MOUNT VERNON — It’s been 16 years since the last recreationally caught chinook salmon flopped on the shoreline of the Skagit River or squirmed in the bottom of a net.

That drought was supposed to change Thursday.

This year, the run of king salmon here was predicted to be the best in the state.

To say the fishing was slow on opening day is an understatement.

“We’ve been on the water since 10:30 a.m.,” Fish and Wildlife officer David Jones said in the afternoon. “We looked at 12 to 14 boats and didn’t see a fish. Maybe the incoming tide might make the difference. But I am very surprised we didn’t see a fish caught.”

Of course, like many things in life, fishing can change in a flash. But for now, there is nowhere for this chinook season to go but up.

Spot hopping, motoring from one hole to another chasing the fish is not the best strategy when fishing for kings. There were, however, plenty of boats on this day racing to different destinations.

“There was a lot of movement with the boats,” Jones said. “That means folks are looking for that hole that is producing fish. We didn’t see a thing. Believe me, we wanted to. We wanted to see someone catch something.

“And around here, there are a lot of boats with a lot of guys who know how to catch fish, and they aren’t.”

That certainly wasn’t the case for the July 1 opener in the saltwater, Jones said.

“There were a lot of fish,” he said. “Big, beautiful slabs in the mid 20-pound range.”

John Resetar of Stanwood cast his line Thursday into the Skagit River in search of a king. He had reason to be optimistic.

“I saw one roll,” he said. “At least I know there is one in there.”

Resetar was perched rather precariously on the side of a dike just outside of Conway. It was a hole that had produced numerous salmon species for him over the years. Now he was hoping the magic was still there for chinook.

“I’m using a spinner,” he said. “I am just going through the lures to see what happens. I’ve heard stories of people catching big fish out of here. I saw a picture of a big chinook — caught illegally — in the paper. I figured I’d come out and try and catch one legally.

“I’ll be back out again tomorrow. We’ll see what happens. Regardless, it’s an exciting opportunity, but I’d certainly like to hook into a big one. I think the 30-, 40- and 50-pounders, you’d have to go to Alaska to hook one of those. I’ll settle for a nice 20-pounder.”

Brian May of Mount Vernon was in for the long haul, as well. He had a lawn chair, a book and even a clock perched on a folded shirt. May was familiar with fishing the upper Skagit River. Fishing this low on the river was a new experience.

“I know all about the Rockport area,” he said. “This is new to me. It’s been really slow. No action. But it’s the first day, and what could be better than sitting on the side of a river in the sun? If I was home, I’d be mowing the lawn.

“If I do happen to nod off, hopefully the bell (on the fishing rod) will wake me up.”

May was using a spin-in-glow and egg setup and believed the fishing would eventually pick up, if not today, then maybe the next. He said the bite would probably be better in the evening or morning.

“It’s the first day,” he added, “and noon is not the best time. You just have to put the time in to get the fish.”

Jody Marsh of Mount Vernon had just finished hauling his boat out of the Skagit River. Inside the cab of his truck were his daughters, 8-year-old Rachel and 5-year-old Regan. Milo the labrador frolicked in the truck’s bed. The group hadn’t had any luck either.

“Heck, you buy a license,” said Marsh, “you have to get wet after putting tabs on the boat. It was fun to get the girls and dog out in the boat. We threw a line out — just for fun.”

And the lack of fish? Maybe they’ll show up later.

“The fish don’t know it’s opening day,” Marsh said.

* Vince Richardson can be reached at 360-416-2181 or at .