Southwest Washington State Salmon Fishing Tips

Introduction to Southwest Washington Salmon Fishing
Southwest Washington is known for the high quality salmon fishing that comes as a result of the Columbia River and its tributaries. There are many strategies that anglers can use to catch either the salmon or the trout that are abundant in this area, but as with most fish some strategies work better than others.  The best style of fishing is also gonig to be determined by what type of salmon you are fishing for, and whether you are right on the river, on a side stream, or fishing on a lake.  The good news is that when you are salmon fishing in southwest Washington, you have plenty of options as to location, style, and tactics.  Washington anglers therefore have many options open to them when it comes to quality salmon fishing.

Tip 1: Pick the Right Lures
One tip for salmon anglers in the southwest part of Washington is to try plug trolling. This strategy is used among many professional salmon anglers, and is especially effective early in the spring, shortly after ice break. Aside from plug trolling, spinners and spoons are traditionally some of the most effective lures for landing salmon. This goes for all five species that are found in the Columbia and its tributaries, in addition to cutthroat trout and other similar species. The right lures can depend heavily on whether you are river, lake, or ocean fishing for salmon in Washington state.  Adjust your fishing tactics accordingly, and don't be afraid to ask locals for the best overall techniques if you're not familiar with the area.  What works brilliantly in one part of the state may not work as well in another.  Even weather and time of year can also change the best lures to use in the same body of water.

Tip 2: Work an Area
In many areas in southwest Washington salmon are known to gather in certain areas in lakes and streams. Groups of salmon can be very particular, and spending time to figure out the exact lures, fishing methods, and colors that are most effective in landing the salmon. Since the most effective techniques can vary from one area to another even on the same body of water. Because of this, it's important for anglers to work one area filled with salmon to learn what combination of lure, time, and fishing strategies is going to result in the best catch.

Tip 3: Take a Guide's Advice
There are many professional guides in the southwest Washington area who can provide visitors with some of the best fishing spots in the area. Hiring a guide is an excellent way to increase your chances of success. Guides should not only know the best areas to fish, but also what strategies to use when fishing for them. Even experienced anglers can profit from hiring a guide for one or two days and getting to know the waters themselves before setting out on their own.  If you're not familiar with the area of southwest Washington you're fishing in, hiring a guide is never a bad call.