Westport is home to one of the largest charter fishing fleets on the west coast. It was sport fishing that put this town on the map to begin with, and anglers continue to flock to these shores each year for some of the best Tuna and Salmon fishing in the state.
The season starts in March, when Lingcod and Rockfish open to harvest. More than merely tasty, these bottom fish provide great fun for families and seasoned pros alike. Westport sees a brief Halibut season in May, when anglers catch some of the biggest specimens in the Pacific Ocean. By July, Salmon and Tuna make their entrance, giving anglers a chance to wrestle with some of the hardest fighting game fish around. With prospects like these, it’s no wonder how Westport fishing charters got their reputation.
Top Catches
Albacore Tuna
At the top of any respectable angler’s Westport bucket list is Albacore Tuna. These hard-fighting fish have incredible stamina and can swim up to 50 miles per hour. Add to that their world renowned flavor, and it’s easy to see what all the fuss is about.
“Albies” pass by Westport between mid July and September on their long migration from the coast of Mexico to Canada. Charter boats head anywhere from 40-100 miles offshore in search of these Tuna, and it’s not uncommon to spend two to three days on the water. Albie excursions are not for the faint of heart. If you’re eager to earn bragging rights to this catch, be prepared to go hardcore!
Salmon
Some anglers consider Westport to be the “Salmon fishing Capital of the World.” While there’s plenty of competition for that title, it’s safe to say this town offers the finest Salmon fishing in Washington State at the very least.
Fall Chinook (King) Salmon arrive in mid June, followed closely by Cohos in July. These are some of the hardest fighting fishing known to anglers, not to mention some of the tastiest. You can expect lots of action on a Salmon fishing trip, and it’s not uncommon to land 30-40 lb Kings while fishing off the coast Westport (anywhere from 6-20 miles out). The Salmon season stays open through September.
Halibut
Local charter boats typically head 25-50 miles offshore to fish for Halibut, right along the edge of the continental shelf. This means spending about 8-10 hours on board, but the sweet reward is definitely worth the extra time. Halis off the coast of Westport can weigh up to 150 lbs, making it that much harder to pull them up from the seafloor hundreds of feet below. Rest assured the workout is worth it--these are some of the tastiest fish in the sea!
Halibut season in Washington comes and goes in the blink of an eye (typically limited to certain days in the month of May), so it’s wise to book one of these trips long before the season starts.
Other Bottom Fish
While bottom fishing for Halibut, it’s common to catch other species like Lingcod, Rockfish, and Black Cod. Even when Halibut are out of season, anglers have a blast fishing for these delicacies between March and mid October when they’re open to harvest.
Lingcod in the area weigh 15-40 lbs, while Rockfish generally tip the scale at 2-5 lbs. You can target these fish just 6 miles off the coast, in water as shallow as 20 feet. This allows for much shorter fishing trips, combined with easier techniques and relatively frequent catches. This fast-paced atmosphere is enjoyable for families fishing with young children and is a great introduction to Westport’s fishing scene.
Beyond Deep Sea Fishing
If you’re fishing directly out of Westport, chances are you’ll head straight into the Pacific Ocean—after all, that’s why you came here, right? While this stellar deep sea fishery certainly steals the limelight around here, it would be remiss not to mention a variety of other angling opportunities on Westport’s doorstep.
Fly anglers can delight in the fact that numerous rivers to the north and west of this port town offer excellent fly fishing opportunities. The Wynoochee, Humptulips, Satsop, and Chehalis Rivers are just a few of the places where you can hook into Salmon and Steelhead. With productive runs in spring, summer, fall, and winter, fishing the various rivers of western Washington is a year-round affair—one which keeps local guides on the move. You’ll find guided fishing trips in Grays Harbor, Aberdeen, Montesano, and beyond.
On the other hand, a number of lakes in the area offer good fishing for Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Crappie, Yellow Perch, and more. Duck Lake, located in Ocean Shores directly north of Westport, enjoys a productive season from April to October.
Westport Fishing Styles
Trolling
Trolling is the most productive method to catch Salmon and Tuna. Depending on conditions, you might troll with bait like Anchovies or with a variety of lures. Early in the season, anglers rely on lures to catch Tuna because live bait is not available.
When it comes to Salmon fishing, many anglers in Washington prefer mooching. This method of drift fishing allows anglers to hold their rods the entire time so they can feel the Salmon strike. The key to success when mooching is to keep the bait in motion, reeling it up and letting it sink repeatedly.
Bottom Fishing
Anglers rely on bottom fishing to catch Halibut, Lingcod, Rockfish, and other species. Depending on your target species, you might bottom fish in water as shallow as 20 feet or as deep as 700 feet. Common baits include live Anchovies, Shrimp fly lures, and Herring.
Halibut inhabit deep water offshore, and it takes a lot of work to reel these fish up to the surface. Catching this fish is physically demanding, and can become even more complicated when fishing in groups. When charter fishing, anglers typically drop their lines simultaneously to prevent them from tangling.
Need to Know
Westport fishing charters do not include fishing licenses. Anglers age 16 and older must purchase their own WA state fishing license ahead of time. A single day license for saltwater fishing costs $10 for residents and about $20 for non-residents (prices subject to change).
Fishing regulations such as open seasons, size limits, and bag limits can change from year to year, so make sure to ask your guide which fish are legal to keep on the date of your trip.