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August 27, 2025 by Justin Wong - Cut Plug Charters
September Coho Salmon Fishing: Late Summer, Early Fall Excitement
September is "go time" for ocean coho (silver) salmon fishing in Seattle. These adult fish begin rolling into the Puget Sound as early as late August and become the stars of the show on our charters throughout September and into early October. If you're after exciting fishing action and some of the best-tasting salmon of the year, September is a great time to go on a guided fishing trip in Seattle.
What to Expect on an Ocean Coho Salmon Charter in September
Great Fish Size & Meat
These coho are larger than the early summer resident population, but just as delicious. Their flesh is a vibrant, deep orange—nearly red—full of healthy Omega-3s!
Feeding Frenzies & Explosive Bites
Aggressive is the best way to describe coho salmon when they are in their final days of a heavy feeding pattern and returning to the ocean. When we get on actively feeding fish, the mooching bite is explosive. Coho chase bait within the top 40 feet of the water column, often striking right at the boat! This is fast-paced, exciting fishing action.
September Salmon Fishing Techniques
Fishing techniques in September vary based on conditions and fish patterns at a given time, but the two main techniques we utilize to catch Coho salmon in September are mooching and trolling. Here is a comparison of the two techniques:
Mooching for Feeding Coho
- Mooching is the best way to catch Coho that are actively feeding.
- We match bait sizes to the small herring that Coho naturally feed on at this time of year.
- Using fast, erratic movements with "cut plug" style baits, we try to mimic wounded baitfish to stand out as an easy meal for the salmon.
- Stay attentive - this technique often entices an aggressive hit!
Trolling for Migrating Coho
- When the Coho are migrating, we switch to trolling to cover more water and intercept moving schools.
- Trolling also allows the fish to follow the presentation for a while before striking, which can be very effective on schools of migrating coho salmon that are tired and stressed out.
- During migration, Coho are attracted to different flashy colors and motions that trolling allows us to achieve.
- Trolling is a slower fishing style than mooching, but a little patience often leads to great rewards.
Whether mooching or trolling, we recommend booking a morning charter as early mornings generally become more favorable as fall approaches and the fish shift into migration behavior.
Don’t Miss Out on the Coho Migration - Book a September Salmon Fishing Charter
September is a great month to get out and catch coho salmon in Seattle! Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to salmon fishing, this window in late summer and early fall is one of the most exciting times to get on the water.
Book your September fishing charter now!
Posted In: Seattle Fishing Reports
