Any angler worth their salt knows that a Washington Coast fishing trip is something that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. With well over 150 miles of Pacific coastline and rivers brimming with sport fish, the area is famous for its superb action.
What's amazing about the Washington Coast is that its fisheries are so versatile. When you want some saltwater fishing fun, all you have to do is head to the ocean and pick your target. Bottom dwellers like Rockfish, Halibut, and Flounder are the most popular catch. If you prefer deep sea fishing, then chase Albacore Tuna in summer months.
While the ocean bite is excellent, it's the freshwater action that puts the area on the map. The Calawah, Whynoochee, and Humptulips Rivers boast premier Salmon and Rainbow Trout fishing. Chinook and Coho are the stars of the show and, in some parts, you can also come across the elusive Pink Salmon. Crabbing is another popular pastime with delicious results.
There's a lot of local guides all over the Washington Coast, but one thing to bear in mind is the seasonality of the trips. Talk to your captain before you head out and they'll advise you about the best time to go fishing. After that, you can take your pick between half day and full day options, and there are also specialized expeditions if there's a species you'd like to chase.
Some of the best spots where you can book your charter are Montesano, Hoquiam, Ilwaco, and Westport.
Rules & Regulations
Once you've decided on what you'd like to catch and have picked your Washington Coast fishing adventure, it's time to think about your angling license. Every person age 12 and older needs an appropriate fishing license and tags. This is the one thing you need to take care of yourself –your guide will provide everything else.