Samish or Padden???

[Wood2turn]

Hello all...

I have never fished for Koke's before and obviously I have questions.

With the onset of Late Fall and Winter is it too late for Koke fishing? I'd like to go tomorrow (Nov. 4).
If not...Which lake would be better to try? My "boat" is my pontoon that I normally use for Trout fishing. I do have an elec. trolling motor and FF on it though. I have it customized for trolling.
What is the terminal gear setup of preference? Does it change with the time of year?
Would flyfishing be an option or is trolling for them the only way? Maybe trolling a fly????
What do I look for in terms of bottom structure or water temp. etc.?
I've heard that there are 2 boat launches on Samish and I've looked on "Bing Maps" for them but cannot find them...Directions would be very helpful. The ramp at Padden is very visible on the map so no problem there.

Guys (and gals) I'm really sorry for all the questions but I gotta start somewhere.
What I really could use is a mentor but with my work schedule and my saltwater fishing I never seem to be able to hook up with anyone.

Thanks for the info...
Terry

 

[lowe1648mt]

Terry, Have not fissed Samish for a while.. However, it will alwways be better than Padden. Plus, if you have a gas motor on your pontoon, you can not launch on Padden. Not even if you promise not to put it in the water. I sent you a private message. Phone me. OK

 

[Wood2turn]

no gas...its elec.
It is only an inflatable 8'er, not ike a traditional pontoon boat.

I'll give you a call sometime this week.

Terry

 

[GMAN]

Lake Padden is owned by the city.
Not the state.
You can have a gas motor attached, but you cannot run it.
I called the city last year and clarified this rule.
I fished it in 2012 w/my motor attached.
Please call them. 2013, new year it could change.
(360) 778-7000 B'ham Parks Dept
They are screwing with Lake Whatcom all the time.
Garett

 

[lowe1648mt]

Wood2turn,
If we get some nice weather, the lakes will warm up. Presently too cold for a good bite to start. Some people catch them in the cool temps, but not I. I guess you would have to jig for them like is done on frozen lakes. I've done my share of ice fishing, but I have not tried to jig out of a boat.
The ramp on Samish is located on the same side the freeway is on. It's about 2/3 the was down the lake. Closer to the South Lake Samish exit than the North Exit. Signage is poor. I know people that have driven by it 2 or 3 times before spotting it. Easier to spot coming from the south.
The other ramp is private. It belongs to a Church . It is located on the small end of the lake and is on the opposite side as the public ramp.

 

[lowe1648mt]

Samish or Padden

I checked with the City police dept. in Bellingham. They redirected me to the city prosecutors office. Their advice is do not put a boat in Lake Paddden if it has a gasoline motor on it. It does not mean You can buy pass the law by not lowering the motor or promising to not use it. If the police see it, You will get a ticket.
Sounds like the Parks dept. is giving out bad info.

 

[Torres]

I checked with the City police dept. in Bellingham. They redirected me to the city prosecutors office. Their advice is do not put a boat in Lake Samish if it has a gasoline motor on it. It does not mean You can buy pass the law by not lowering the motor or promising to not use it. If the police see it, You will get a ticket.
Sounds like the Parks dept. is giving out bad info.

Did you mean Padden Lake?

You can use gas motors on Samish unless there was a rules change I'm unaware of.

 

[lowe1648mt]

Thank You Torres, Yes I meant to say Padden. Must have been My subconscious typing. Jet skis and wake boats being the bane to all fishermen. They are heavily used on Samish and Lake Whatcom.