Premium Fall Coho Salmon Fishing on Olympic Peninsula

Fall Coho Salmon: Olympic Peninsula's Hidden Gem

Get ready for an epic fall salmon season on Washington's stunning Olympic Peninsula! As a seasoned guide with Pittman Sportfishing, I've been chasing these silver beauties for 14 years, and let me tell you – there's nothing quite like the rush of hooking into a fresh-run coho. From mid-September through November (and sometimes even into December), we'll be hitting the peninsula's legendary rivers in search of hard-fighting salmon that'll test your skills and create memories to last a lifetime.

Trip Overview

Picture this: Misty mornings on gin-clear rivers, surrounded by old-growth forests ablaze with fall colors. That's the backdrop for our Olympic Peninsula coho adventures. We'll be targeting these feisty fish as they make their annual run, fresh from the ocean and ready to put up a serious fight. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, I'll make sure you're dialed in on the techniques that work. We'll cover everything from reading the water to perfecting your drift, all while soaking in some of the most breathtaking scenery the Pacific Northwest has to offer. This isn't just fishing – it's a full-on immersion into the wild heart of Washington state.

What to Expect on the Water

When it comes to fall coho, adaptability is key. These fish can be moody, and river conditions can change fast. That's where my years of experience come in handy. We'll be using a mix of techniques, from drift fishing with roe or sand shrimp to casting spinners in the deeper holes. Some days, we might even break out the fly rods if the conditions are right. I always keep a close eye on water levels and clarity, adjusting our approach to give us the best shot at success. Expect to cover a good amount of water – we'll be hopping between prime spots, reading the river, and hunting for those telltale silver flashes. And when a coho does decide to take your bait? Hold on tight – these fish are known for their acrobatic fights and blistering runs that'll have your reel singing!

Top Catches This Season

Fall coho (also known as silver salmon) are the stars of the show on this trip. These fish typically range from 6 to 12 pounds, but don't be surprised if we tangle with some bigger ones in the 15+ pound class. What makes coho so special? For starters, they're absolutely gorgeous fish – sleek and silvery when fresh from the salt, transitioning to deep reds and greens as they prepare to spawn. But it's their fighting spirit that really sets them apart. Coho are known for their explosive strikes and wild, unpredictable fights. They'll take to the air, make powerful runs, and use every trick in the book to shake the hook. It's heart-pounding action that'll have you grinning from ear to ear, whether it's your first salmon or your hundredth.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fall fishing on the Olympic Peninsula that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the solitude – with most summer crowds gone, you often feel like you have the river to yourself. Or perhaps it's the stunning scenery, with mist rising off the water and eagles soaring overhead. For many, it's the chance to tangle with some of the hardest-fighting fish in freshwater. But I think what really hooks people is the whole experience: The crisp fall air, the anticipation as your float disappears, the rush of adrenaline when a big coho explodes on your bait. It's fishing in its purest form, set against a backdrop that'll take your breath away. And let's not forget the satisfaction of bringing home some of the finest-eating fish you'll ever taste – nothing beats a fresh-caught coho on the grill!

Species You'll Want to Hook

While our main target on these trips is the mighty coho salmon, the Olympic Peninsula's rivers offer up some other exciting possibilities as well. Here's a breakdown of what we might encounter:

Coho Salmon: The stars of the show, these silver missiles are prized for their acrobatic fights and delicious flesh. Coho typically start showing up in mid-September, with the run peaking in October and often stretching into November. Early-run fish are bright silver and full of energy, while later in the season, we might encounter some larger B-run coho. These fish are incredibly aggressive, often striking out of pure aggression rather than hunger. That makes them a blast to target with a variety of methods, from bait fishing to throwing hardware or swinging flies.

Chinook Salmon: While less common in the fall, we occasionally encounter some late-run chinook (king) salmon. These are the giants of the Pacific salmon world, capable of reaching 30+ pounds in our local rivers. Chinook fights are characterized by powerful, bulldogging runs that'll test both your gear and your willpower. Landing one of these brutes is always cause for celebration.

Coastal Cutthroat Trout: These native char are year-round residents in many Olympic Peninsula rivers. Fall can be an excellent time to target them, as they feed heavily on salmon eggs. Cutthroat are known for their beautiful spotted patterns and their willingness to rise to dry flies. They're a great target if you want to mix things up with some light tackle fishing.

Steelhead: While the main steelhead runs occur in winter and spring, we occasionally encounter early-returning winter steelhead in November and December. These sea-run rainbow trout are prized for their hard fights and acrobatic leaps. Hooking into a chrome-bright steelhead is always a possibility that adds an extra element of excitement to our fall trips.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, I've been guiding these waters for over a decade, and I can tell you – there's no bad time to fish the Olympic Peninsula. But fall? Fall is something special. The crowds are gone, the scenery is stunning, and the fishing can be off the charts. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some hard-fighting coho, or a beginner eager to learn the ropes, I promise you an experience you won't forget. We'll work hard, have a ton of fun, and with a little luck, you'll be heading home with some incredible memories (and maybe a cooler full of premium salmon).

Spots fill up fast for the peak of the coho run, so don't wait to lock in your dates. Give Pittman Sportfishing a call, and let's start planning your Olympic Peninsula salmon adventure. Trust me, once you experience the thrill of a fall coho run, you'll be counting down the days until your next trip. See you on the river!