back to shore by mid-morning. Whether you're a local angler looking to dial in new techniques or a visitor wanting to experience world-class salmon fishing, this trip delivers consistent results with professional guidance. We handle all the technical stuff - from reading the electronics to adjusting your gear - so you can focus on the fight and the fun. Fishing licenses are available on board, and our USCG-licensed captain ensures a safe trip every time. Don't wait until salmon season is in full swing to book your spot - the best fishing happens before everyone else figures out where the fish are.
This fully restored 1976 28-foot Tollycraft Sportfishing boat is your ticket to prime salmon waters around Puget Sound. Built for serious fishing, she's powered by a robust 357HP Mercruiser that'll get you to the hot spots fast, cruising up to 35 knots when conditions call for it. The enclosed cabin keeps you comfortable during those early Seattle mornings, while the flybridge gives you elevated views to spot diving birds and feeding activity. She's loaded with fishing essentials - radar and GPS for navigation, plus a fish finder to locate those deep holding salmon. The wireless trolling motor lets you work structure quietly without spooking fish. Below deck, you'll find a bed for longer trips, a private head, and both an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. With space for up to 6 anglers, this classic sportfisher delivers the smooth, stable platform you need for battling Puget Sound's legendary Chinook and Coho salmon.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the prize of Puget Sound – these silver-sided giants with black-spotted backs can hit 20-30 pounds out here, though most run 12-15 pounds. They're nicknamed "King" for good reason. You'll find them hugging the bottom in 60-200 feet since they avoid bright light, which is why our early morning trips work so well. Peak season runs July through September when they're feeding heavily on herring and squid. What guests love most is the powerful, deep fight – no jumping around like other salmon, just pure bulldogging strength. The rich, orange meat is top-shelf eating too. Pro tip: when trolling, keep your gear tight to the bottom and use a bit more weight than you think – they won't come up for your bait.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho, or "silvers," are the acrobats of the salmon world. They'll jump 6 feet out of the water when hooked, making every fight a show. Most run 8-12 pounds with bright silver sides and dark blue-green backs. Unlike kings, they cruise mid-water around 30-80 feet and aren't afraid of sunlight. August through October is money time when they're staging near river mouths. What makes cohos special is that aerial display – they'll jump, twist, and put on a real performance before coming to the boat. The bright orange meat is fantastic eating too. These fish are aggressive, so don't be afraid to work your lure with some action. A twitching spoon or spinner often triggers strikes when straight trolling doesn't produce. Keep your drag loose – they'll test it on that first jump.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon are the smallest of our Pacific salmon, usually running 3-5 pounds, but they make up for size with sheer numbers during odd-numbered years. You'll spot them by the distinctive hump on their backs and large black spots on their tails. They prefer staying in the top 50 feet of water and love cold temperatures. Late summer into early fall is prime time when they're schooling up thick. Guests enjoy them because they're scrappy little fighters and perfect for beginners – plus they're great on the table with that light pink meat. The cool thing about pinks is their predictable two-year cycle, so when they're here, they're really here. My go-to trick is using bright pink jigs or hoochies and adding a touch of herring oil for extra attraction.
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