i dont know where else to turn with a question like this...im not looking for a specific charter reccomendation (yet) but I am planning a road trip from new england for either the summer or I am thinking more likely sometime in september, and while in the pacific NW i would LOVE to get some fishing in (would like to in the montana/wyoming area too but thats a topic for a different forum).

I am not a fly fisherman and enjoy everything from fishing for stripers off of RI and the cape, to trolling for salmon and trout in lakes of maine, and especially lake and pond fishing for largemouth bass and other fun fighting fish in southern new england. I mention that I am not a fly fisherman and I only rule that out as an optoin for my trip to the northwest because I think I would need to be practiced in it to enjoy it.

So anyhow, I am looking for advice as to what the most fun/best fishing in the northwest is. If I can get a guide or a charter in one place for one type of fishing what should I try? Any suggestions in Oregon/Washington whether lakes rivers or ocean are appreciated.

If your in my neck of the woods, which is northern WA the Samish will be full of large kings. Its a great fishery an you can limit most any ay you fish.

Our average was 20-25 lb this year with a limit of two..We fish it with custom tyed jigs an some smelly jelly. Its a shore fishery an waders are needed. Its also an early morning fish so by 9:00 you coul be done and off to see some sites

Another river to fish will be the Stilguamish when early springs will just be stating to run. You Also shore fish this an drift ick nights or vibrexes.

Hope this helps a little...drop me a line if you woul like any more info..I pretty much fish the northern rivers so if you in my area let me know.I'd be happy to take you out anytime

If September is the month of your visit, that is a prime month for fall chinook, which is perhaps the most prized of all the Pac NW sportfish. My recommendation would be to hire a guide, because the local knowledge and gear required for good odds on one of these fish is fairly demanding. Scott Amerman and David Johnson are exellent guides; I've heard nothing but good things about them and I have personally hired Dave and enjoyed my trip immensely.

fishingtherivers: is that fly fishing you are referring to?

E-Mann: that sounds like a great suggestoin. I just looked up david's website, look excellent.

Another good guide to look up is Bob Barthlow of RiversNW Guide Service. More than likely he will be fishing Drano Lake on the Columbia. He is also another great guide with good prices. www.riversnw.com

Slug sorry I took so long to get back to you.....No its not flyfishing. This run is a plunking fishery...Its full of the big Chinook E-man is talkin about..The Stilli is a drift fish from the banks...