Here is my interpretation of WDFW's wonderfully complicated regs: The "mouth" of this river is the 1st Avenue bridge (2nd bridge up). Between there, heading downstream, to about 1/4 mile beyond the next bridge (West Seattle Freeway) you must use a bobber and bait. For the rest of the way out (to Elliott Bay)you can use plugs, etc.

I have often wondered why more people do not try bobbers in this area. After reading the regs over and over again I was convinced this was the right interpretation but I was put off by the fact that I never saw anyone fishing this area. And since the WDFW loves to strip you clean for a violation in such a public area, I was afraid to try it. The situation was also complicated by the fact that the WDFW published an emergency rule change covering this area and the wording was so confusing I could not understand what they were trying to say. It seemed like the emergency rule change did not say anything.