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Salmon and Steelhead fishing in the Northwest U.S.

Where do you go to fish for salmon or steelhead in the U.S.? The answer is undoubtedly simple and obvious.  For salmon and steelhead you need to travel to the Northwest ranging from northern California all the way up to Alaska.

The salmon and steelhead species are plentiful in the pacific coastal waters, streams and rivers that have consistent water flow and provide an ideal habitat for the spawn. Typically there are 3 spawns a year in the spring, summer, and fall seasons.

The average size of salmon ranges from 8-11lbs. Sometimes you may observe larger fish that weigh in close to 40lbs in remote areas around the northwest coast.  In Oregon you can catch large river Chinooks that weigh in as much as 50lbs along the lower Rogue River.

Salmon between the ages of 2-7 years will head to the river where they spawned.  They will trek over 7000 miles in the ocean to reach their original spawning grounds. The Yukon River in Alaska is one of the longest river spawns spanning 2000 miles up river.

Over time these spawning grounds have diminished.  Housing and commercial development have choked off a lot of the smaller streams with silt.  Awareness of the situation has created a volunteer movement to clean up and restore the spawning grounds.  To their credit salmon have repopulated in these damaged areas.

When you head off to start fishing be sure to be advised of regulations implemented in the area you plan to fish.  Make sure you know the size and keeper limits.  Possessing a proper license will ensure you aren’t fined. 

Your preferred method of fishing may vary, however by researching the local scene and asking the local anglers will increase your success.  Salmon and Steelhead provide some of the best fighting for young and old alike.