by Bob Johansen, September 24, 2008
CHUM SALMON FISHING AT THE HOOD CANAL HATCHERY
With all the bad news northwest salmon anglers have had to endure these past few years, it's nice to know there are still a few opportunities to get your "string stretched' by powerful fall salmon returning on their spawning missions.
One of the favorite fall salmon fisheries, the Hoodsport chum salmon fishery, will be open as usual. Sure, it's kind of a "Mad House" at times with anglers almost shoulder to shoulder and everybody hooking salmon -- But, as far as entertainment goes, you'll have to admit, there's never a dull moment.
The Hoodsport hatchery zone, in saltwater catch zone #12 is scheduled to be open from Oct. 16th, 2008 through Dec. 31st 2008. The run of Chum usually hits its peak about the middle of November.
As the chum or "dog salmon" start migrating up numerous Western Washington rivers, huge numbers of "salty dogs" are also gathering in front of the Hood Canal Salmon Hatchery. Tens of thousands of fish mill around in schools, often splashing and visibly churning the shallow waters, waiting for a chance to enter the hatchery holding ponds.
Fisherpersons by the dozens gather on the beach, in front of the hatchery, trying to hook the salmon before they reach the "safe zone" marked by yellow buoys. Men, women and children of all ages line up at the briny waters edge casting their enticements trying to tempt the powerful chum salmon to bite.
The anglers vary widely in fishing expertise. Some are skilled fly fishermen. Others are knowledgeable steelheaders and some are raw beginners. Almost everyone hooks salmon. Sometimes the fish are so thick, it is almost impossible to cast among them without illegally "snagging" one. To be legally caught, the fish must be hooked in the mouth. Snagged fish must be released.
As with any large group of anglers, the fishing gear in quite varied. Some trout fishermen show up with their light spinning outfits and get broken off a lot. A few salmon anglers arrive with heavy gear that is difficult to cast but does the job when a fish is hooked. My favorite chum gear, like many others, is a medium-heavy steelhead rod with a casting reel filled with quality line of 14 to 17 pound test.
The most popular terminal gear is an old steelhead standby -- the corky and yarn. Many different colors are used, but the most popular and productive is fluorescent chartreuse or green. Pink and orange are also productive colors -- And, be sure to remember that only barbless hooks are allowed for saltwater salmon angling.
Weights or sinkers also vary in size and type. And again, the most popular is a steelhead standby -- the surgical tubing with pencil lead. The popular slinkies and other weights are also used, The sandy bottom, although covered with small rocks and lots of oyster shells, is quite forgiving. Bottom hangups claim very little gear. The oyster shells are quite sharp however, so it's a good idea to check your line often for nicks and scrapes.
Fly fishing is another popular way to fish for Hoodsport chums. I don't know the names of the flies the anglers were using but most were fairly large and green with a little orange or glitter added. When there are not a lot of anglers on the beach, fly casters have plenty of back casting room. As the crowds gather, some fly fishermen take to deeper water in chest waders or even cast off in "belly boats."
What ever type of gear you use, it should be strong. The seven to ten pound fish are not too hard to handle but when you hook up with a 15 to 20 pounder, they can be a real challenge to control -- especially when fishing in a crowd.
The chum salmon, often called "dog salmon" fights like a junk yard dog when hooked. You can see proof of their power in the hatchery holding ponds. Many of the larger salmon can be seen with various terminal tackle still trailing from different parts of their anatomy. Some beached salmon provide their captors with extra hooks, corkys and even an occasional hunk of lead.
By the time the chum salmon reach the Hood Canal Hatchery, they are starting to lose their silver coloration and their beauty. Even in salt water, with sea lice still attached, they take on their spawning colors of mottled greens, blacks, reds and purples -- and their hook nosed jaws fill with sharp, canine like teeth. Although short on beauty, I've yet to hear any angler accuse the dog salmon of being short on tough.
I've also never heard any knowledgeable angler say the chum salmon would compare favorable with the sockeye, king or coho as table fare. They are however, quite good when smoked or even barbecued, if they are properly cared for. Immediately upon being caught and stunned with a sharp rap to the top of the head, they should be bled by slashing the gills. They should then be cleaned and placed in a cooler of fresh ice.
Buck chum, the males, have firmer flesh and, in my opinion, provide the better table fare. Some anglers like to keep the hens (female fish) for their roe. If the eggs are still solid, they can make excellent steelhead bait when properly cured.
There is a vast difference in the size of the fishing beach in front of the hatchery from high tide to low tide. The incoming tide shrinks the beach but it also brings in the fish. Most anglers wear hip boots or chest waders. Other anglers fish from boats just off shore from the hatchery.
The Hood Canal Salmon Hatchery is located at the northern edge of the town of
Hoodsport. Beach access is through the hatchery only. The beach just south and north of the hatchery is private property and is posted "No Trespassing."
Fishing gear, food, gas, ice and motels are available in Hoodsport. Camping facilities are available nearby.
By: Bob Johansen - 2008