Hunting Washington Forum

Other Activities => Fishing => Topic started by: Thenewguy on August 17, 2017, 02:41:22 PM

Title: Orcas Island
Post by: Thenewguy on August 17, 2017, 02:41:22 PM: Hey guys, I am heading to Oregon/Washington with the boat for salmon and crabs. I will be around for two weeks or so, staying in Rockaway (fishing the nehlaem and tillamook bay) then heading to Woodinville and Orcas Island. I think I am pretty good fishing in Oregon and from Woodinville. I am not sure where/how to fish from Orcas. I thought about taking my boat across, but decided against it (18.6 crestliner). Do any of you know a good Orcas Island guide or have room? I have gas/bait money if someone will be out that way.

Thanks for the help- tight lines!
Title: Re: Orcas Island
Post by: jamesfromseattle on August 17, 2017, 03:01:22 PM: Unfortunately my boat is out of commission for the summer (again), but I fish around Orcas very regularly. I am fully in support of people not taking their boat on trips that they're uncomfortable with so don't let me talk you into doing something dangerous, but I think you've got plenty of boat to fish up there as long as you keep an eye on the weather.

Running from the Washington Park marina up to anywhere on Orcas is normally a pretty easy trip. You could also tow your boat on the ferry if you wanted--it costs a few bucks but if definitely cheaper than a guide. In my experience the San Juans can be very good fishing, but can also be slow enough that even the most experienced boats get skunked. That being said, it is a wonderful part of the world to screw around in a boat. I always prefer to fish by myself in my own boat up there because if its slow you can just call it early. If you're in your own boat, you'll also be able to explore at your own pace, go to other islands for lunch (or a homemade doughnut at the Blakely Island marina), etc.

It's no secret that the hot spot for salmon up there is the west side of San Juan. There are some other honey holes that occasionally produce, but from August through the end of the year, most people fish out there and for good reason.
Title: Re: Orcas Island
Post by: Thenewguy on August 17, 2017, 03:42:21 PM: Quote from: jamesfromseattle on August 17, 2017, 03:01:22 PM
Unfortunately my boat is out of commission for the summer (again), but I fish around Orcas very regularly. I am fully in support of people not taking their boat on trips that they're uncomfortable with so don't let me talk you into doing something dangerous, but I think you've got plenty of boat to fish up there as long as you keep an eye on the weather.

Running from the Washington Park marina up to anywhere on Orcas is normally a pretty easy trip. You could also tow your boat on the ferry if you wanted--it costs a few bucks but if definitely cheaper than a guide. In my experience the San Juans can be very good fishing, but can also be slow enough that even the most experienced boats get skunked. That being said, it is a wonderful part of the world to screw around in a boat. I always prefer to fish by myself in my own boat up there because if its slow you can just call it early. If you're in your own boat, you'll also be able to explore at your own pace, go to other islands for lunch (or a homemade doughnut at the Blakely Island marina), etc.

It's no secret that the hot spot for salmon up there is the west side of San Juan. There are some other honey holes that occasionally produce, but from August through the end of the year, most people fish out there and for good reason.

We are there for 3 days, i thought about dragging it on the ferry but decided it might be cost prohibitive. I think I am 50-60 feet long

Vehicle Length-Based
Vehicle Under 30' Under 7'2 in.      $83.10
Vehicle Under 30' Over 7'2 in.      $165.95
Vehicle Under 40'      $222.05
Vehicle Under 50'      $278.20
Vehicle Under 60'      $334.30
Vehicle Under 70'      $390.45
Vehicle Under 80'      $446.55
Cost per foot over 80'      $5.60
Title: Re: Orcas Island
Post by: jamesfromseattle on August 17, 2017, 04:15:49 PM: Yeah, that's a little steep for a short trip. Unfortunately I don't know anything about the charters up there. I see them out there all the time, but have no experience with them so can't say which ones are good or bad. Maybe someone else will chime in with a recommendation.

Totally unrelated to fishing, but I'd strongly recommend that you stop by Brown Bear Baking and grab a croissant or three.
Title: Re: Orcas Island
Post by: WAcoueshunter on August 17, 2017, 09:42:41 PM: Where are you staying on Orcas? Most of Orcas is doable from WA Park in an 18 footer. Just watch the wind and weather. I'm headed up that way in the am, launching at Cornet Bay at Deception Pass.
Title: Re: Orcas Island
Post by: Thenewguy on August 18, 2017, 05:40:25 AM: We are heading up on the 27th for 3 nights. I think the south side of the island but I am trying to confirm. It's a trip with the in laws