Available Guide

Available Fishing Guide:
Website: Darrell & Dads Family Guide Service

Phone: (509) 687-0709

Quick Links

Samish Lake Report
Whatcom County, WA

Photos

Details

07/17/2016
66° - 70°
Trolling
Kokanee
Corn
Orange
Mostly Sunny
Dodger
Morning
07/18/2016
5
2771

JoAnn and I decided after the long drive last week to Montana to skip our overnight Baker Lake weekend. But the fishing bug was still biting me so on Sunday we took the dogs and drove up lake Samish for some kokanee action.

The launch was pretty empty for a nice Sunday. I’m guessing the onerous Whatcom County AIS taxation has reduced the angling numbers on this lake. That’s a shame, because the kokanee fishing continues to be really good.

We started trolling the main lake around 7:30am, running four rods, two deep downrigger lines and two mid-depth stackers using Mack’s DD dodgers. Deep rods with hoochie rigs, midline rods with thin blade spoon type set-ups. Bites started around 8am, not super-fast, but we ended up with three koks of 13” and a couple lost. Whining dogs indicated time for a bathroom break so we headed back to the launch and got that out of the way.

Dogs pottied, we went to the small lake and began our troll, same gear and plan. Within minutes we had a couple more fish, a bit smaller, 11-12” fish. Now with five in the boat we continued to work the area, and things again slowed down. Until around 10:45, when a good bite developed in the middle of the lake. Just like that, we had our ten fish limit, off the lake by 11:20. All fish averaged 11-13”, healthy and headed for the smoker.

Next year I think I’ll bite the bullet and cough up the annual pass for the AIS. Wait until they bring it to Baker Lake, ugh.


Comments

Hunter757
7/18/2016 12:51:00 PM
Mike, on our last trip to Baker lake WDFW had a road side stop set up checking all watercraft for AIS. They took a picture of the boat and motor area and I had to sign my life away. Painless and not to long of a wait but they are keeping a close eye on it. Also wanted to know the last two lakes I had visited and if we took it out of state. Nice job full limits are always great!!
Mike Carey
7/18/2016 8:31:00 PM
That's great and what they do in ID and MT. Our boat registration fee includes a fee for AIS. So when a county like whatcom starts their own plan and charges a steep fee it's not right. Sigh, I don't want it to ruin my experience, Samish is a great lake to fish.
samduke
7/20/2016 2:25:00 AM
For those of us who are un-informed,,,, what is the AIS ? What does the back of the boat have to do with it? THANKS !!!
samduke
7/20/2016 2:25:00 AM
For those of us who are un-informed,,,, what is the AIS ? What does the back of the boat have to do with it? THANKS !!!
DjButler
7/20/2016 5:25:00 AM
Hey Mike, nice catch! I didn't know the little lake held kokes. That's pretty cool. How deep is it back there?

SamDuke, it stands for Aquatic Invasive Species. They check the boat to make sure no critters from the lake get attached.
Leave a Comment:

Available Guide

Available Fishing Guide:
Website: Darrell & Dads Family Guide Service

Phone: (509) 687-0709