The links below take you to information on some of the basics of salmon fishing for the beginning angler. This is only a starting point, and is not meant to cover every aspect of salmon fishing. After getting your feet wet, a good angler will constantly search for additional information to improve their abilities and skills.
To find current and upcoming salmon seasons near you, visit WDFW's Weekender report, which provides a regional breakdown of fishing and hunting opportunities for the month.
Learn to distinguish Pacific salmon species in their marine phases by reviewing this identification chart (PDF).
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Marine areas
The most popular boat fishing methods can be lumped into two general categories, drift fishing and trolling.
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Freshwater
Freshwater salmon fishing can be done from the shore or a boat, and many of the methods can be used either way.
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Estuaries and tidewater
Tidewater (or estuary) fisheries offer small boat owners access to ocean bright fish, often in high densities.