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Other Activities => Fishing => Topic started by: D-Rock425 on July 05, 2022, 10:11:39 AM


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Title: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: D-Rock425 on July 05, 2022, 10:11:39 AM
Who's gearing up for this years run?  I was wondering because I've never fished up there does anyone target them from the back with any success?  I've never heard of anyone trying.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: 3nails on July 05, 2022, 10:15:20 AM
 Yeah super fun easy fishery. Hopefully numbers increase drastically this week or the opener will suck.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: Oldguy on July 05, 2022, 10:56:20 AM
Ii have never heard of anyone haveing success fishing from the bank. Not that it wouldn't be possible, but the odds are terrible when compared to fishing from a boat. You would be limited on depth to fish and the sockeye could be deeper than where you are on a given day.  The spot you are fishing could be a complete waste of time. Try to find someone with a boat that is willing to take you and split fuel costs. Hope it works out to enjoy a great fishery.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: pianoman9701 on July 05, 2022, 11:36:57 AM
Some of the very best sockeye - 26-28% fat. Good luck.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: D-Rock425 on July 05, 2022, 12:17:27 PM
Ii have never heard of anyone haveing success fishing from the bank. Not that it wouldn't be possible, but the odds are terrible when compared to fishing from a boat. You would be limited on depth to fish and the sockeye could be deeper than where you are on a given day.  The spot you are fishing could be a complete waste of time. Try to find someone with a boat that is willing to take you and split fuel costs. Hope it works out to enjoy a great fishery.
I'm not even going to try was just wondering if it was something people tried.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: J.Brower on July 06, 2022, 10:41:03 AM
Sounds like you should have bought a boat


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Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: D-Rock425 on July 06, 2022, 10:46:48 AM
Sounds like you should have bought a boat


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you should've sold the car and kept the boat.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: JJB11B on July 06, 2022, 11:21:44 AM
Who's gearing up for this years run?  I was wondering because I've never fished up there does anyone target them from the back with any success?  I've never heard of anyone trying.
IDK about Baker Lake, but I do know that a lot of people are having great success plunking for them in the Columbia river....not sure about whatever inlet/outlet baker lake has but may be an option
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: Stein on July 06, 2022, 11:25:38 AM
Skagit for sure from the bank, I agree the lake would be extremely low odds.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: J.Brower on July 06, 2022, 01:15:17 PM
Sounds like you should have bought a boat


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you should've sold the car and kept the boat.
I’m not the one wanting to go fish


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Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: D-Rock425 on July 06, 2022, 01:47:33 PM
Sounds like you should have bought a boat


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you should've sold the car and kept the boat.
I’m not the one wanting to go fish


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Sounds like you should have bought a boat


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you should've sold the car and kept the boat.
I’m not the one wanting to go fish


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I have a goat tag no time for stupid fish have scouting to do.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: Jake Dogfish on July 06, 2022, 03:48:05 PM
I think they would be tough from the bank on still water.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: J.Brower on July 06, 2022, 03:54:57 PM
I would think if you could find access on a steep bank you could catch them twitching jigs or a float/shrimp setup maybe. It would require a decent hike to get to the area I’m thinking


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Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: RB on July 06, 2022, 07:12:44 PM
Just a general question, would the PSE ramp be a good place to start to boat fish, or would Swift Creek be better? Gonna take an old timer up there for a day trip of fishing at the end of July, and can't decide where to launch. Looks like the PSE ramp has a bit more room to park, and the Swift Creek ramp is for the campground, as well as, day use. Tried once a couple years ago and launched out of Swift Creek, but had zero luck other than a bunch of downrigger pop offs that would not hook up.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: Stein on July 06, 2022, 07:47:34 PM
I think the fish tend to school up at the north end of the lake so I've always launched at Swift.  That said, I have never been in a great bite or seen others around me catching much more.  I've heard stories of easy limits but must have bad timing.  Few fish here and there, maybe had a double one time.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: BD1 on July 07, 2022, 02:51:03 PM
Not trying to thread jack but...I was planning on hiking in on the far side of the lake (cross the dam and then hike in) in some of the spots close to the water. Are most of these taken/used by fishermen during the week to boat camp or are most people doing day use or the campgrounds closer to the boat launch? Good luck those of you who are hitting the water. Tight lines to you!!!
Thanks
BD1
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: ChasingTurkeys on July 07, 2022, 04:58:20 PM
I will be up there next week fishing for sockeye
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: ironbuck on July 07, 2022, 05:43:04 PM
  With only one sockeye transferred to the lake I wouldnt plan on a trip just yet. When the numbers come in I will be back to get my share.  Those sockeye are so good and are generally bigger than any that come out of the Columbia systems
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: Oldguy on July 07, 2022, 06:54:29 PM
Not trying to thread jack but...I was planning on hiking in on the far side of the lake (cross the dam and then hike in) in some of the spots close to the water. Are most of these taken/used by fishermen during the week to boat camp or are most people doing day use or the campgrounds closer to the boat launch? Good luck those of you who are hitting the water. Tight lines to you!!!
Thanks
BD1

Usually the campground at Noisey Creek is full of fishermen for most of the season. I would suggest camping prior to that at Silver creek or sooner.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: h2ofowlr on July 07, 2022, 09:37:31 PM
Who's gearing up for this years run?  I was wondering because I've never fished up there does anyone target them from the back with any success?  I've never heard of anyone trying.

Bank fish the Skagit for Sockeye, but boat fish Baker for Sockeye.  Haven't seen anyone fish for them from shore and when the sun comes up they go deeper in the lake.  In the last few years I have seen an increase in kayak fisherman targeting them as the troll speed is perfect for those as you troll at .7 - 1.2 mph.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: 3nails on July 09, 2022, 09:45:00 PM
 I wonder if anyone tried catching that lone sockeye today  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: ironbuck on July 10, 2022, 07:36:53 AM
 Heck ya 3nails lets go for it, talk about bragging rights!  I caught the one and only beat that.  LoL
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on July 10, 2022, 07:47:11 AM
I wonder if anyone tried catching that lone sockeye today  :chuckle:
.
If I was closer, and had a boat, I would.
.
Be.kind of like elk hunting without a crowd.
 
.
You know there is one, your chance of success is small,  and your probably going to see an otter eating it...
.
But at  least you  had an opportunity.
.
Wdfw policy.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: h2ofowlr on July 10, 2022, 01:56:38 PM
They placed 374 fish in the lake yesterday unless posting is a day behind.  I am sure someone tried catching some.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: RB on July 10, 2022, 08:10:26 PM
They placed 374 fish in the lake yesterday unless posting is a day behind.  I am sure someone tried catching some.


Could somebody take a truck over to the Columbia and bring back a few thousand to drop in the lake, asking for a friend!  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: Tbar on July 10, 2022, 08:53:49 PM
The run is here.  The next few days will be big numbers at the trap.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on July 10, 2022, 08:55:05 PM
Go fishing!
They will close it as soon as it gets good.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: Mark Brenckle on July 10, 2022, 09:40:45 PM
I wonder if anyone tried catching that lone sockeye today  :chuckle:
.
If I was closer, and had a boat, I would.
.
Be.kind of like elk hunting without a crowd.
 
.
You know there is one, your chance of success is small,  and your probably going to see an otter eating it...
.
But at  least you  had an opportunity.
.
Wdfw policy.
  That's hilarious- should be on the cover of all WDFW publications!
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: ironbuck on July 11, 2022, 06:49:32 AM
  It will only get better now that the state shut down the river so the tribe can fish privately.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: 3nails on July 11, 2022, 09:56:58 AM
  It will only get better now that the state shut down the river so the tribe can fish privately.
  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: spin05 on July 11, 2022, 11:18:07 PM
  It will only get better now that the state shut down the river so the tribe can fish privately.

Its only closed for Monday/Tuesday. Rivers still open till Friday
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: RB on July 12, 2022, 09:37:34 AM
According to WDFW there were 1,100 put in the lake this weekend (7/9-7/10) and Zero on 7/11. Interested in how many brood stock they need since they have over 3,500 and another 1,000 plus for the "Beach"?
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: Stein on July 12, 2022, 09:49:21 AM
Last year was 8,500.  I think they might give some of the fish to the tribe as well?
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on July 12, 2022, 10:16:58 AM
Last year was 8,500.  I think they might give some of the fish to the tribe as well?
.
Pretty sure the ones that are working the collection site have more to say about what fish goes where....
.
Fact of life is that people that actually show up is the biggest challenge.
.
So, those that get to make decisions are the ones in attendance.
.
If the wdfw and "the tribe" are there, and zero sportsperson...
.
The fishery only survives if the fish are transported to the lake?
.
.
 :dunno:
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If there is no free access to the lake for upstream migration.
 .
 :dunno:
.
Then it is only due to the efforts of "the tribe" that there is a season.
.
The WDFW, and all of these "protection" groups should remove any obstacles to "natural reproduction" and increased hatchery numbers to enhance the run.
.
Not replace it.
.
Like they did in the beginning of hatchery production.
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It used to be about fish, now it's about jobs, and money to politicians, and tribes.
.
I see the tribes doing a better job than the politicians.
.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on July 12, 2022, 10:24:49 AM
They actually want fish and are not payed by taxpayers.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: ironbuck on July 12, 2022, 11:32:29 AM
Tribes don't care who pays as long as they don't have to pay.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: Stein on July 12, 2022, 11:48:51 AM
I believe the power company is the one doing the actual work since it's their dam blocking the way.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on July 12, 2022, 12:25:30 PM
I believe the power company is the one doing the actual work since it's their dam blocking the way.
They might be paying for it, but I guarantee they don't own the trucks used, or  any actual collection.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: Stein on July 12, 2022, 12:40:54 PM
PSE trucks are moving the fish at 8:37 on the video

Guys unloading truck have PSE hardhats on.  Guys netting the fish in the collector have PSE hardhats too.  Guys collecting eggs even have PSE hardhats.  They show some NOAA fisheries guys talking, didn't notice and obvious WDFW employees.

That's from 2015, might be different today.

Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: pianoman9701 on July 12, 2022, 01:05:55 PM
The recovery of the Baker sockeye is really an amazing story. They were down to under 100fish returning in the 80s. The Upper Skagit tribe, WDFW, and PSE worked together on the project. One of the things they did was add percolation piping under the sandy bottoms and increased the oxygen content of the water. Transportation of the fish from below the Skagit dams into Baker Lake had a huge effect. In the last couple of years, runs of estimated 50K+ have been recorded. The reefnet boats that the tribal members use in the Salish Sea outside the Skagit have smaller nets and the crew actually watch the salmon as they're collected in small batches. The cross-catch of other species (kings, coho) is very small and because the nets are brought in frequently have a survival rate of above 90%. I used to deal with Lummi Island Wild and we were fortunate to have a tribal elder speak with us about the recovery and its success.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: ironbuck on July 12, 2022, 02:35:05 PM
  Ok who's gonna fish it when enough fish are dumped in and how many is that? I am thinking I wouldn't bother until there is eight or ten thousand. 
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: salmosalar on July 12, 2022, 02:51:27 PM
The recovery of the Baker sockeye is really an amazing story. They were down to under 100fish returning in the 80s. The Upper Skagit tribe, WDFW, and PSE worked together on the project. One of the things they did was add percolation piping under the sandy bottoms and increased the oxygen content of the water. Transportation of the fish from below the Skagit dams into Baker Lake had a huge effect. In the last couple of years, runs of estimated 50K+ have been recorded. The reefnet boats that the tribal members use in the Salish Sea outside the Skagit have smaller nets and the crew actually watch the salmon as they're collected in small batches. The cross-catch of other species (kings, coho) is very small and because the nets are brought in frequently have a survival rate of above 90%. I used to deal with Lummi Island Wild and we were fortunate to have a tribal elder speak with us about the recovery and its success.

I am friends with one of the federal biologists who worked on the licensing that lead to the upgrades. it is an unmitigated success story. The sport fishery is fun even if you need to be up at 3am to do it right. The fish are excellent eating as well. Now, it would be even better if there was a way to turn those Baker River rainbows back into summer run steelhead but I doubt that will ever happen. I use electricity too so I understand why the dam is there. I just wish that it never was needed for my own selfish reasons.
Also, the tribes went along with a Skagit river steelhead management plan that allows for a C&R season when predicted run sizes are high enough. The main reason was that they needed the impacts in their spring king and sockeye fisheries. It is an very rare time when the tribes and the sporting public shared an interest.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: pianoman9701 on July 12, 2022, 02:53:15 PM
 :yeah: Without the tribe's participation, this level of success would be doubtful at best.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: Stein on July 12, 2022, 03:20:07 PM
We don't need the dam, we simply don't want to pay to replace the dirt cheap electricity it creates. 

You can't beat the scenery of that fishery, I almost don't care if I catch anything up there on a nice summer day with the volcano in the background.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: 3nails on July 12, 2022, 04:06:45 PM
  Ok who's gonna fish it when enough fish are dumped in and how many is that? I am thinking I wouldn't bother until there is eight or ten thousand.
It doesn't take half of that to be lights out.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: ironbuck on July 12, 2022, 05:29:31 PM
 I do think the early ones are better biters
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: h2ofowlr on July 14, 2022, 10:49:45 PM
  Ok who's gonna fish it when enough fish are dumped in and how many is that? I am thinking I wouldn't bother until there is eight or ten thousand.

2K will get me up to the lake and I can usually limit the boat.  :twocents:
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: RB on July 19, 2022, 09:21:00 AM
Gear question, this is what I have tied up, 14 inch leader, with Shrimp and oil, trolling really slow 1-2 MPH. Any other suggestions?? Figure drop down about 30 feet maybe deeper if it is really sunny?
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: hookr88 on July 19, 2022, 05:16:24 PM
You might want to stop by the little tackle shop in Concrete, he has some hoochies and some other tackle that works well.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: ironbuck on July 19, 2022, 05:27:23 PM
  I like shorter leaders 9 or 10 inchers.  My speed is .9 to 1.4 max 20 to 35 deep has been a limit taker for me in the past. Oh and I like pink micro hoochies. Wish I could make it up to fish Baker, but it's not gonna happen.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: h2ofowlr on July 19, 2022, 05:44:36 PM
Gear question, this is what I have tied up, 14 inch leader, with Shrimp and oil, trolling really slow 1-2 MPH. Any other suggestions?? Figure drop down about 30 feet maybe deeper if it is really sunny?

14' is longer than I run and 2 mph is to fast.  I usually keep my speed at .9 mph.  15'-20' max behind downrigger ball.  I was catching the fish at 43' today.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: RB on July 19, 2022, 06:58:59 PM
Awesome, I will shorten those leaders up and plan on going slow, and see about stopping in at Concrete, always like supporting tackle shops.

Thanks you guys!  :tup:
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: Stein on July 19, 2022, 07:54:56 PM
Yeah, slow is good.  I usually turn the idle down on my kicker until it will just stay running and take it out of gear if the wind is blowing you.  I can see the prop spinning, 0.7 - 0.9 mph is where I have done best.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: Oldguy on July 19, 2022, 08:05:59 PM
Another thing that has helped in the past is changing direction occaisionly. I think the fish follow your lure and get aggresive when it appears to try to get away from them. A fish finder is a big help finding schools and the depth they are at. I've caught sockeye at anywhere from 25' to 75'. Good luck to all you Baker Lake guys.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: jeffro on July 19, 2022, 08:51:00 PM
When I used to fish Lake Washington, the chrome dodger, double red hook 12” leader
Sometimes a tuft of pink yarn with shrimp oil
15-50 feet depending on sun angle
Constant limits
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: D-Rock425 on July 22, 2022, 07:18:27 AM
Heard the limit is being upped to 3 fish :dunno:
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: spin05 on July 25, 2022, 01:35:49 AM
Heard the limit is being upped to 3 fish :dunno:

yup on friday it went up.  Was up there saturday. it was tough fishing. Got 1 for 2 guys. only saw maybe 12 caught
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: Rodney107 on July 25, 2022, 11:38:59 AM
Was up there Friday  got 2  didn't know they bumped the limit. Went back up there sat picked up 6 by 830am.    Fishing .6 to 1.2 mph
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: h2ofowlr on July 25, 2022, 11:54:44 AM
Went 5 for 7 on sockeye.  We only fished until 9.  Wish I was catching the bigger sockeye like I used to in Baker.  The fish seemed a bit smaller than normal.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: Rodney107 on July 25, 2022, 12:06:29 PM
Yeah definitely  running on the smaller side this year
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: spin05 on July 26, 2022, 12:43:57 AM
Was up there Friday  got 2  didn't know they bumped the limit. Went back up there sat picked up 6 by 830am.    Fishing .6 to 1.2 mph

Dam you did alot better then anyone around us.  What part did ys fish ??
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: Rodney107 on July 26, 2022, 11:17:52 AM
Was fishing  the north side.   Blue and white driftboat
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: h2ofowlr on July 26, 2022, 11:37:42 AM
Ran up before work this morning.  We boated 4 and my boys knocked off 2 additional ones at the net and we lost an additional 3 behind the boat.  Not to bad of action for a quick trip.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: Rodney107 on July 26, 2022, 11:43:08 AM
Might have to run up there Friday
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: hookr88 on July 26, 2022, 12:41:53 PM
I'm headed up their Friday afternoon through Monday morning. Staying at the PSE campground. Might have an open seat. Let me know if you're interested.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: D-Rock425 on July 26, 2022, 02:20:31 PM
Sitting in a boat on a lake seems a lot better than the 20 miles I'm probably hiking looking for mountain goats.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: RB on July 27, 2022, 02:25:05 PM
Well shoot! Went up today and had gear in the water at 7:30, trolled till 10:30 and only had one solid take down. Had an issue early on with speed, could not get below 1.2, so grabbed a bucket and tied it off the starboard rear, and was able to get .9! Had a nice slow wag with the dodger, and was using Coon Stripe shrimp with oil. Only saw one net come out. Talked to a guy as he was pulling out and he had only gotten one in two days. On the plus side the weather was awesome, and we saw a young Bear on the way in!
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: Rodney107 on July 27, 2022, 03:13:04 PM
I'll be up there Friday morning.    Any on else going up
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: 3nails on July 27, 2022, 03:36:53 PM
 We are getting hosed at the trap lately.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: pickardjw on July 27, 2022, 04:37:23 PM
I've never been up to Baker lake. Looking at the FS pamphlet that lists the boat launches, it says they are "day use" and then give the amount of parking spots. Is the parking day use only?

For example, we camped on the island in Little Kachess last summer and had to park the truck and trailer off the FS road outside the launch/campground because the launch and parking was "day use only". Is that the same case at the Baker launches? Or is there overnight parking if we're not staying at the campgrounds that the launches are in? Don't mind doing it, just nice to know before hand.

Hoping to launch at the Swift launch and camp along the south shore there on the north part of the lake.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: Tbar on July 27, 2022, 05:03:52 PM
We are getting hosed at the trap lately.
There are plenty of fish being trucked up.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: 3nails on July 27, 2022, 05:15:34 PM
We are getting hosed at the trap lately.
There are plenty of fish being trucked up.
Zero the last 2 days and they are above escapement goals.
Title: Re: Baker lake sockeye?
Post by: Tbar on July 27, 2022, 05:52:12 PM
We are getting hosed at the trap lately.
There are plenty of fish being trucked up.
Zero the last 2 days and they are above escapement goals.
They'll truck again today.
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