Pacific Northwest Fishing Report — Week of November 12, 2026: Chum Salmon, Winter Steelhead Watch, Crabbing Windows

Updated: Thursday, November 12, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, November 19, 2026

This Pacific Northwest fishing report is a seasonal outlook for the week of November 12, based on forecasts and seasonal patterns. KPTV’s forecaster expected dry weather Wednesday and Thursday before two deep low-pressure systems form offshore Friday and Saturday night, with strong coastal wind, large West Coast swell Friday evening and an atmospheric river aimed mostly at northern Washington and British Columbia. Those rains usually move chum salmon and the first winter steelhead upstream.

What’s Hitting

Chum salmon are the main salmon target in mid-November, especially in Puget Sound tributaries and the Hood Canal region. The first winter steelhead may appear in coastal rivers, especially after rain. Coho remain in some rivers but are mostly darkening. Dungeness crabbing is possible in open areas when weather allows. Bottomfish fishing is limited by rough seas. Late coho may still be found in some coastal rivers and Columbia tributaries, though most fish are dark. Dungeness crab are often in good condition this time of year when areas are open. Winter steelhead numbers usually increase from December onward.

Where to Find Them

Hood Canal streams and the Puget Sound tributaries host chum salmon. Coastal rivers on the Olympic Peninsula and the Oregon coast may see the first winter steelhead. Protected bays in Puget Sound offer crabbing. The Columbia River tributaries may hold late coho and early steelhead. On the Olympic Peninsula, the Quillayute system and the Hoh can see early winter steelhead after rain. In Oregon, coastal rivers such as the Wilson and Nestucca are popular for winter steelhead later in the season. Around Puget Sound, beaches near chum-bearing creeks can provide shore access.

Tides & Conditions

Rain will raise rivers, especially in northern Washington. Large swell and strong wind will make coastal and bar crossings dangerous. Dry weather Wednesday and Thursday should give way to stormy conditions Friday and Saturday. Watch river levels and marine forecasts. The forecaster expects most of the I-5 corridor to receive under two inches of rain over the next week, while northern Washington may see more. Wind gusts could reach high levels on the coast late Friday and Saturday. Bar crossings will likely be closed or restricted during the swell.

Tackle & Tactics

For chum salmon, use jigs, flies or spoons. Winter steelhead respond to float rigs with jigs or beads. Crabbers need appropriate traps and licenses. Dress for wet conditions. A nine- to ten-foot medium rod with twelve- to fifteen-pound line handles chum salmon. For steelhead, an eight-pound fluorocarbon leader under a float with a jig or bead works well. Carry wading boots with good traction for slick rocks.

Local Intel This Week

Hood Canal has several public access points, including Potlatch State Park. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish. Many rivers have specific rules. Kitsap Memorial State Park and Twanoh State Park also provide Hood Canal shoreline access. Coastal rivers have public boat launches managed by state agencies. Avoid fishing near the coast during large swell, and never turn your back on waves.

This Week’s Tip

Fish rivers as they begin to drop after rain. As rivers drop and clear after a rise, steelhead and salmon often hold near the tailouts of pools, so focus there.