Lawsons Reef

[StuartT]

Lawson Reef is right on the line between Area 6 and 7, straight out from Deception Pass. Has anyone ever had any fishing success around this reef? It would appeal to me because of its location close to my home in La Conner, but I don't want to waste a lot of time if it is a non-productive spot.

Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated.

[SomeSailor]

With your new little boat, you might wanna think about learning the back-troll right there in the Pass when the silvers are running. I've see a lot of fish caught in there. I used to spend time casting off the beach there under the bridge when working over on Whidbey. Great fishing in there when the tide is right.

[StuartT]

Mike, not sure I understand. What is back-trolling?

So there is salmon in the pass. I have caught ling cod off the bottom under the bridge, but never fished for salmon there, so didn't know if it was part of their migration path. I have see boats just west of the bridge fishing the south shoreline in the back eddies, but didn't know what they were fishing for. We were always just blowing through the pass and I didn't pay a lot of attention to the boats fishing other than to not hit them. I'm all ears if you want to elaborage on opportunities for salmon in or around Deception.

I am very close to finishing the makeover on my little 16' Starcraft which will complete it's conversion from a ski boat to a good fishing platform. I'll share some pictures when I get it totally finished.

[SomeSailor]

That's what they're after. They drive through (east to west) on the incoming tide and troll into the current heading west. Then they slowly cut the power back and "back troll" into the deep eddies nearest the shore and the middle bridge pilings.

There is room for 3-4 boats at once and when they hook up, they pull forward and retrieve the fish in the northern flow. I've seen them from the beach doing it many times. This summer, towards September, you can drive up and park on the approach to the bridge and see it from above.

Lots of silvers come through there.

[StuartT]

When they return this summer/fall, maybe you can drive up to La Conner and we'll jet out to Deception and see if we can bag a few. You can show me the ropes.

[SomeSailor]

When they return this summer/fall, maybe you can drive up to La Conner and we'll jet out to Deception and see if we can bag a few. You can show me the ropes.

I've never tried it myself, but would sure take you up on the idea. The guys I work worked with said my 2355 would be too b ig to do it so I never tried. You need a pretty nimble boat to be able to stay out of everyone's way and maneuverable when you get a fish on.

I'm not sure what they're trolling in there either. I would think a crippled herring would be pretty enticing to a big fat salmon hanging out in those eddys. :)

[StuartT]

Well, we'll have to give it a try. I know a guy to ask here in Shelter Bay that would be up on the bait.

[SPUD]

You will find mainly smaller bottom fish (and some Halibut and Ling) on Lawsons Reef. Tough area to fish however as it is tough for the bait to hold there and the waves can really pick up out there. For Salmon keep going North and fish Thatcher Pass.....it holds more Salmon and is much easier to fish.

I agree with SS on Deception. Can't really fish it with a bigger boat....but yours seems to be just right. Plug Cut on the incoming or slack for salmon. Awesome for Ling Cod when it opens !

Spud
Fishtale 2

[StuartT]

Thanks Spud. Glad you chimed in. Guess Lawsons Reef is best left alone, but where is the better part of Thatcher Pass to give a try?

We limited out on lings last June in Deception with three in the boat. Working the south shoreline, east of the bridge. Current running strong cost us a few setups, but was well worth it.

Say hello to Kathy for us. Hope to see you guys this spring/summer.

[SPUD]

Hi Stuart !

I didn't realize Pura Vida was you !

Two good spots on Thatcher...just inside Fauntlaroy Point the bait will hold up there on an incoming tide. Find the bait....find the fishies.

On the other side of Thatcher pass is a small island. To the West of the island there is a large sandy flat. You will see other fishing boats fishing in there. 100-150 feet of water...fish about 10 feet off the bottom. Good for blackmouth/kings.

I'll get the coords when I am on the boat next and will send them.

Good luck....Kathy and I hope we can hook up over the summer for sure !

Spud
FISHTALE 2

[StuartT]

I hate to ask for all your secrets, but it has been a while since I chased salmon. Assuming you are trolling with downriggers, what bait is working best?

It is looking more and more like we will see you in Friday Harbor over the 4th if we don't run into each other before.

[SPUD]

Right now I have four "go to" lures :

1. Purple Stripe UV Sonic Edge / 40 inches 25 lb leader / Green Glow Flasher

2. White Lightning UV Coho Killer / 38 inches 20 leader / Green Glow Flasher

3. Watermelon Green Hootchie / 38 inches 40 lb leader / Green Glow Flasher

4. Green Head Ace Hi Fly / 38 inches 40 lb leader / Green Glow Flasher

No secrets for me......hope to do well in the Discovery Bay Derby this weekend.

Take Care,

Nelson
FISHTALE 2

[StuartT]

Thanks for the setups and good luck in the derby. Let us know how you did.