Striped Bass

While not as widely known as other locations, the waters around Everett, Washington, offer a chance to tangle with Striped Bass in a unique Pacific Northwest setting. The Snohomish River estuary, where it meets Puget Sound, is the key area to focus on. These Stripers often follow the salmon runs, so understanding the timing of those migrations is critical. Late summer and early fall, when salmon are returning to spawn, can be particularly productive. Access is readily available from several boat ramps along the river, and shore fishing is possible in certain areas. One local trick is to target areas with strong current, as Stripers will often hold in ambush points waiting for baitfish to be swept by. Adjust your lure depth based on the tide and current conditions, and use natural presentations like swimbaits that mimic salmon smolts. The Stripers in this area can be surprisingly large and aggressive.