Washington fishing
Open Ocean
The southern region of Washington boasts some of the finest open ocean fishing in the Northwest United States. From the mouth of the Columbia River through Ilwaco to Willapa Bay, Westport, Neah Bay and La Push, southern Washington State is loaded with great fishing locations. The open water and lack of islands or structures means you won’t find much bottom fishing in this area. What you will find is lots of salmon. Primarily Chinook and Coho, when you hit a run of salmon, the action is unbelievable. Sturgeon, tuna and halibut inhabit these waters as well and, when in season, promise lots of rod-bending excitement. Local captains and guides who are familiar with fishing seasons, limits, and locations are invaluable to a visiting angler.
Puget Sound and San Juan Islands
From Olympia, Tacoma and Seattle in the south to Edmonds, Everett, and Port Townsend, past the Strait of Juan de Fuca up north to the San Juan Islands, Puget Sound is huge, and loaded with prime fishing opportunities. Abundant schools of Coho, Pink, Sockeye, Chinook and King Salmon, Halibut, Sturgeon, Lingcod, Flounder and Rockfish will keep anglers busy throughout the year. In fact, the winter Blackmouth (juvenile king salmon) season is a Seattle and Puget Sound tradition, with average catches ranging from 6-7 pounds, with a good chance at a 20 pounder. Fishing seasons are tightly regulated, so using a knowledgeable local captain or guide is recommended.
The state of Washington is an outdoorsman’s paradise. Rugged, pristine wilderness, miles of unspoiled ocean, fertile and exciting fishing grounds attract anglers year round. The poor weather-rain and wind- that Washington is famous for is just what attracts such great fishing. This great fishing, coupled with the sophisticated, modern urban centers along Puget Sound- Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia- make Washington State a top choice for charter fishing enthusiasts.