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Fishing around Seattle
AI field guide · refreshed weeklySeattle-Area Fishing: Early Fall Coho & Chinook Run
What's biting
Coho Salmon
Where: Puget Sound nearshore (Green River mouth, Duwamish estuary, Lake Union/Washington ship canal); river systems including Green, White, Cedar, Snoqualmie.
Peak early-fall run now through October. Fish 8–15 m (25–50 ft) depths in sound with spoons, spinners, or herring; in rivers, target pools and tailouts with drift-fished roe or small plugs. Mornings and overcast periods best.
Caution: Verify current season status and daily catch limits with WDFW before fishing.
Chinook Salmon
Where: Puget Sound main basin and river mouths (Green, White, Cedar, Snoqualmie, Skykomish); deeper channels 20–40 m (65–130 ft).
Fall run underway; larger fish (15–30 kg / 35–65 lbs) respond to heavy jigging, large spoons, or live herring at depth. River fishing productive in deeper pools; use heavy sinkers and patience.
Caution: Chinook regulations are restrictive; check WDFW for current retention rules and size requirements.
Cutthroat Trout
Where: Lowland lakes (Green Lake, Lake Union, Lake Washington) and small streams (Issaquah, Bear, Sammamish creeks).
Early fall is excellent; fish 2–5 m (6–16 ft) in lakes with small spinners, wet flies, or soft plastics. Streams: drift nymphs or small streamers in current breaks. Dawn and dusk most productive.
Caution: Verify lake-specific regulations; some waters have special rules. Catch-and-release encouraged in many areas.
Largemouth Bass
Where: Lowland lakes with weed beds (Green Lake, Lake Union, Lake Washington); backwater sloughs in river deltas.
September is prime; water still warm (17°C / 63°F). Fish shallow weed edges and structure with topwater plugs early morning, or soft plastics mid-day. Weedless rigs essential.
Caution: Confirm size and bag limits with WDFW; some lakes have special regulations.
Dolly Varden / Bull Trout
Where: Mountain streams and rivers (Snoqualmie, Skykomish, White River above lower dams); clear, cool tributaries.
Fall spawning run; fish small spinners, spoons, or streamers in deep pools and runs. Early morning best. Catch-and-release only in most waters.
Caution: Bull Trout are protected; verify species identification and check WDFW regulations before keeping any char. Possession of Bull Trout may be prohibited.
Best times
Early morning (dawn to 09:00) and late afternoon (16:00 onward) are most productive. Overcast days and light wind (like this week's forecast) favor active feeding. Avoid midday heat when possible.
Waters to try
- Green River (mouth and lower reaches), Duwamish River estuary, Green Lake, Lake Washington, Lake Union, Snoqualmie River (lower sections), White River (lower sections), Issaquah Creek, Sammamish River.
Regulations
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) sets all season dates, daily catch limits, size restrictions, and species-specific rules. Regulations vary by water and change seasonally. Check https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing before every trip. Saltwater and freshwater licenses required; separate endorsements may apply for specific species.
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife ↗The fishing note for Seattle, every week
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