Seattle Fishing Charters
Seattle fishing charters work the Puget Sound, Lake Washington, and nearby rivers for salmon, lingcod, halibut, cutthroat trout, and steelhead.
Top Rated Charters in Seattle
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Seattle, WA Fishing Guide
Fishing around Seattle is as diverse as the waters that surround it. Puget Sound is the heart of most charters, with boats running out of Shilshole Bay Marina, Elliott Bay, and Edmonds to hit salmon-rich channels, rocky reefs, and kelp edges. Half-day trips are common in the summer when coho and pinks stage closer to shore, while full-day runs often push out toward Possession Bar, Midchannel Bank, or west toward the Strait for chinook, halibut, and lingcod. On the freshwater side, Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish see steady action for cutthroat trout, bass, and perch, with shorter trips well-suited for families.
The fishery is structured around seasonal salmon runs—chinook, coho, pink, and chum all make appearances depending on the month. Winter months bring blackmouth (resident chinook) opportunities inside Puget Sound, while summer is prime for ocean-run salmon entering the system. Lingcod and halibut seasons are tightly regulated, with short but productive windows that see captains working rocky ledges, pinnacles, and sandy flats in deeper waters.
Run distances vary—local Sound trips may only run 15–30 minutes from the dock, while Strait of Juan de Fuca or coastal halibut trips can push an hour or more. Popular launch points include Shilshole, Elliott Bay Marina, Des Moines, Edmonds, and Westport for offshore runs. Techniques range from trolling herring or hoochies behind flashers, to vertical jigging metal for lingcod, to live-bait mooching in tide rips. Fly anglers also find opportunities on sea-run cutthroat along South Sound beaches.
Seattle’s fishing shifts with the tides and seasons, but whether it’s trolling along Possession Bar for chinook, jigging reefs for lingcod, or running a spread on Lake Washington for cutthroat, there’s water to fit every style.
Fishing Seasons in Seattle
Spring (March–May)
Spring in Seattle marks the start of blackmouth season in Puget Sound. These resident chinook feed along drop-offs and structure, with trolling herring or artificial spoons behind flashers producing most bites. Lingcod season opens in May, drawing charters to rocky reefs and wrecks where jigs and swimbaits shine. On Lake Washington, cutthroat trout move into the upper water column, and trolling small plugs or wedding rings behind dodgers becomes effective. Rainfall can swell local rivers, but steelhead still draw anglers in March and April. Most trips this time of year focus on short to mid-range runs inside the Sound.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is prime time for Seattle fishing. Coho and chinook salmon flood Puget Sound, with charters running out to Possession Bar, Midchannel Bank, and West Point. Trolling with flashers and hoochies dominates, though mooching still finds a place when tides slacken. Lingcod action winds down, but halibut season opens briefly, and boats make longer runs to deeper banks west of Port Angeles or toward Neah Bay. On the freshwater side, bass and perch provide steady action on Lake Washington and Sammamish. Calm weather allows for family-friendly half-day trips, but serious anglers often book longer days to chase chinook limits.
Fall (September–November)
As temperatures cool, salmon runs peak with coho and chum entering Puget Sound in big numbers. October is especially good for coho, with fast trolling and casting spinners both effective. Chum push into rivers like the Green, Skykomish, and Snohomish, offering action for anglers targeting them with jigs and cured eggs. Lake fishing slows but cutthroat remain active into November. Charter captains adjust trip lengths depending on run timing, with some focusing on beach casting or nearshore fly fishing for sea-run cutthroat. The fall bite is reliable, and trips often fill quickly as anglers chase the last big salmon of the year.
Winter (December–February)
Winter is quieter but still productive around Seattle. Blackmouth chinook are the main draw, feeding deep along ledges and drop-offs in the central Sound. Downrigger trolling with spoons and herring rigs is standard. Weather can limit trips, but protected waters make half-day outings possible. Lakes remain open, and Lake Washington still gives up cutthroat for those willing to brave colder days. Steelhead are the big river story, with the Skykomish, Snoqualmie, and Skagit all drawing winter runs. These trips usually mean drift fishing with bait or side-drifting roe, and charters running river sleds instead of big boats.
Gamefish in Seattle
- Chinook Salmon – 10–30 lbs. Taken in Puget Sound in summer and winter, trolled with herring or spoons around Possession Bar and Midchannel Bank.
- Coho Salmon – 5–12 lbs. Best in late summer and early fall, aggressive on hoochies, spinners, and spoons in the Sound and local rivers.
- Pink Salmon – 3–6 lbs. Run strong on odd years, caught trolling or casting jigs near river mouths and tide rips.
- Chum Salmon – 8–15 lbs. Targeted in fall rivers with jigs or cured roe; also taken nearshore in the Sound.
- Lingcod – 10–25 lbs. Found in rocky reefs and wrecks during May–June, hit best on jigs and swimbaits.
- Halibut – 20–80 lbs. Short season in spring and summer, caught on sandy flats west of Port Angeles and Neah Bay using bait rigs.
- Sea-Run Cutthroat Trout – 12–20 inches. Active along beaches and estuaries year-round, especially on flies and small spoons.
- Steelhead – 5–15 lbs. Winter and summer runs in nearby rivers, targeted with drift gear, spoons, and flies.
Seattle Fishing FAQs
Where do most Seattle fishing charters depart from?
Most charters leave from Shilshole Bay Marina, Elliott Bay, Edmonds, and Des Moines, with Westport used for offshore halibut and tuna trips.
How long are typical Seattle fishing trips?
Half-day trips are common in Puget Sound for salmon or cutthroat, while full-day trips run longer distances toward the Strait or offshore for halibut and lingcod. River trips for steelhead often last 6–8 hours.
What species are available year-round in Seattle?
Resident chinook (blackmouth), cutthroat trout, and sea-run cutthroat can be caught year-round, though peak seasons for salmon and bottomfish vary.
Do Seattle fishing charters provide gear?
Yes, most charters include rods, reels, bait, and tackle. Fly fishing or specialty gear is sometimes by request, especially for sea-run cutthroat or river trips.
Is a fishing license required?
Yes, anglers need a Washington State fishing license, and salmon or steelhead trips require a catch record card. Licenses can be purchased online or at local shops.
What’s the best time to fish for salmon in Seattle?
Summer is peak for chinook and coho in Puget Sound, while fall brings strong coho and chum runs. Winter blackmouth season also provides reliable chinook action.
What techniques are most common on Seattle fishing charters?
Trolling with downriggers, mooching herring, vertical jigging, and casting spinners are standard. River trips often use drift fishing or float fishing methods.
How many people can join a charter?
Most boats handle 4–6 anglers comfortably, though larger vessels can take groups of 10 or more for salmon trolling in Puget Sound.
Are there specialty trips in Seattle?
Yes, charters offer river steelhead trips, halibut runs, fly fishing for cutthroat, and even tuna trips out of Westport in late summer.