It’s wicked crowded but everyone is super chill about it.

Thursday and Friday will be good, Saturday will be busier.

Everyone was clustered by the mouth; we had luck on the north end of the hole, and along the southwest shoreline later in the morning.

Hopefully there are still fish left come 30 July wham I can make it up there.

Never been, any tips?

I was with a guide Sunday.
We started at 0430 and half the boat (2) tagged out by 1130. The other half was short one sockeye each. Total was 14 landed, including one hatchery chinook.

Started at 20’, went to 30’ around 1030 when it warmed up.

Seemed slow, and even the guide mentioned Saturday’s action was hotter.

It has not opened.

Opening will be announced here first:

https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/emergency-rules

Brands: Alumaweld, Gregor, Boice, and those previously mentioned.

Six people in the boat makes my recommendation at least 18’. 21’ if you don’t mind not being able to get into the skinny places on the river/into skinny rivers (think Satsop v Chehalis). IMVHO, width is better than length, so a wide 16’ might work, a wide 18’ is better than a narrow 21’.

I would get a tiller motor, as it opens up the boat so you can customize seating (2, 2, 2 to keep the center open for walking around for example). A kicker is recommended, but not necessary if you know your main is reliable. I would not put on an electric trolling motor.

Look for a boat with the deepest/tallest sides you can, especially with 5 kids. Tall sides make for safety and a good spot to put rod holders (horizontal) and spots for racks for tackle boxes.

Folding seats with under seat storage are nice.

Welded > Riveted.

Anchor off the front with a rope and release system to the back so you can lower and raise anchor from near anywhere on the boat.

Regard where to buy?
That’s a tough one.
There are a TON on FB marketplace that run the gamut from $$$$$ guide set ups to homemade junk.
There are several I’ve been eyeing in the $3000 to $10000 range, with the sweet spot around $6000-$8000.
Ask around at the local marine shops, see if they’ve any recommendations.

If you’re able, go out with at least one guide on the river, and pick their brains. Most will be happy to share tips, tricks, and dos and donts. Plus it’ll get you out on the water, on fish, and you’ll be able to see what you like, dislike about their set up.

I’ll know more Sunday morning when I’m out there.
Will update the forum accordingly!

Heard the fishing is as good as the crowds are big!

Coworker has tagged out everytime he’s gone.

Nice work!

Which barrier dam?

You said your gear was at 30’.
Using downrigger?
Does that put your downrigger depth at 60’ at the trolling speeds you mentioned?

I’m still learning this whole process.

Thank you.

Nice work!

Some days you tag out in an hour; some days you lose two full sets of terminal gear (flasher and all), get skunked, and the trim on the motor breaks (up, at least).

Area 11 is open for chinoook as well, can keep one hatchery.

A buddy of mine has tagged out on coho and chinook everyday he’s gone out trolling the Point Defiance area.

It’s pretty good right now.

Intended to make the trek north to the oil docks but the seas were a tad rough for a single guy in a 17’ GlasPly, so I stayed around Shilshoe.

Caught a nice, 24” coho on the retrieve of my 120’ deep silver&green spoon behind a purple Yakima Baits triangle flasher.

Two other boats tagged out, all fish caught at less than 50’ on anchovy and green cut plug lures.

Hopefully I’ll have luck again next Sunday.

I’ll be out to hunt them again next Sunday.

Salmon: Season opens in August/September. ‘23 regs haven’t posts yet.

There is a boat ramp under the first avenue bridge. Does not have a dock though. I put in at Don Armeni and motor in to the Duwamish from there.