Winter fishing King County

Question
I just recently moved to King County from Louisiana and I have found that fishing is a lot different. Since winter is coming and I have only fished a couple of times (four trout and 25 smallmouth bass) on nightcrawlers, I would like to know where and how to catch some other varieties of fish. I have a small boat with a small (25hp) motor and I know nothing of river or lake fishing. I fished Bayous. Can you direct me on when and how to take some yankee fish? I do have a fishfinder. Thanks, Don

Answer
Oh my, King County huh? There are more fishing opportunities than I can list in a lifetime up there.

I typed "king county fishing" into a google search and came up with so much info I couldn't read it all.

Here are a few things that I can tell you about the area. Lake Washington boasts one of the neatest fisheries in the northwest. On years when the sockeye salmon return in numbers large enough to allow a fishing to open, the game dept will open the lake to fishing for a few days. This short, 2 or 3 day fishery can be very fun. You'll find information about it at any local sporting goods store.

Most of the rivers that feed the sound also produce large salmon fisheries in the fall. bank fishing these is very popular.

Blackmouth (Chinook) salmon fishing in the sound is also popular. Most days your boat will be just fine, but pay attention to the weather, and keep track of where you are at, the conditions can change rapidly and make things dangerous fast.

The best way to learn a new fishery is to hire a guide for a day. Any guide will be happy to teach you and show you everything you need to know to be able to fish yourself. I don't personally guide King county, but you'll find the best guides by calling a sporting goods store and asking for references. Guided trips cost only a little more than the gas and expenses of going yourself, but there is no faster way to learn a fishery.

I strongly suggest calling a guide who fishes the sound, or lake Washington, and asking for some help, they will be glad to help!