Coastal Springers by David Johnson

In the NW, no salmon is prettier, fights harder or tastes better than a coastal spring Chinook. Sound like a bold statement? If you've caught one you will agree.

My client Shawn will agree. He has caught a lot of fish, and the coast springer he caught the other day with me impressed him. It hit like a freight train, practically jerking the rod out of his hand, ripped off line and jumped twice before it was slid into my waiting net.

These fish that are fresh out of the ocean taste so good you'd swear they had butter flowing through their veins.

And they also are a lot bigger than their Columbia and Willamette cousins. Most of the time twice as big. They not only get to spend several more months feeding in the ocean before returning but most of them return as four and five year olds.

The Trask, Wilson and Nestucca Rivers as well as Tillamook Bay host these trophy fish in May and June. There are not as many fish in these runs as the inland rivers but there isn't as much pressure either.

Trolling herring or spinners and bobber fishing in the estuaries and eggs or bait wrapped salmon plugs in the rivers will get the job done.

Don't expect to catch a lot. But do expect to be impressed with the ones you do.

David Johnson is a renowned Pacific Northwest fishing guide. To book a trip with Dave call 503-201-4292 or visit Dave at www.davidjohnsonfishing.com. Photos on Flickr