Olympic Peninsula Fishing Charters

Olympic Peninsula fishing guides can take you to the most stunning and productive waters in the state. With access to open ocean, crystal clear lakes, and some of the world’s top Trout fishing spots, this little piece of Washington boasts premier angling opportunities. Embrace the adventurous spirit within and come cast your line at the very edge of the Pacific Northwest!

Top Fishing Spots on the Olympic Peninsula

The Coast

The Olympic Peninsula is perched right at the northwest tip of the continental U.S., where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets the Pacific Ocean. This position gives anglers access to species like Lingcod, Halibut, Albacore Tuna, and Ocean Salmon.

Nearshore waters surrounding the peninsula are regulated by zone, but you can generally expect bottom fishing for Lingcod and Rockfish in the area to be open from May through October. Washington’s Halibut season is usually confined to the month of May, making it one of the shortest (but most productive) Halibut seasons on the west coast. Ocean Chinook and Coho Salmon fishing opens in July, but you may have a chance to target these fish even earlier while fishing out of Sekiu. In years that end in an odd number, Pink Salmon also make an appearance around here. Albacore Tuna pass through offshore waters in late summer. For a chance to catch the biggest variety of fish, plan to head offshore between May and October.

The Quillayute River System

Famous for its world-class Steelhead fishing, the Quillayute River System is a favorite among local anglers. This system consists of the Sol Duc, Calawah, and Bogachiel Rivers. Between all three of these waters, it’s possible to enjoy excellent freshwater fishing year-round. Hiring a local guide is recommended for your safety, since many of the best fishing spots are hard to reach and involve navigating fast-moving rapids.

The Sol Duc River runs through the Olympic National Park, but the part of this river which flows beyond the park is where you’ll find some of the best fishing. Steelhead, Salmon, and Trout (Rainbow and Cutthroat) are biting here year-round.

The Bogachiel River lies mainly within Olympic National Park and is known for hosting some of the region’s biggest Steelhead. Many say this river offers the finest fly fishing on the peninsula.

The Calawah River runs between the Sol Duc and Bogachiel. Fewer Salmon and Steelhead swim through here, but those that do are big'uns! Steelhead weighing over 30 lbs and Salmon rumored to weigh over 100 lbs have been found here.

Hoh River

The Hoh is yet another river where anglers can enjoy the Salmon and Steelhead fishing the region is known for. Steelhead fishing remains open all winter within Olympic National Park, but the river has been closed for the past few summers. The area stretching from the Hoh campground down to the park boundary is limited to fly fishing.

Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent is arguably the most unique lake on the peninsula and is often overlooked by visiting anglers. Here you’ll find some of the biggest Trout in Olympic National Park, including unique strains of Rainbow and Cutthroats. The water is deep, yet crystal clear and teeming with fish which range from midsize to over 20”.

Need to Know

Regulations

Anglers age 15 and older must buy a WA fishing license, even when fishing on board a for-hire charter boat.
Different rivers and marine zones have separate regulations and open seasons, so be sure to read more information ahead of time. Hiring a local guide is the best way to travel safely and follow regulations.

Budget

Many Olympic Peninsula fishing guides offer both freshwater and saltwater trips. For a full day trip on one of the local rivers, you might pay anything from $175-$400 per person, depending on the size of your group (most guides lower the price per person when the group is larger). 

Half day ocean fishing trips (4-5 hours) cost $800-$1,000 for the boat, or about $150 per person. A full day trip (8 hours) costs between $175-$500 per person, depending on your target species, the size of your group, and other factors. Tuna fishing trips are usually the most expensive, while Salmon and Rockfishing trips fall at the lower end of the spectrum. A private charter for the day costs $1,500-$2,000.

Getting There

Olympic National Park is about a 2-hour drive from the Seattle-Tacoma airport. Many visitors choose to drive to the Olympic Peninsula, both because it’s practical (you need a car to get around the park) and to enjoy the scenic ride. If public transportation is more your speed, Clallam Transit and Olympic Bus Lines operate buses from Seattle, Sequim, and Port Angeles to the park. You can also board a ferry in Seattle and then drive around the area. Highway 101 circumnavigates the entire Olympic Peninsula.

No matter how you make your way here, your time on the peninsula is sure to be unforgettable. Grab your lucky rod and come see what Olympic Peninsula fishing is all about!