Spawn Blog

After a phenomenal year of coho fishing in Baker Bay and off the coast, the recent rains have started pushing fish into the local rivers, signaling the beginning of the much-anticipated coho rodeo! The time is nearly here for one of the most exciting seasons in Southwest Washington.

This past week, we hit the water and had some great success, but the low water levels made the fish a bit finicky. These early coho are always tougher to catch than the bigger B-run coho that come in later in the season, but with the help of some amazing materials from Spawn Fly Fish, we managed to bring six beautiful fish to hand! It’s still early, but the excitement is building.

With no rain in the forecast for the next few days, we don’t expect the fishing to improve much in the immediate future. However, keep an eye on the weather—rain is coming, and once the rivers rise, we’re in for a full-blown coho rodeo. When that happens, you can expect the fishing to be nothing short of amazing!

We also spotted the first few chum salmon of the season milling around in the tidewater, so it won’t be long before they arrive in larger numbers. It’s shaping up to be an incredible fall fishing season, so make sure your gear is ready!

Gear Up for Coho Fishing in Washington

If you’re targeting coho, an 8wt rod will give you the power you need to handle these hard-fighting fish. And don’t forget, Spawn Fly Fish has everything you need to gear up and hit the water fully prepared. Let us be your outfitter for all things coho fishing in Washington state.

Mark your calendars, gear up, and get ready—it’s about to get wild!

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In case you missed it like we did, the local lakes around the greater Ilwaco/Long Beach area have recently been stocked with rainbow trout! On September 17th, Black Lake, Western Lake, and Snag Lake all received fresh fish to boost the fall fishing season. 

• Black Lake: Stocked with 500 trout.
• Western Lake: Stocked with 100 trout.
• Snag Lake: Stocked with 100 trout.

With so many outdoor activities happening right now in the area—clam digging, salmon fishing, mushroom picking, and elk and deer hunting—it’s easy to forget to check the stocking reports. But if you’re itching to get on the water for some peaceful and productive fishing, now’s the perfect time to hit these local lakes.

Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon on the water or just another way to enjoy the outdoors, remember that these lakes were recently stocked. Another amazing opportunity is waiting for you right here!

Link to other blog for tips on this fishery!

https://spawnflyfish.com/blogs/spawn-blog/local-lake-fishing-in-the-rain-and-wind-a-guide-to-success?_pos=4&_sid=5f9418a99&_ss=

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At Spawn Fly Fish, we know that not everyone is a fly fisherman, but the creativity and excitement of tying jigs is just as exhilarating! Whether you’re targeting crappie, coho, or even going after lingcod and halibut, we’ve got you covered with the best materials available for your jig tying needs. There’s something special about creating your own lure and then watching it work its magic in the water. If you're looking to dive into the world of jig tying, you're in the right place.

As we gear up for the long winter ahead, now is the perfect time to step into the arena and tie up your first jig. Unlike fly tying, there isn’t a great all-in-one starter kit for jig tying, so we’re here to break down the essential materials you’ll need to get started.

Essential Materials for Jig Tying

When it comes to jig tying, there are a few core materials that you’ll see over and over again: marabou, chenille, rabbit strips, legs, and flash. Inside each of these categories, there are countless options, and we’re here to help you navigate through them.

Thread

First off, let’s talk about thread. You’ll want something durable, especially for jig tying where heavier materials and fish are involved. Avoid lighter threads like 8/0, which are more common in fly tying. Instead, go with something strong, like Veevus 140 Power Thread. This thread lets you really crank down on your materials without worrying about breakage—saving you frustration while building your perfect jig.

Marabou

For jig tying, standard Hareline or FishHunter marabou will be your go-to. You don’t need extra select or spey marabou when you’re just starting out. Marabou is key for creating a lot of movement in the water, making it a staple for a wide variety of jig patterns.

Chenille

Chenille adds bulk and flash to your jigs. There are countless types and sizes, but you’ll want to avoid anything labeled midge or nymph sizes for now. One of the most popular choices is Cactus Chenille in medium—it’s a great starting point and perfect for building jigs that catch fish.

Rabbit Strips

Rabbit strips bring incredible lifelike movement to your jigs. Most jig tiers reach for Magnum rabbit strips for the tail. These strips are wider, adding bulk and movement. Pair this with a matching crosscut rabbit strip for the body. The crosscut strips lay flat and wrap nicely around the hook, creating a smooth, flowing body.

Legs

Jig tiers love experimenting with legs, and there are endless options out there. The Crazy Legs from Hareline are among the most popular for their durability and flexibility. You can add legs to create additional motion and attraction, making your jigs even more enticing.

Flash

Flash can be overwhelming because there are so many types. The two most popular choices among jig tiers are 1/69th Lateral Scale and Holographic Flashabou. Both of these add a subtle but critical bit of sparkle that will grab the attention of fish. At Spawn Fly Fish, we carry every color, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

Head Cement

Once your jig is tied, you’ll need to ensure it stays together after multiple hookups. A good head cement is essential for locking everything in place after you’ve mastered the whip finish or half-hitch knot.

Tools You’ll Need

Although this blog focuses on materials, you’ll also need a few basic tools to get started: a vise, bobbin, scissors, and a whip finish tool.

Ready to Get Started?

Jig tying is an amazing way to connect with the water and get creative, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you're tying for crappie, coho, lingcod, or even halibut, Spawn Fly Fish has all the materials you need to craft the perfect jig. This winter, why not try your hand at something new? We’re confident that once you tie your first jig, you’ll be hooked.

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Halloween in Washington doesn’t just mark the time for spooky costumes and trick-or-treating—it signals the beginning of one of the most thrilling fishing opportunities of the year: Chum Salmon season! As we approach late October, the rivers and streams in Southwest Washington and beyond come alive with chum salmon surging through our waterways. Whether you're in Puget Sound or venturing into the rivers of Southwest Washington, the arrival of these fish is impossible to miss.

By the time Halloween rolls around, you'll start seeing chum salmon jumping in Puget Sound and migrating up the rivers. In Southwest Washington, these fish flood into our systems in huge numbers. This time of year is perfect for anglers who are ready for a new challenge—a species that’s often overlooked but delivers an incredible fight.

Despite their abundance and strength, chum salmon often don’t get the recognition they deserve. We live in a region where harvesting fish to eat is a big part of the fishing culture. Since chum salmon aren’t as prized for their taste as they move into the rivers, they don’t always get the same love as other species like Chinook or coho. But if you’re a fly angler, you know the real value of these fish lies not on the dinner table, but in the adrenaline-pumping battle they bring to the end of your line.

Chum salmon, also known as "dogs" due to their gnarly teeth, are a powerhouse of a species. Their sheer strength makes for an exhilarating rush on the fly. Once hooked, they put on a display of raw power that’s hard to beat. There is not a fish in the PNW that has broken more rods for us!

What makes this time of year even more special is that a lot of the popular rivers begin to slow down in terms of fishing pressure. Many anglers in the region focus on species they can harvest, so as chum move into the rivers, you'll notice fewer crowds. This opens up a fantastic window for catch-and-release anglers who are here for the sport and the excitement, rather than the dinner plate.

For those willing to explore and try something different, chum salmon offer some of the most electric fishing experiences you’ll find in the fall. Not only do they take flies aggressively, but they also fight with everything they’ve got, making each hook-up a memorable one.

So, as the leaves change color and the spooky decorations come out, remember that something else exciting is happening in the water. The chum salmon are almost here, and you don’t want to miss out on one of the most thrilling fishing experiences of the year.

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As we find ourselves in late September, here at Spawn Fly Fish, we're reflecting on the cutthroat season that's nearly behind us in the local rivers we love to fish. But just because the rivers are slowing down (for cutthroat) doesn’t mean the excitement is over—Puget Sound is gearing up for another incredible winter of cutthroat fishing!

Down here in Southwest Washington, as the rain begins to fall, we know what that means: salmon are on their way. Soon, they’ll be pouring into our rivers in large numbers, offering incredible opportunities to land big fish on the fly. If you’ve been watching the bays, you’ve probably seen them rolling, jumping, and smashing bait, but as the rivers rise, they’ll make their way into all of our local systems. It’s the start of something special, but it also marks the end of the prime season for targeting cutthroat in our local rivers.

Sure, the cutthroat are still around, and occasionally you’ll run into one, but it’s time to retire the 4wt for now. When the salmon push in with such force, they tend to crowd out the cutthroat, making it harder for them to chase down flies. Whether they can’t see your fly because of all the salmon, a coho snatches it up first, or they’re just tucked away in hiding, it’s clear that the cutthroat fishing takes a backseat.

But while the local rivers slow down for cutthroat, Puget Sound is just heating up. October and November are some of the best months for cutthroat in the Sound, and we can’t wait to head north to where Spawn Fly Fish began to chase after this amazing species. The crisp fall air, the beautiful Puget Sound waters, and the thrill of targeting cutthroat make it our favorite time of year to fish this incredible region.

So, while we say goodbye to another cutthroat season in our local rivers, we're excited for what's ahead. If you’re like us and itching for more, grab your gear and get ready for some of the best cutthroat fishing the Sound has to offer!

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