Fall Chinook have Arrived in Oregon’s Coastal Estuaries
Amid all the Covid-19 concern, we finally decided to take our very first test foray this past week to check out some coastal Fall Chinook fishing. Because afternoon winds have recently prevailed, we recognized we might be just dabbling in morning estuary waters before being blown off the water. This ended up the case indeed. Still, even just a few hours on the salt seemed worth the effort, fish or no fish. As luck would have it, our first Fall Chinook trip of 2020 proved both fun and productive.
On our way out from the launch ramp, we dropped a string of baited crab traps as we headed out to the trolling water. We dropped a couple plug-cut herring behind flashers and crossed our fingers. Flotsam or pieces of kelp proved to be a frustration and required regular attention. In some places it was difficult to troll for even 10 minutes without loading up with greenery. Our attention and regular clean-ups would eventually pay off. We were but one of about 25 boats working about a 2 mile long stretch. As we approached the highest concentration of fishing boats, we were happy to note both bait fish and possibly salmon on the fish finder. Still, we were not witnessing any nets out or any shouting and “High Fives.”
About a quarter mile southwest of the boat concentration, it finally happened. The right rod buried with the unmistakable bend of “Fish-On.” The fish took line and then suddenly changed direction straight toward the boat creating a moment of slack. Though we caught up with fish in short notice, the fish had come up high in the water column and crossed behind the motor. In our desperate attempt to slide the line off the cowling, our first hook-up of the season came unbuttoned. Though disappointed, we quickly rebated and went diligently back to the troll. The wind was starting to kick up and we realized our short time on the water would be soon winding down.
The surface chop increased and other boats were disappearing. The decision was made to turn the boat around and start heading back to the crab pots and launch area. It made sense from a standpoint of safety and logistics since the tide had just turned to an ebb. I noted that I wasn’t marking much at all on the fish finder and began questioning the decision to fish our way back to the put-in. Then it happened. It was truly one of the most violent pull-downs that I have witnessed in years. Not only did the tip bury down to the water, but line was absolutely screaming off the reel like a banshee. We all jumped into action and enjoyed three line burning runs of a powerful fresh fish. The final run was just crazy-stupid. 
The line counter reel showed the fish had taken a solid 220 feet of line before we caught up and finally turned the fish, As it neared the boat, it sort of looked at us, indicating it was done, It laid on its side and made for a surprisingly easy net job. Success, about an 18-20 lb fat chromer hen of hatchery origin.
We headed out, pulling the crab pots across from the launch ramp. Though we ended up with only 6 keeper sized crab, we were still grateful that we would enjoy the fruit of an early fall salmon/crab combo trip. No complaints.
