Washington Fishing Charters
Washington fishing charters run everything from salmon and lingcod nearshore runs on Puget Sound to steelhead floats on the Olympic Peninsula and tuna hauls out of Westport.
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Top Rated Charters in Washington
Washington Fishing Guide
Washington’s waters are as varied as it gets—glacier-fed rivers, island-strewn saltwater, deep coastal drop-offs, and hundreds of inland lakes. Puget Sound’s the saltwater hub, with salmon, lingcod, halibut, and crab running through most of the year. Charters usually work out of spots like Seattle, Everett, Anacortes, and Gig Harbor. You’ll find 4- to 8-hour nearshore trips most common here, often targeting migrating coho and Chinook with downriggers and herring setups or jigging near structure for bottomfish.
Out on the coast, Westport and Ilwaco are ground zero for tuna and halibut. These offshore runs push 30 to 50 miles when chasing albacore, with full-day trips the norm and weather a deciding factor. Halibut season is tight and regulated, so timing is key—most captains run heavy rods, circle hooks, and big bait off the bottom in 400+ feet.
Inland, the Columbia River sees epic walleye and sturgeon fishing near the Tri-Cities and around the Hanford Reach. Spring and fall salmon runs bring out heavy gear and quick limits. The Olympic Peninsula rivers—Hoh, Sol Duc, Bogachiel—are famous for winter steelhead, best hit with drift boats and side-drifting roe or jigs.
Most charter launches are trailered boats hitting public ramps, but some bigger vessels work from marina slips. Whether you’re running a downrigger off Whidbey or chucking plugs into tidewater, local tides, water temps, and seasonal closures shape every trip.
Regional Fishing Highlights
Puget Sound
This inland saltwater basin fishes year-round. Summer and fall mean coho and pink salmon (on odd years), while winter blackmouth Chinook can be solid around Kingston, Point No Point, and Tacoma Narrows. Lingcod opens in May and draws a crowd—expect jigging plastics or drifting live bait over reefs and wrecks. Half-day trips out of Everett, Seattle, and Port Townsend are common, with calm water and good access for families.
Olympic Peninsula Rivers
Steelhead is the name here. The Hoh, Sol Duc, and Calawah draw hardcore drift-boat guides from December through March. Most fish are wild and big—8 to 15 pounds is normal. Roe, beads, and jigs under floats are common tactics. Fall brings in Chinook and coho, while summer offers a lighter steelhead push. Weather can be brutal, but these guides are tough and know how to find fish in high water.
Columbia River System
From Buoy 10 upriver to Hanford Reach, the Columbia gives up big salmon, oversize sturgeon, and some of the best walleye in the country. Spring Chinook are prized but finicky—most boats anchor or troll spinners with herring. Fall is more aggressive and predictable. Sturgeon fishing around Bonneville and The Dalles can mean 8-foot fish on heavy gear. Charter trips run out of Astoria, Vancouver, and up through Tri-Cities.
Pacific Coast (Westport & Ilwaco)
Westport’s deep-sea fleet hits halibut, lingcod, and tuna depending on the season. Albacore trips go 40+ miles offshore in July–September and involve running-and-gunning to surface schools—troll feathers, then switch to live bait once you hook up. Halibut season is short but productive, fishing deep with bait or pipe jigs. Bottom fishing is year-round and fills coolers fast.
Eastern Washington Lakes
Lake Roosevelt, Banks Lake, and Potholes Reservoir are walleye country. Trolling worm harnesses, bottom bouncers, or jigging in 30–60 feet is the move. Spring and fall are best, but summer brings action too. Bass and panfish bite well in Moses Lake and the Columbia Basin irrigation lakes. Most guides use smaller boats and launch daily from local ramps.
Fishing Seasons in Washington
Spring
March kicks off with springers in the Columbia and steelhead on the Olympic rivers. Trout fishing opens across lakes statewide in April. Walleye on the Columbia and Banks Lake start hitting bottom-bouncers, and halibut season opens late spring offshore. Puget Sound blackmouth winds down by April, with baitfish patterns shifting daily.
Summer
Coho and Chinook show up in Puget Sound, along with pinks on odd years. Lingcod season wraps early summer. Tuna start offshore in July. Eastern lakes produce solid walleye and smallmouth action. Mornings are best before temps spike. Columbia River fall Chinook begin staging by late August. Trout bite slows in lowland lakes but holds in high country.
Fall
This is peak salmon. Columbia fall Chinook, coho in the Sound and rivers, and hatchery steelhead on the Snake. Lower water makes for good drift-boat work on Peninsula rivers. Walleye bite stays strong through October. Weather turns wet, but pressure drops and the fish stay hungry. Crabbing reopens in parts of Puget Sound.
Winter
This is peak salmon. Columbia fall Chinook, coho in the Sound and rivers, and hatchery steelhead on the Snake. Lower water makes for good drift-boat work on Peninsula rivers. Walleye bite stays strong through October. Weather turns wet, but pressure drops and the fish stay hungry. Crabbing reopens in parts of Puget Sound.
Most Popular Gamefish in Washington
- Chinook Salmon – 10–30 lbs. Trolled in Puget Sound and Columbia River with herring or spinners depending on water.
- Coho Salmon – 5–12 lbs. Cast or trolled near river mouths, beaches, or offshore rips with spoons, flies, or bait.
- Steelhead – 6–15 lbs. Caught in rivers using beads, roe, jigs under floats, or drift rigs.
- Lingcod – 10–25 lbs. Jigged off reefs, structure, and wrecks nearshore, especially May–June.
- Halibut – 20–80 lbs. Found deep offshore; fished with large baits or jigs off the bottom.
- Albacore Tuna – 15–40 lbs. Trolled and live-baited 40–60 miles offshore during summer.
- Walleye – 2–10 lbs. Targeted in lakes and rivers with bottom-bouncers, jigs, and crankbaits.
- Sturgeon – 20–200+ lbs. Anchored with heavy gear and bait on Columbia River ledges.
- Rainbow Trout – 1–5 lbs. Stocked in lakes; caught on spinners, bait, or trolling gear.
Washington Fishing FAQs
Do I need a fishing license in Washington for saltwater and freshwater?
Yes, you need a license for both. There’s a combo license for residents and tourists, plus catch record cards for salmon, sturgeon, and halibut.
What fish are in season near Seattle right now?
Depends on the time of year. Summer usually brings coho and pinks, while winter focuses on blackmouth Chinook and crab.
How far do tuna charters run from Westport?
Most albacore trips run 30 to 60 miles offshore, so expect early departures and long days. Good weather is key.
What’s the best time to fish for steelhead in the Olympic Peninsula?
The best time to fish for steelhead in the Olympic Peninsula is from January to March, during the peak of the wild winter steelhead run.
Can kids go on Puget Sound fishing charters?
Absolutely. Many charters out of Everett, Seattle, and Tacoma cater to families and keep trips close to shore for calmer water.
Are there crabbing charters in Washington?
Yes, especially in Puget Sound during open seasons. Some fishing trips include pots or offer crabbing-only options.
Where can I catch halibut in Washington?
Best halibut grounds are offshore from Westport and Neah Bay. Season is limited and books up fast.
Is sturgeon fishing still open in the Columbia?
It’s tightly regulated but open in certain sections. Check WDFW rules. Catch-and-release is always an option near Bonneville.
Do guides provide gear for freshwater trips?
Yes, most river and lake guides provide rods, tackle, bait, and even waders for steelhead trips if needed.