Montesano Fishing Guides
Montesano fishing charters put anglers on the tidal waters of the Wynoochee and Chehalis Rivers, along with nearby Grays Harbor, for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and bottomfish.
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Montesano, WA Fishing Guide
Fishing in Montesano is defined by its mix of river and saltwater access, giving captains flexibility to run trips in all seasons. Most local charters are set up for half-day or full-day outings, with some running specialty salmon or sturgeon trips depending on the tides. The Chehalis River is the main artery through town, with launches at Friends Landing and other ramps that allow anglers to reach long stretches of current seams, deep pools, and travel corridors that salmon and steelhead use in their migrations. The Wynoochee River also runs right into town, offering smaller water opportunities where guides often drift-fish, side-drift, or plug for steelhead in winter and spring.
Just downriver, Grays Harbor provides another layer to the fishery. From Montesano, it’s a short drive to Westport or Aberdeen, where boats head out into the bay and nearshore Pacific for chinook, coho, lingcod, halibut, and rockfish. Trips targeting bottomfish and halibut typically run offshore, with captains covering 10–30 miles depending on the season and weather. Inside the harbor, salmon staging in late summer and fall can be targeted by trolling herring or spinners along the edges of tide rips and channel drop-offs.
Seasonal fishing patterns in Montesano are shaped by salmon runs, with coho and chinook showing up in the Chehalis in the fall, followed by winter steelhead on the Wynoochee. Springers and summer steelhead add opportunities as the water warms, while sturgeon remain a year-round target in deeper holes and along tidal flats. Techniques vary with the river and species—light tackle drifting, back-bouncing, and fly fishing are common upriver, while trolling cut-plug herring or jigging lead-heads is more the norm in Grays Harbor. The combination of freshwater and saltwater access makes Montesano fishing charters versatile, and a strong option for anglers who want both river runs and open-water trips without traveling far from town.
Fishing Seasons in Montesano
Spring (March–May)
Spring in Montesano sees the Wynoochee and Chehalis Rivers come alive with steelhead and the occasional early chinook. Water levels fluctuate with rainfall, so captains adjust between side-drifting soft beads and eggs in higher water, to running plugs and light gear as flows drop. Springers typically trickle in toward late April and May, giving anglers a chance to target them on cured baits and Kwikfish in the deeper river channels. Sturgeon fishing also picks up in the lower Chehalis as they move upriver with warming water. Charters often run half-day trips in spring since the bite windows are most active in early morning or late afternoon tides.
Summer (June–August)
By summer, Montesano fishing shifts toward sturgeon and warm-season steelhead. The Wynoochee holds good numbers of summer-runs, and drift trips are popular with light tackle for aggressive fish. Chehalis River water temps climb, so anglers focus on deeper holding pools or switch to evening trips when fish are more active. Meanwhile, Grays Harbor becomes a staging ground for salmon, and offshore runs target halibut, lingcod, and rockfish. Trolling cut-plug herring behind divers is a staple, while bottomfish charters rely on vertical jigging and bait rigs. The longer daylight hours allow for full-day trips offshore, with plenty of crossover for mixed-bag fishing.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is peak season in Montesano, especially for salmon. Chinook and coho flood the Chehalis and Wynoochee, drawing heavy charter activity. Boats troll spinners, herring, or wobblers in the tidewater stretches, then switch to drift gear upriver as fish move inland. September through November also brings some of the best Grays Harbor action, with coho running strong. Many charters run full-day salmon trips, as tides dictate prime fishing windows. Sturgeon remain an option in deeper channels, but most focus shifts toward salmon. Cooler weather stabilizes flows, making drift fishing and back-trolling highly productive throughout the region.
Winter (December–February)
Winter belongs to steelhead in Montesano. The Wynoochee is one of the top local rivers for hatchery and wild fish, and drift boats work every seam, tailout, and slot with side-drift rigs, jigs, and beads. The Chehalis can also produce steelhead in good numbers, though weather and river levels play a bigger role. Sturgeon are a steady fallback, with winter tides concentrating them in predictable holes. Trips this time of year are shorter, with captains favoring half-day river runs over full-day outings. Despite cold conditions, winter steelhead fishing in Montesano is highly reliable and attracts serious anglers who know this is prime time for fresh fish.
Gamefish in Montesano
- Chinook Salmon – 10–30 lbs. Taken in the Chehalis River and Grays Harbor in fall by trolling herring, plugs, or spinners.
- Coho Salmon – 6–15 lbs. Best in late summer and fall in tidewater stretches, with spinners and cut-plug herring producing.
- Steelhead – 6–20 lbs. Winter on the Wynoochee and Chehalis with drift gear, jigs, and beads. Summer fish show in July and August.
- Sturgeon – 30–100+ lbs. Targeted in the Chehalis year-round, especially in deep tidal holes with anchovies, squid, or smelt.
- Halibut – 20–80 lbs. Offshore trips out of Grays Harbor in May and June using bait rigs and vertical jigs.
- Lingcod – 5–25 lbs. Caught on nearshore reefs and offshore structure with jigs and live bait.
- Rockfish – 1–5 lbs. Abundant around nearshore reefs; taken by jigging small plastics and bait rigs.
- Chum Salmon – 8–18 lbs. Show up in fall in the Chehalis system, targeted with drifted jigs and spinners.
Montesano Fishing FAQs
What are the main launch points in Montesano?
Friends Landing on the Chehalis River is the most popular launch, with additional ramps nearby in Aberdeen for harbor access and drift launches along the Wynoochee.
How long are typical fishing trips from Montesano?
Most river trips run 4–6 hours, while full-day salmon or sturgeon charters can last 8–10 hours. Offshore trips to bottomfish grounds often require full days due to travel distance.
Is fishing gear provided by Montesano charters?
Yes, captains supply rods, reels, tackle, and bait suited to the targeted species. Anglers only need to bring personal items like clothing, food, and drinks.
Do I need a fishing license for Montesano fishing trips?
Yes, a Washington State fishing license is required, along with salmon or sturgeon catch cards if targeting those species. Licenses can be purchased online or locally.
When is the best time to fish Montesano?
Fall is the prime season for salmon, while winter shines for steelhead. Spring and summer still provide good opportunities for sturgeon, steelhead, and offshore trips.
What fishing techniques are common in Montesano?
River trips use side-drifting, back-trolling plugs, and float fishing, while harbor and offshore trips rely on trolling herring, jigging, and bottom rigs.
What species can I expect to catch in Montesano?
Salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon dominate the rivers, while halibut, lingcod, and rockfish are main targets offshore. Seasonal runs dictate the best opportunities.
How many people can go on a Montesano charter?
River drift boats usually take 2–3 anglers, while larger powerboats on the harbor and offshore runs can handle 4–6 passengers.
Are there specialty trips available from Montesano?
Yes, some guides offer steelhead-only winter trips, salmon-focused fall charters, or offshore halibut and bottomfish trips out of nearby Westport during open seasons