5 Hour AM Salmon Fishing Trip - Edmonds, WA
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour morning salmon charter targeting Chinook and Coho speciesAll experience levels welcome with handson guidance provided throughout30foot Duckworth vessel accommodates up to 4 guests comfortably
Captain Dan's morning salmon charter from Edmonds Marina is quickly becoming the go-to choice for anglers wanting to land Chinook and Coho salmon in Puget Sound. This 5-hour fishing trip gets you on the water early when the bite is hot and the conditions are prime. Starting from the well-protected Edmonds Marina, you'll be targeting some of Washington's most prized salmon species in waters that Captain Dan knows like the back of his hand. The early departure means calmer seas, active fish, and plenty of time to work the productive zones where salmon cruise through on their feeding patterns. With all gear provided and room for up to 4 anglers, this trip takes the guesswork out of salmon fishing so you can focus on what matters – getting your line tight and bringing home dinner.
Your morning starts at Edmonds Marina, where Captain Dan will have his 30-foot Duckworth ready to roll. This boat was built for Washington's waters – stable enough to handle whatever Puget Sound throws at you, but comfortable enough that you'll actually enjoy the ride out to the fishing grounds. The early start isn't just about beating the crowds; it's about hitting the water when salmon are most active and the morning bite is on fire. Captain Dan reads the water like a book, using his knowledge of local tide movements, bait schools, and salmon migration patterns to put you where the fish are feeding. The trip accommodates up to 4 guests in the base rate, which means plenty of room to move around and work your lines without bumping elbows. Whether you're a seasoned salmon angler or picking up a rod for the first time, Captain Dan provides hands-on guidance that'll have you fishing like a local by the end of the morning. The inshore waters around Edmonds offer protection from big swells while still giving you access to the salmon highways where Chinook and Coho travel during their seasonal runs.
This charter runs on proven trolling techniques that consistently produce salmon in Puget Sound waters. Captain Dan comes equipped with all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle you'll need, including downriggers that get your baits and lures down to where the salmon are cruising. The boat carries a selection of proven producers – from herring strips and anchovies to spoons and plugs that have been putting salmon in the boat for decades. Downrigger fishing might seem complicated at first, but Captain Dan breaks it down so even first-timers can understand how to work the gear effectively. You'll learn to read the fish finder, adjust your depth based on what the sonar is showing, and recognize the subtle differences in how Chinook and Coho typically strike. The boat's electronics include GPS and fish finders that help locate bait schools and structure where salmon like to hang out. Trolling speeds are constantly adjusted based on water temperature, current, and fish activity, giving you the best shot at hooking up with both species during the same trip. All rods are rigged and ready when you arrive, so there's no time wasted tying knots or figuring out tackle combinations.
The Chinook salmon you'll target here are the real prize – these fish average 15-25 pounds but can push well into the 30-pound range during peak season. Chinook are known for their hard initial run and sustained fight that'll test your technique and endurance. They typically hold deeper in the water column and prefer larger baits, which is why Captain Dan adjusts his trolling setup specifically when targeting these bruisers. The best Chinook action usually happens from late spring through early fall, with fish moving through Edmonds waters as they follow bait schools and prepare for their spawning runs. What makes Chinook so special isn't just their size – it's the quality of the meat. These salmon have rich, fatty flesh that's perfect for grilling, smoking, or preparing as sashimi. Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the trip. These acrobatic fighters are famous for their jumping ability and aggressive strikes that'll get your heart racing. Coho typically run 6-12 pounds and are incredibly aggressive feeders, often hitting lures with explosive strikes that leave no doubt you've got a fish on. They tend to cruise in the upper part of the water column and are more willing to chase fast-moving lures than their Chinook cousins. The Coho runs in Puget Sound typically peak from mid-summer through fall, and these fish are known for their excellent table fare and willingness to cooperate with anglers of all skill levels.
Captain Dan's approach to salmon fishing combines local knowledge with genuine teaching that helps every angler on board improve their skills and confidence. The 5-hour format gives you enough time to work different areas, adjust techniques based on conditions, and really get a feel for how salmon fishing works in Puget Sound. Starting early means you're fishing during prime time when salmon are actively feeding, and the calmer morning conditions make for a more comfortable experience overall. The Edmonds location offers easy access to productive salmon waters without the long run times you'd face from other ports, which means more time with lines in the water and less time burning fuel. Regulars appreciate that Captain Dan shares his knowledge freely – explaining why certain lures work better in specific conditions, how to read the electronics, and what signs to look for that indicate salmon activity. The boat's setup allows everyone to fish comfortably, and the gear provided is quality tackle that gives you the best chance at success. Many guests end up booking multiple trips throughout the salmon season because the fishing stays productive and each trip offers something different based on what's happening with the fish and weather patterns.
This top-rated morning salmon charter from Edmonds Marina delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – productive fishing, expert guidance, and a genuine shot at landing both Chinook and Coho salmon during
Step aboard this rock-solid 30-foot Duckworth aluminum hull that cuts through Puget Sound's morning waters with authority. Twin Yamaha 350HP engines deliver the power to reach prime salmon spots quickly, while the stable platform keeps you comfortable during long fights with feisty Chinook and Coho. The wireless trolling motor lets Captain Dan position quietly over productive areas without spooking fish below. Built specifically for these Pacific Northwest waters, this boat handles Edmonds' conditions with confidence. The fish finder pinpoints salmon schools while GPS and radar keep you safely on course. An onboard refrigerator and icebox ensure your catch stays fresh and drinks stay cold throughout the 5-hour trip. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work lines without tangling, whether you're battling a chrome-bright Coho or wrestling a hefty King salmon to the net.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Puget Sound, running 15-30 pounds with some real bruisers pushing even bigger. These silver-sided fish with black-spotted backs hang deep in 60-150 feet of water, especially around underwater structure and drop-offs. They're light-sensitive, so early morning trips like ours hit them when they're most active. Kings fight hard and steady - not as acrobatic as coho, but they'll test your drag with powerful runs. The meat is rich and buttery, making them prized table fare. In our local waters, I like to run fresh herring or anchovies near the bottom on downriggers. Pro tip: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook hard - let the fish load up and pull steady instead.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure adrenaline on a rod. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and love to jump - sometimes clearing the water by 6 feet when hooked. Coho cruise the upper water column, typically 20-80 feet down, and they're aggressive feeders that'll chase lures with attitude. They're active throughout our morning trips, especially when baitfish are moving with the tide. What makes coho special is their wild fighting style - they'll run, jump, and shake their heads trying to throw the hook. The bright orange-red meat is fantastic eating too. Around Edmonds, I target them with bright spoons and cut-plug herring, varying the depth until we find the bite. Local tip: when a coho jumps, bow your rod toward the fish to keep tension without breaking them off.
Edmonds, WA