Halibut fishing in Washington's Strait of Juan de Fuca draws a big crowd every season, and and with all the big Halibut swimming around on the banks from Sekiu to Sequim, it's exciting to think about how good this 2026 fishing season will be!
Halibut seasons in Washington's marine areas are being drafted right now, and it looks like marine areas in the Strait of Juan de Fuca will open for Halibut fishing starting on April 2nd this year. The harvest quota for Puget Sound and the Strait sits at 79,772 pounds for the 2026 season. The state has requested seasons be signed off and set by the National Marine Fisheries Service, and once they give the approval we'll have an official announcement. Essentially, we know what our season will be!
The 2026 Strait of Juan de Fuca Halibut season is April 2nd to June 30th. Halibut fishing will be open 7 days a week. The daily limit is 1 per person, annual limit of 6. Any Halibut kept must be recorded on your Catch Record Card. This covers Marine Areas from Sekiu to Olympia. Also check out WDFW's Puget Sound/Strait of Juan de Fuca Halibut Seasons page.
Reminder that descending devices must be on board and ready to deploy if you incidentally catch a Rockfish or other bottom fish. Barbless hooks are required for Halibut in Marine Areas 5-13.
Pillar Point is a popular Halibut fishing destination in the western portion of the Strait.
Halibut Fishing in the Strait of Juan de Fuca
There area a ton of great Halibut fishing spots throughout the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and at least a couple that are accessible from each of the major ports and launches in the region.
From Sekiu, Port Angeles, Sequim, Port Townsend, Anacortes and Friday Harbor you can run less than an hour and find a few of the best Halibut fishing spots in Washington.
Sekiu is the closest area to the Pacific Ocean and holds a ton of Halibut, it is also the most remote. Halibut fishing efforts concentrate around the underwater structure northeast of Pillar Point, straight out in front of Clallam Bay, and in the deeper water in front of the mouth of the Sekiu River. Drifting with spreader bars, plastics and bait is the primary tactic here.
Port Angeles really is the epicenter of Halibut fishing in the Strait. With all the services you could hope for in town, and great fishing spots in every direction, it sees a good amount of fishing effort. The fleet hauls in some really great catches throughout the season. Depending on your boat's range, you've got plenty of options. Most Port Angeles Halibut fishing happens at Coyote Bank, the Rock Pile, Green Point, the Humps and Freshwater Bay. Drifting with spreader bars, plastics and bait is the primary technique here, but you will see some boats anchored in some locations.
Sequim is a great jumping off point to the Halibut fishing banks of the Eastern Strait. Dungeness Bank, Eastern Bank, Dallas Bank, Partridge Bank, Hein Bank and Smith Island all see some amazing Halibut catches throughout the season. The banks of the Eastern Strait see a good mix of boats anchored an drifting.
Port Townsend anglers have the advantage of easy access to some great Halibut spots inside Admiralty Inlet as well as out in the Strait. All those banks in the Eastern Strait can be accessed from Port Townsend, so when the tides and weather are perfect, they'll head out to Partridge, Eastern, Hein, Dallas and Protection Island.
Anacortes is a little bit of a run to the more famous Halibut banks in the Eastern Strait, but the fleet will make their way out to Smith Island, McArthur Bank and even Partridge, Eastern and Hein.
Friday Harbor Halibut anglers head for the northern spots in the Strait, including Hein Bank, Middle Bank and Smith Island.
Seattle Fishing Co. Halibut Gear
We have a great selection of rods, reels and tackle to get you outfitted for your next trip. As always, if you need help getting ready for an upcoming trip, contact us and we can get you set up! Check out our Halibut Gear Page.
- Halibut Weight Slider Spreaders
- Halibut Glow Tube Spreader Bars
- Gamakatsu Halibut Leaders
- B2 Squid Halibut Rigs
- Fisherman's Gold Electric Eels
- Berkley Powerbait Halibut Grubs
- Kalin's Big'N Grub 10"
- P-Line Twin Tail Squid
- Square Halibut Weights
Halibut caught in the Strait of Juan de Fuca
