Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2 (Deception Pass south to Possession Point) are probably not going to be a bonanza for blackmouth anglers this winter, but there are some legal hatchery chinook out there for those willing to brave the weather and put in their time on the water. One of the better spots traditionally is Elger Bay, just south of the Camano State Park ramp.
The bay is not only good blackmouth water, but also is just a short run to the ramp if winter weather kicks up.
The line on Saratoga Passage has always been that it tends to hold larger winter fish but not as many as Possession Bar (now closed to chinook) and this season seems to bear that out. Saturday produced some very good fishing in Elger Bay for local anglers Buzz Tompkins and Morgan Kruse, who limited with two fish just legal, a 10-pounder, and Kruse’s dandy 16.03-pounder. The pair saw other fish caught as well.
The big blackmouth hit a cut-plug herring on the outside of the point, and the 10-pounder took a 31/2-inch, glow-white Kingfisher spoon behind a cookies ‘n cream flasher. Both of the larger fish were boated around the low tide change.
After launching at the ramp, the water down to the point is worth a try before turning left into the bay. The best water is just outside and just inside the point, and right off the tip.
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