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North Shore Charters is offering winter Salmon fishing charters for winter Chinook (Kings) known here as Blackmouth Salmon.
Blackmouth is a term used mainly in Washington State for the maturing Chinook salmon returning to there native rivers. The term is in reference to their black gums, they are also known as winter springs.
Here in the San Juan Islands is about the best Blackmouth fishing in Washington State.
The Blackmouth can reach sizes up to 25 lbs but most common are in the 10 lb range. They are very strong and aggressive fish so even a small one will give you plenty of pole bending excitement. The Season started on December 1st and will run until April 30 each angler is allowed 2 fish per day. All wild (non hatchery) fish will be released. Licenses are available online at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/ or at your closest sporting good store such as Kings Market on San Juan Island or Eastsound Sporting Goods on Orcas. License fees start at 10.18 for a single day resident or 17.82 for non resident and go up from there.
CLICK HERE FOR RATES AND BOOKING
Fishing is great almost all year around in the San Juan Islands. The types of fish most likely to be caught are Salmon, Halibut, Ling Cod, Cabezon, Green Ling, Various Rock Cod, and the occasional Black Sea Bass.
Salmon and halibut are of course the most popular of the fish we target
Salmon are in season almost all year around. Starting with the winter Chinook Salmon or Blackmouth. Also know as Springs in Canada. Blackmouth Salmon are juvenile Chinook returning to there native rivers. Next in the spring to mid summer are the King Salmon which are adult Chinook coming home to spawn. Mid to late summer on even years such as 2010 bring us the Sockeye (my favorite) odd years we get the Pink Salmon or Humpback Salmon locally know as the Humpies. By far the most excitement you'll ever have Salmon fishing. The last couple of years have brought us record breaking Sockey and Humpback Salmon runs. Millions of Salmon eagerly returning to their native spawning grounds. Then finally in the fall come the Coho Salmon or Silver Salmon that take us to a short break before the Blackmouth Salmon show up once again.
Halibut fishing in the San Juan Islands opens on May 01 and usually runs through june 15th and is limited to Thursday through Saturday, It is a very limited season so we try to hit the Halibut fishing as hard as we can. There is nothing better than hooking a monster Halibut you can eat on all winter. We also offer halibut fishing in Canadian waters which is open nearly all year around. You will need a valid passport as we check through customs. When Halibut fishing we anchor off the many shoals and banks in the BC waters to give us the best opportunity at success.
All of our charter fishing tours are exclusive and customized to fit your needs. Prices are for the boat with skipper and gear, and there is room for up to 6 people in one group.
Travel time
Since we are already out in the islands it doesn't take much travel time before we're fishing - Never more that 30 minutes. In the San Juan Islands the most common methods of fishing are - drift fishing, mooching, casting, or bottom jigging, depending on what fish we'll be targeting.
What you'll need...
Dress warm and layered. It's usually 10 degrees cooler on the water than on shore. Some snacks are a good idea, whether your hungry or not, it's fishing and snacking is part of the program.
We carry water and limited snacks on board.
BOX LUNCHES can be provided with advance notice.
DON'T FORGET THE CAMERA.
Bait and tackle...
All bait and tackle is provided.
We use all top of the line Okuma and Shakespeare gear, and are suited for any type of fish you may find in the san jaun's
We use frozen bait usually Herring or Anchovies, and a variety artificial lures. If you have an old betty that works for you, bring it along.
Dungeness Crab usualy opens in July and runs through mid Sept. and is always limited to Wed - Saturday. Please mention at the time of booking if your interested in dropping a pot or two while your out fishing.
Trip Cancellation...
We try to make your charter fishing experience as memorable and exciting as possible. We will not take trips out if, in the Captains opinion, the water is too rough to enjoy fishing and may cause him to become sea sick, usually due to high winds.
Rain, on the other hand, is not generally grounds for canceling anything in the Pacific Northwest, except sun bathing.
For Seasons and Regulations please click the link below.
Washington State Fish & Game regs
Hourly charter rate for custom or private trips is 175.00 per hour up to 6 passengers
220.00 per hour 6- 10 passengers
Licenses and Permits:
Youth 15 and under are not required to have a fishing license however for Halibut, Salmon or Dunginess Crab they will need a catch record card.
Advance Fishing/crabbing permits are available online at,
Washington State Fishing License online
This is the fastest and cheapest way to get them a few clicks print and your done. Just make sure you specify the correct day(s) you will be fishing.
Otherwise they are available at the following places but keep in mind you will pay a convienience fee.
On Orcas Island at Eastsound Sporting Goods, and at West Beach Resort. or on San Juan Island at kings in Friday Harbor, and at the general store in Roche. fishing licenses are available on Lopez Island at IMC Fishermans Bay and at the Lakedale Store.
If you forget or would rather just wait we can take care of it when you arrive, it just takes time away from the fishing tour.
Under no expeption will anyone not in possesion of a valid Washington State Saltwater fishing permi be allowed to fish.
If you would like more info or are ready to book
Email marty@sanjuancruises.net or call
CALL - 360 376 4855
"Give a man a fish and he has food for a day;
Teach him how to fish and you can get rid of him for the entire weekend."
~Zenna Schaffer
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