Pacific Northwest fishing trip advise wanted: I have two weeks in July to take my camper and 17 foot boat fishing and or crabbing. If you lived in Blaine Washington, where would you go...

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

I have two weeks in July to take my camper and 17 foot boat fishing and or crabbing. If you lived in Blaine Washington, where would you go if you lived here. I am open to any ideas from the Oregon Coast to Montana. I will most likely go somewhere south to southwest and avoid the heat. I can fish the salt in nice weather or use the boat like a bass boat in freshwater.

My Klamath now has a remote electric trolling motor on the front

Jeremy Loc: America

bapabear wrote:

I have two weeks in July to take my camper and 17 foot boat fishing and or crabbing. If you lived in Blaine Washington, where would you go if you lived here. I am open to any ideas from the Oregon Coast to Montana. I will most likely go somewhere south to southwest and avoid the heat. I can fish the salt in nice weather or use the boat like a bass boat in freshwater.

Timothy Lake is a good place for big trout . Also crayfish. In July. If you’re wanting a charter in Salt Dockside Charters is good. About 100 plus 20 for crab even in summer we get crab on Central Coast. Depoe Bay and Newport Bay is where people launch but taking a boat that size out over the bars is not in my wheelhouse. 100 bux is way safer.

NJ219bands Loc: New Jersey

Nice 😊

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Jeremy wrote:

Timothy Lake is a good place for big trout . Also crayfish. In July. If you’re wanting a charter in Salt Dockside Charters is good. About 100 plus 20 for crab even in summer we get crab on Central Coast. Depoe Bay and Newport Bay is where people launch but taking a boat that size out over the bars is not in my wheelhouse. 100 bux is way safer.

Thanks. I am with you. I am not taking that boat over any bar. I also don't go if seas are predicted over 1 ft. and wind gusts are predicted over 12 MPH. That leaves lots of room for error. Safety first. Just an FYI: in Puget Sound I am always 10 minutes from a beachable beach. And never any big surf except in newsworthy storm. I also don't go out on large lakes if the wind is over 15 mph.

67Mustang Loc: Washington State

That time of year I would head to north Idaho. Priest Lake for lake trout, kokes and cutthroat and just the sheer beauty of it. Then over to Lake Pend Orielle for a shot at huge rainbows. It's not super hot yet at that time.

Iggy348 Loc: Republic, Washington

Your posting was a bit confusing for me. I understand you want to travel to Blane, WA but also travel south or southwest to avoid the heat in July? Those are hot months down in the Southern states. Any way, Blane is right next to Canadian waters, so watch your GPS to stay on the right side of the border. But south of there a short distance are Camano and Whidby Islands Both of those areas are pretty sheltered on ther eastern sides so your boat should be fine. I used to fish them in a 14 footer. The San Juans are between Blane and Whidby Island but those are further out in the big water. On a nice day, no problem. There is usually a big run of salmon coming through there in June, it could be over by July. There are always resident fish hanging around.

As far as fresh water, there are hundreds of lakes in the area. You did not mention what species you intend to target. You may want to sort that out before you go as different species usually require different sorts of gear. Hope you have a wonderful fishing trip and good luck while doing it.

How big is your boat? In Puget Sound things are sometimes a long way off, so most of us have big motors and lots of fuel. A run of an hour or two and forty gallons of gas is normal out here. Plan carefully. Also, I have no idea if you are or have been a salt water guy, but you might want to check the Coast Guard requirements to insure you have the required safety gear for your outing. The Coast Guard Power Squadron does free boat inspections for that very purpose. You can read about it here: https://www.americasboatingclub.org/index.php/scheduling-a-free-vessel-safety-check

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Iggy348 wrote:

Your posting was a bit confusing for me. I unders... (show quote)

It is clear you are confused. I live in Blaine and want to go somewhere else for a while just to get away without going east to melt in the summer heat. When I say south, I am talking south of Blaine to no further than Coo's bay, Oregon. There is a photo of my boat in the original post. I don't particularly care about fish species as long as the fishing is good enough to be interested without combat fishing or requiring athletic skill. I am in my 70's and my fishing partner is in his 80's. Last, you are right about my saltwater experience. I am a retired Alaska guide with a 100 ton ticket and owned my own saltwater charter business. I also taught sailing in Monterey California and Puget Sound. At any rate, thanks for the input.

Iggy348 Loc: Republic, Washington

I guess I was confused. I beg your pardon, I didn't mean to offend.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Iggy348 wrote:

I guess I was confused. I beg your pardon, I didn't mean to offend.

Confused again. Absolutely no offence taken. Really. I just wanted to clarify what I was asking. Have a great holiday season and thanks for the reply.

Edfisher Loc: Athens, WI and Sultan, WA

bapabear wrote:

Thanks. I am with you. I am not taking that boat over any bar. I also don't go if seas are predicted over 1 ft. and wind gusts are predicted over 12 MPH. That leaves lots of room for error. Safety first. Just an FYI: in Puget Sound I am always 10 minutes from a beachable beach. And never any big surf except in newsworthy storm. I also don't go out on large lakes if the wind is over 15 mph.

OK, well take any of my suggestions off the table.... However, crabbing, salmon, and bottomfish should be good in Westport. With a lot of trips out there in boats ranging from a 12' inflatable with a 15hp and downriggers and bigger, I only turned back from the bar once.

Jarheadfishnfool Loc: Woodlake/Tulare ,Ca.

bapabear wrote:

I have two weeks in July to take my camper and 17 foot boat fishing and or crabbing. If you lived in Blaine Washington, where would you go if you lived here. I am open to any ideas from the Oregon Coast to Montana. I will most likely go somewhere south to southwest and avoid the heat. I can fish the salt in nice weather or use the boat like a bass boat in freshwater.

Bapa if you do make it to Coos Bay ,my little Brother is there,,, Winchester Bay ,,You've mentioned it several times , it's still Beautiful and Crabbing will hopefully be decent ,,usually is , bottom bouncing the Umpqua for Coho ,or King salmon if running, Hope you have a Great time Sir wherever you go 🤙🙏

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Edfisher wrote:

OK, well take any of my suggestions off the table.... However, crabbing, salmon, and bottomfish should be good in Westport. With a lot of trips out there in boats ranging from a 12' inflatable with a 15hp and downriggers and bigger, I only turned back from the bar once.

Thanks.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Jarheadfishnfool wrote:

Bapa if you do make it to Coos Bay ,my little Brother is there,,, Winchester Bay ,,You've mentioned it several times , it's still Beautiful and Crabbing will hopefully be decent ,,usually is , bottom bouncing the Umpqua for Coho ,or King salmon if running, Hope you have a Great time Sir wherever you go 🤙🙏

Thanks. When I crabbed there at Winchester, it took two of us to pull the full pots over the side. 48 legal crabs in the first two pots. Dumped the other pots after more back strain. Life is tough. We were a few weeks early for the salmon. I would move there if it was not for wife and grandkids. It is a great place for fresh water, and salt water. I believe a big enough boat for halibut, lings and outside salmon would be in order. I have heard there is a great deal of duck hunting in that area as well.

fishinden Loc: Mt. Vernon WA

bapabear wrote:

I have two weeks in July to take my camper and 17 foot boat fishing and or crabbing. If you lived in Blaine Washington, where would you go if you lived here. I am open to any ideas from the Oregon Coast to Montana. I will most likely go somewhere south to southwest and avoid the heat. I can fish the salt in nice weather or use the boat like a bass boat in freshwater.

Area 7 usually opens for chinook salmon, in mid July, for 3 or 4 days. Fish around the San Juan islands, where you see other boats fishing, there will be lots of other boats around. Flasher and spoon off your downrigger. Watch the WDFW website for when it will be open.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

fishinden wrote:

Area 7 usually opens for chinook salmon, in mid July, for 3 or 4 days. Fish around the San Juan islands, where you see other boats fishing, there will be lots of other boats around. Flasher and spoon off your downrigger. Watch the WDFW website for when it will be open.

I enjoy that fishery, usually around Patos island. But I need to get far enough from home that I can clear my head of daily pressures. That usually takes about two weeks living in the camper. I am thinking maybe Port Townsend to Port Angles, but need to wait for the upcoming salmon dates. Thanks again.