Fall rain clouds trapped against the western summits of the coast range mountains, translate to rivers on the rise. Once swollen, the rivers deliver imprinting scent seaward, through tidal influence into coastal bays and finally to the Pacific, notifying schools of Chinook to the beginning of their spawning journey.

As the freshets of rain deliver a spawning message, the fall signals fishermen in the northwest to trade short sleeves for a quad parka, and prepare rods and reels for the toughest battles they will ever encounter. The anticipation of angry fall Chinook fresh from the ocean, snapping rods over with such force that it may take two men to free the graphite and cork from the holder is what brings fishermen to northwest bays and rivers in droves.

From California to the Olympic Peninsula, bays and rivers fill up with schools of Chinook ranging from twenty to sixty pounds, offering some of the best sportfishing the world has to offer. Professional fishing guides along with the weekend angler pursue these table gems as they enter coastal bays in journey to their destine river. Opportunities to fish for the prize of the northwest commences in mid July and continues through November. Angling for Chinook begins near the jetties that provide safe passage to and from the pacific, within the bays themselves, through tidal reaches to the deep river pools on the westward slopes of the coast range.

Hooking up with a Chinook as they travel through bays and rivers requires a variety of techniques. Let’s examine the top techniques and where they’re employed with tips from northwest guides who pay their mortgages by hooking up Chinook for their clients.

Bay techniques
Up and down the Pacific Coast trolling is king. From the deep tidal rips where bays meet the Pacific to shallow flats at the mouths of feeding rivers, the technique of trolling is the major Chinook producer. Rick Klumph ODFW Tillamook basin fish biologist reports trolling an assortment of baits and lures has accounted for up to 7,000 fall Chinook alone during an eight week period on Oregon’s Tillamook Bay.

The mechanics of the trolling are relatively simple, but like all techniques attention to detail, translates to more fish in the boat. For example, professional guides may troll plug cut herring, spinners, or Kwikfish depending on the location within a bay supporting the most fish. Each of these top northwest Chinook baits is trolled, but yet slightly different regarding trolling speed and the hook set on the bite.

Gearing up
Whether one chooses to fish plug cut herring, spinners or Kwikfish, the preferred rods, reels and rigging are near the same. The recommended rod is a graphite one piece, in the 8-81/2 foot range with a magnum taper tip and heavy butt section. The rod of choice needs to be capable of handling big fish, yet supply the necessary emulating tip action required for all three baits. A large quality casting reel packed with 25-30 lb monofilament for mainline and clear leaders of 30-40 lb with a drag as smooth as silk is ideal.

Preferred rigging requires mainline attached to a three way swivel or wire spreader. From the swivel or spreader attach a 12 inch dropper line of 10 lb monofilament for spinners and Kwikfish. When trolling a plug cut herring use a 24 inch dropper to keep the herring out of crabs reach. Spinners and Kwikfish leaders should be 40-45 inches, while herring leaders should be 7-8’ or longer for optimum spin action. Connected all leaders to a bead chain at the swivel or spreader. The amount of lead used in trolling spinners and Kwikfish in most bays is 1.5 - 3 ounces. Pulling herring may require more lead dependent on rod placement within the boat.

Plug Cut Herring
The emulated wounded action of the plug cut herring at the graphite rod tip is suddenly interrupted by a peculiar twitch, the desire to set the hook is overwhelming, but you wait until line begins to leave the spool. Then with an upward lift the hook is set and the accustomed head shake of the Chinook is sent through stretched monofilament as the monster tries to exhale the mistaken breakfast. A plug cut herring dancing by a pack of Chinook can be so alluring that doubles with the technique are not unusual.

Success with the plug cut lies within the roll or spin of the herring as it is being trolled. Most herring fisherman are at constant odds when it comes to the spin vs roll, both are effective. A manufactured jig is used to cut the correct swim angle on the bait fish. Placement of the double hook mooching rig within the cut herring is where most anglers vary. The placement of the hooks determine the type of role or spin the herring will portray. In general, entrance of the monofilament leader along the plug cut’s lateral line will produce a circle roll, entrance nearer the back bone produces a spinning bait.

Rigging for a slow 2-3 foot circle roll from top to bottom is popular, but rigging the herring to spin on its axis much like a spinner is becoming the preferred technique. Rogue River Guide Mike Hoefer uses fine wire hooks and long leaders combined with an axis spin for more bites in the competitive Rouge Bay fishery. "The key to fishing plug cut herring besides hook placement, is the brining of the herring with a mixture of water, rock salt, ice, and Mrs. Stewart’s bluing. An overnight bath in the brine makes the herring tough, allowing it to last on the hook without ripping apart and loosing the desired spin, plus it adds extra flash" states the Rogue’s herring specialist.

Those first locations within the bays where Chinook gather are best bets for trolling the plug cut. The further up the bay the Chinook are followed by the fishermen, the less herring will be trolled. Generally, their is a transition point where spinners and herring will see equal time, then the hardware takes over as one gets further from the sea. There is no magical line where Chinook will quit taking herring, usually the line is drawn by the fisherman as aposed to the fish.

Separating plug cut from their plastic and metal competition is the manner in which Chinook bite herring. Once a fish starts licking the herring have some patience. Too often fishermen jerk at the first twitch and take the bait away from the fish. If the temptation to jerk is irresistible, place rods in holders. Keeping herring cool and fresh is key for success. Plug cut and brine your herring the night before and rig up on leaders prior to fishing. Store rigged baits in a small cooler within arms distance. Many fishermen add pure anise to the brine or inject the herring with many of the scents on the market prior to going over the boat.

Spinners
Perhaps nothing is more irresistible to a Chinook than being confronted by a gang of spinners. Irritated or interested Chinook take spinners well, as no matter which way the fish turns another spinner is within striking distance. The more spinners behind the boat the more effective they become. Big spinners are standard for big fish with blades such as the Cascade in sizes 6, 6.5 and 7 being the most popular. Chinook at times prefer smaller blades like the size 4, 5 and 6 Hildabrants and Bear Valleys. Most serious spinner fisherman build their own spinners, satisfying there own creativity in effort to find the correct size and color of blade in their favorite bay.

Choose a painted blade on cloudy days or when the water has color, switch to a flashy hammered brass or gold when the water has clarity and the sun is out. "If I had to rate the three top spinner blade colors it would be the green tip rainbow, lemon lime pearl top, and pearl with red tip", states Northwest Chinook guide Terry Mulkey. Fish your spinners off the bottom at least a foot, as the turbulent water along the bays sandy bottom is unpleasant grounds for Chinook. It most bays in the northwest, ten pulls with 1.5 ounces will put you in the fish zone. "Control the speed of your troll by watching the rod tips, a constant thumping rod tip is desired, much like the tip of a plug rod for steelhead", adds Mulkey, who is known for the designing of the Big Moby blades and his spinner proficiency on Chinook in Oregon’s bays and rivers.

Unlike fishing herring their is no wait and let them eat it rule. Detecting a spinner bite is usually obvious, but any time the pulsation of the spinner blade can not be felt set the hook. A fifty pound Chinook can be caressing your spinner and if your not in tune with the spinner blades pulsation, the slack bite will go unnoticed. Look for the flats within the bays or near river mouths to be effective spinner grounds. Small pockets or depressions that provide a holding place in the flats are ideal fish holding locations to cover with spinners. Working the front and back ends of deep holes with spinners will produce fish as well.

Kwikfish
Trolling large Kwikfish (Luhr Jensen) wrapped with a sardine fillet on the under belly has taken the northwest Chinook fisheries by storm since the late 1980’s. The large wobbling banana shaped plugs were the secret from the Sacramento River to a few top northwest guides for many years. The effectiveness of the lures is now known to the masses and accounts for the landing of many Chinook. "Over the last few years fisherman have learned how effective trolling these big plugs are for Chinook, making the technique number one in the northwest", says Buzz Ramsey member of the Fresh Water Hall of Fame and director of research and promotion for Luhr Jensen.

No other Chinook bite is more exciting then a Kwikfish bite. "Let the rod pump down at least three or four time before crossing the fishes eye’s", adds Ramsey. A premature jerk will pull the plug away from the fish, leaving you, not the fish, shaking in disappointment. Many believe the Chinook is trying to break the lures back before he actually inhales the plug.

These large side to side wobbling plugs are most effective when trolled as slow and deliberate as possible. Those same flats and indentations that work with spinners are also prime locations to troll the Kwikfish. Plunking the wobblers during the incoming tide in river mouths, channels and other fish moving locations can be equally effective, and can offer a break from the trolling crowds. Look for water with a depth of 10-16 feet or areas where fish are rolling. Avoid plunking in areas that may cause conflict with trollers.

Tides
Tides play a major role in bay and lower river fisheries. The best fishing periods during the day are the hours before and after changes of the high and low tide. Selecting days where the tide is low in early morning and on the flood throughout the lunch hour is ideal. Slack tides within bays, especially at the mouths of the feeding rivers can be outstanding, with numerous fish being taken in minutes. Then without cause the hysteria will cease and the sight of a long handled Beckman nets hauling fish aboard becomes occasional until the next tide change.

Trolling with the tide allows fishermen to cover more ground and in theory more fish, but many choose to troll against the tide at a snails pace or let the tide push them backwards so gear can be worked in a mooching fashion. This technique can be highly productive during peak run off in the bays deeper holes and pockets as the offering in constantly in the fishes face.

River Techniques
Once Chinook make their way upstream into the riffles and pools above tidal influence, a drift boat is often key to success. The craft provides access to abundant fish holding locations and allows anglers the ability to incorporate the most effective river technique for Chinook, back bouncing.

Backbouncing
Backbouncing from a drift boat is performed by lining up the boat above a Chinook holding location, lowering your bait to the bottom, and walking it down stream directly in the nose of any Chinook. The drift boat can either be anchored above the fish holding water or held stationary by the oarsman. The technique keeps the offering on the bottom in the fish zone. Once the rig is on the bottom, the rod tip is lifted and a little line is given, allowing the bait to walk downstream. The bait is then held stationary for a moment, then the process is repeated. Woody’s Scent designer Mark Yano, known by many in the northwest for his skills at back bouncing explains, "once the rod tip is raised, don’t lower it too fast, or contact with the lead will be lost as slack is created between the lead and rod tip". Fish thoroughly, adds Yano, "once through the hole make repeated passes a few feet in either direction until the water is completely covered".

Back bouncing is more effective than side drifting from the bank, as Chinook are lazy. A bait thumping them in the nose is more effective than one speeding by requiring a chase. The technique can employ many of the popular Chinook baits such as eggs and sandrimp combo’s, anchovies or plug cut herring.

Lures like the Kwikfish (Luhr Jensen) can be backbounced as well, and for many it has eliminated the need for curing salmon eggs. Chinook guide Jack Smith admits that the large wobblers have changed the river Chinook fishery in the northwest. "The average fisherman can now successfully catch fish without having good bait, in years past if you did not have good eggs - well, you did not catch many fish". Smith adds, "the key to fishing the big wobblers for Chinook is to wrap their under belly with a fillet of sardine". The twenty year veteran recommends a 1/2" x 3" piece wrapped on the belly with clear thread giving the lure a presence Chinook can not refuse. Wraps should be replaced every 45 minutes to keep a fresh scent.

Rigging
Rigging up for battling Chinook in the river should be done with a mainline, dropper, and leader attached to a three way swivel. Braided mainline has found a home among many northwest guides in their Chinook river arsenal, especially back bouncing bait, where sensitivity to the slightest nibble is crucial. The extra strength gives fisherman the edge when doing battle with large fish in heavy river currents. Use clear monofilament leaders in 40 lb in lengths of 30-36 inches with bait rigs tied to a 4/0 hook with and egg loop.

Bobber Fishing
Beginning in tide water and reaching to the uppermost pools of the river, bobber fishing for Chinook is effective and at times deadly. The technique shines in low water conditions that impedes the Chinook’s upstream progress and stacks the fish in the deeper holes. For bank anglers in pursuit of Chinook, it is the perfect technique. Fishing instructor and tackle pro Rich Paradzinski, known to fishermen and guides in the northwest as "Twitchy Richey" the "Bank Maggot" uses the bobber technique exclusively. "Combine the bobber with the technique of using your eye’s, ears, and mouth to find out which river has fish and your in business" adds the bank specialist.

Strikes are easy to detect with the bobber and provides fishermen with little down time. Chinook concentrated in deep holes, often suspend themselves off the bottom, making the bottom walking techniques futile. Bobbering can get the bait in the fishes nose, regardless of what level they are resting.

Rigging
Braided line in 50 lb for mainline works great and floats when dressed with wax, an advantage when setting the hook. Attached mainline to a three way swivel along with a 30 inch leader of 40 lb monofilament with an egg loop and 4/0 hook. Use a dropper line of 4-6 inches with a 2 ounce sinker. Tie a stopper knot on the mainline followed by a small bead and corky, add a free sliding cork or Styrofoam float followed by yet another bead and your in business. "Fall Chinook can be finicky and light biters, use the lightest lead and smallest bobber you can", adds Paradzinski.

Set the stopper knot for the desired depth, bait up with cured salmon eggs and a sandshrimp leaving plenty of exposed hook. Cast the rig out and slightly upstream and let it float down river. If at any time the float goes under, set the hook. If the bobber lays on its side it means the depth is set too deep.

Chinook Water
Triple winner of Oregon’s premier salmon event, the Wildlife Heritage Foundation’s North Coast Rendezvous, guide Tim Jaurez shares that "water levels will dictate where Chinook will be located and best technique to employ". Juarez adds that "the top end of holes where the riffle drops into deeper swirley water is where I fined most of my fish." As a rule, low water conditions translates to lack of necessary current for back bouncing, making the employment of the bobber ideal. Moderate current is ideal for back bouncing and makes bobbering out of the question. Chinook fishing is best in the lower ten miles of the rivers feeding northwest bays. Chinook in the lower portions of coastal rivers on average are nickel bright, good biters and better table fair than darker up river fish. Higher water flows through out the run can push fresh fish into the rivers upper reaches with continuous low water trapping fish within tidal influence to bronze before their entrance into fresh water.

Now when the fall rains begin and rivers rise, plan your attack on northwest Chinook by researching tides and river conditions. After concluding what bay or river your pursuit will take place ready your rod and reel for the appropriate technique and prepare yourself for the battle of your life, as any bite could be 50 pounds of rod busting northwest Chinook.