The Lower Skagit has been producing a fair number of chum this last week, also finding a few big Coho as well. We also had a nice surprise last week and caught our first hatchery winter run steelhead of the season.

The Coho run has been a disappointment so far this season, but still have hopes of getting a good push of fish on the first high water. I talked to one of the guys that operate the fish trap at the Baker river yesterday. They have only been getting 3 to 5 fish per day the last couple of weeks. He also said the this summer's Sockeye run was 3 weeks late, but they did show up in good numbers in the end. Hopefully the Skagit Silvers are on the same time line.

There are a few Coho around, we are usually picking up 1 to 3 a day, and filling limiits with Chum. Spending a lot of time pulling Kwikfish lately, and throwing some jigs for Coho on occasion.

Also had a chance to do some fly fishing for cutthroat this last week on the lower Skagit, was nice to get away from the salmon for a day and what a blast these fish are on light gear. A 3 or 4 weight rod with a med sink fly line, 6 pound test tippet and either a cone head Woolly Bugger, or small streamer, seemed to work the best.

I still have a few dates available for fall salmon, and also booking winter Steelhead on the upper Skagit. 

Fish Species: Chum Slamon, Coho Salmon Cutthroat Trout
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Method Used: Back trolling plugs
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About The Author: Captain Wayne Ackerlund

Company: Ackerlund's Guide Service

Area Reporting: Washingtom

Bio: I'm Wayne Ackerlund and want to thank you for taking the time to learn a little about Ackerlund's. I was born in Snohomish Washington and have been fishing for Steelhead and Salmon for close to 30 years. I started guiding on the Skykomish in 1994, and since then have expanded my territory to most North Sound rivers as well as the world famous rivers on the Olympic Peninsula.

What surprised me that first year guiding, was how much I enjoyed seeing other people catch fish. This is especially true when it comes to having kids in the boat, or someone that hasn't ever experienced the thrill of river fishing for steelhead or salmon. Seeing a kid do their best to hold onto their pole (and his father hold them) while a native Steelhead or big Chinook goes screaming across the river, is (for me)the most enjoyable aspect of being a guide. I've also found that the most important quality a guide can have is the ability to not only consistently catch fish, but to also have exceptional customer service. Making sure my guests are as comfortable as possible, while providing professional service with quality equipment is just as important as knowing when and where to put the right lure or fly. I am commited to providing you with a memorable experience on the water and I can promise you, you won't find a harder working guide.

206-218-3362
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Wayne Ackerlund