28: San Juan Islands Coho Fishing Guide: Tides, Techniques & Fish Forecast 2025

In this episode of Fishing for a Reason, Scott and Jamie dive into the excitement of the late summer Coho (Silver Salmon) season. With an extended fishing window from August 1st to September 30th, they break down everything you need to know about targeting Coho and Pink Salmon in the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound. From gear tips and prime locations to fish behavior, species identification, and a hands-on rigging tutorial, this episode is packed with actionable insights for both beginner and seasoned anglers.

What Listeners Will Learn:

• How to identify Coho (Silvers) and distinguish them from other salmon species.
• Seasonal movements and peak times for Coho fishing in the San Juan Islands.
• Techniques and gear setups for targeting Coho and Pink Salmon.
• Rigging tutorial for tying a two-hook hoochie rig with Mylar inserts.
• Understanding current fish return forecasts for Puget Sound and Hood Canal.
• Shore fishing strategies
• Fishing hotspots like Deception Pass.
• How to interpret sonar and target different depths effectively.
• Best practices for landing acrobatic Coho and gear adjustments to increase landing success.
• Updates on the Resurrection Derby and how to get involved.

Resources & Links Referenced:

- SalmonScape Interactive Map
- Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Salmon ID Guide
- Resurrection Derby Tickets
- DeepZoom Marine Charts
- Anglers Unlimited Inner Circle Community: Email [email protected] with subject line “CATCH MORE FISH”