Washington Fishing Reports
Washington Fishing Reports
Fishing the Bogachiel River near Forks
The Bogachiel River is located close to the heart of Olympic Peninsula’s best fishing region. Forks, Washington lays claim as the Steelhead capital of the Pacific Northwest, and “the Bogey” is among one of its most productive rivers. Expect to see some fine fishing for Salmon and Steelhead throughout its fishing season. Originating from the rainforest interior of the Olympic National Park, this river’s flows are sourced mainly from rainfall and springs high in the foothills of the Olympic Mountain Range and offers anglers a river that usually holds clear unless torrential rains hit our coast, then it is one of the first to blow out and muddy up. Getting Around the Bogachiel River? The Bogachiel River originates in the Olympic National Park, draining the southwestern slopes of the Olympic Mountains through a heavily forested valley that receives some of the highest annual rainfall totals in the United States. From its mountain origins, the river flows through the town of Forks before joining with the Sol Duc River to form the Quillayute River, the system’s mainstem conduit to the Pacific Ocean. The primary access corridor for anglers is Highway 101, which crosses the Bogachiel south of Forks and provides access to the lower river through a network of county roads and state land parcels. Bogachiel State Park, located approximately six miles south of Forks on Highway 101, provides a good accessible public fishing spot, with parking, camping facilities and direct river access. The lower Bogachiel is mainly accessible by drift boat and raft, but there is a little fishing at Leyendecker Park at the confluence of the Bogachiel and Sol Duc. Take La Push Road (Hwy 110) to Mora Road to get there. Bogachiel Way in Forks will take you west to the Bogachiel Hatchery, where most of the action happens during the peak of the salmon and hatchery steelhead seasons. Ample bank access, parking and a boat launch make this an obvious starting point for people exploring the river for the first time. You can also hike up and explore the lower reaches of the Calawah River from here. Upriver from Highway 101, the Bogachiel River meanders through private property, with some bank access off Undi Road, including the trailhead for the Bogachiel River Trail, a jumping off point for access to fishing in the Olympic National Park. Hiking here is classified as difficult but offers access to some amazing trout fishing. Fishing regulations in the park are different from the rest of the river, so make sure you know where you’re at and review current Washington State regulations and Olympic National Park fishing rules before you go. Bogachiel River Fishing Map Bogachiel River Fishing Seasons Most of the Bogachiel’s fishing calendar revolves around ocean going salmon and steelhead that return to the Quillayute River system, many making their way up to natural spawning grounds throughout the Bogachiel, or to the Bogachiel Hatchery, which raises a ton of salmon and steelhead. Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout reside in the river year-round, and a number of sea-run fish will migrate up into the river during the late summer and fishing can be good even in the lower river. However, most of the efforts are higher in the river system, especially within the Olympic National Park. These fish offer a great light-tackle experience. For Bogachiel River trout, try casting spinners and spoons in the river’s deeper riffles and runs. Summer Steelhead can be caught in the river as early as June. Most are hatchery-origin but there are a number of wild-origin Summer Steelhead to be found in the Bogachiel. While there is a lot of action around the Bogachiel Hatchery, these fish will stray throughout the river system for most of the summer and fall, so feel free to explore! Summer Steelhead love a bobber and jig, or try casting spinners or spoons. Fall Chinook Salmon enter the river as early as September but the peak of the fishing season is usually October. Fall rains that lift the river levels will trigger a huge push of these powerful fish, so keep an eye on the forecast! Coho Salmon also enter the river as early as September, but the big push happens in October. Salmon fishing is usually open from the mouth up to the Highway 101 Bridge, but definitely the lower stretch up to the hatchery is peak. Fresh coho in the Bogachiel's clear water are aggressive and acrobatic, responding to a broader range of presentations like spinners, spoons, twitching jigs and plugs. Winter Steelhead draw a huge crowd to the Bogachiel River. Starting in November, the first push of fin-clipped hatchery fish will enter the system, the kick-off to months of fishing. By January most of the hatchery steelhead have been caught or pushed up into the hatchery creek, and the start of the wild fish migration is beginning to build. The catch and release season for wild steelhead peaks in February and usually remains strong until they close the river, lately it has been open through the end of March. Fishing on the Bogachiel River The Bogachiel River’s solid variety salmon and steelhead returns make it a favorite fishing option for most of the year. From the early summer opener through the late winter closure, anglers find some great fishing throughout the system. River flows are healthy in the spring, giving Summer Steelhead plenty of water to swim around during the first month of fishing. By July, river levels usually drop to low and clear, making fishing more of a stealthy endeavor. Salmon will enter the system even before the fall rains swell the river’s flow again, but once that first fall freshet happens, thousands of salmon push up and spread out throughout the lower river. From that first big fall rain system to the end of the Steelhead season, the river continuously changes from clear to perfect to too-high. Matching the tactic to the current conditions is the assignment. When major rains wash over the Olympic Peninsula, the Bogachiel is usually one of the first to flood. The 24-hour change can be dramatic, but fishing the river on the drop can give you some of the best fishing of your life! Bogachiel River in Olympic National Park A large stretch of the Bogachiel River flows out of the Olympic National Park, through some wild country. The valley narrows and the river flows through impressive stands of old growth temperate rainforest. The Bogachiel River Trail follows the river past some sweeping gravel bars that will give you access to some great trout fishing. While the trail is in a constant state of repair, the semi-difficult hike is worth the effort. Check out Olympic National Park Fishing Rules for specifics on the season and regulations. Seattle Fishing Co. Gear Recommendations Blue Fox Vibrax Spinners Steelhead Slammer Spinners Aerojig Twitching Jigs Yakima Bait Mag Lips Luhr Jensen Kwikfish Little Cleo Spoons Aerojig Steelhead Jigs BnR Soft Beads BnR Steelhead Worms Bogachiel River meanders through private lands, working forests and some great public access points.
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Razor Clam Digs Approved for April 1st to 7th
Washington's coastal beaches will be abuzz with activity once again! Early April's low tides are all in the morning, giving up some great daylight digging for Razor Clams. This latest series of digs is April 1st to April 7th. During this opener Long Beach and Twin Harbors will be open daily, and Copalis and Mocrocks will have a few days each as well. Should be fun! WDFW approves seven days of coastal razor clam digs beginning April 1 with additional dates planned through early May OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers confirmed today, razor clam digging opportunities at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks beaches from April 1 through April 7. “We had some nice conditions and successful digging during the first weekend of morning harvest during the last tide series,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. “Hopefully, the swell and weather don’t have any tricks up their sleeves and will allow similar success for the upcoming April Fools’ Day digs. Don’t forget to buy a new 2026-2027 license before you head out to the beach starting on April 1, which is the start of a new license year.” Copalis and Mocrocks beaches are not open every day during each series of digs, so be sure to check which beach is open before heading out. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) requires test samples for marine toxins, and domoic acid levels must fall under the guideline level before a beach can open for digging. Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. Final approval usually occurs about a week or less — sometimes two to three days — before the start of each digging series. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, is available on the WDFW’s domoic acid webpage. Recent marine biotoxin closures do not apply to razor clams or crabs. Certain shellfish species accumulate toxins more quickly, to higher levels, and can harbor them longer than other species. Refer to DOH's shellfish safety map for details on which species are safe to harvest. The following digs during morning (midnight to noon only) low tides: April 1, Wednesday, 6:45 a.m.; 0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks April 2, Thursday, 7:22 a.m.; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks April 3, Friday, 7:57 a.m.; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis April 4, Saturday, 8:32 a.m.; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis April 5, Sunday, 9:08 a.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks April 6, Monday, 9:46 a.m.; 0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks April 7, Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.; 0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis Below are additional tentative dates during morning (midnight to noon only, except extended until 2 p.m. on April 22-23) low tides: April 17, Friday, 6:58 a.m.; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (Long Beach Razor Clam and Shellfish Festival) April 18, Saturday, 7:41 a.m.; -1.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (Long Beach Razor Clam and Shellfish Festival) April 19, Sunday, 8:26 a.m.; -1.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis April 20, Monday, 9:14 a.m.; -1.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis April 21, Tuesday, 10:07 a.m.; -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks April 22, Wednesday, 11:06 a.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (digging extended until 2 p.m.) April 23, Thursday, 12:11 p.m.; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis (digging extended until 2 p.m.) April 30, Thursday, 6:26 a.m.; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks May 1, Friday, 7:01 a.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis May 2, Saturday, 7:35 a.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis May 3, Sunday, 8:08 a.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks May 4, Monday, 8:43 a.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks May 5, Tuesday, 9:21 a.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis May 6, Wednesday, 10:03 a.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis Most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide. On all open beaches — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks — the daily limit is 15 clams per person. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container, and all diggers must keep the first 15 clams they dig, regardless of size or condition. Now that spring has arrived, Washingtonians will need a valid 2026-2027 recreational fishing license beginning April 1, 2026. The 2025–2026 licenses expire on March 31. WDFW offers two mobile apps and both apps are designed to make your outdoor experience easier and more efficient. MyWDFW serves both hunters and anglers, offering electronic tagging, harvest reporting, and access to licenses and permits. Fish Washington® is tailored for anglers, providing fishing regulations, digital catch cards, and license management. All diggers age 16 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses may be purchased online or from hundreds of license dealers across the state. Kalaloch Beach off the northern Olympic Peninsula coast won’t be open due to continuing issues with depressed populations of harvestable clams. The 2025-2026 Razor Clam Management Plan is available on the WDFW’s website. WDFW welcomes public input on proposed razor clam schedules and considers this feedback when finalizing each season’s digs. Public comments may be emailed to: razorclams@dfw.wa.gov. For more information, refer to the WDFW's razor clam webpage. WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, or call 833-885-1012 or TTY (711), or email CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov. Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
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Long Beach Razor Clam Festival April 17th-18th
Razor Clam season is a reason enough to drive to the Washington Coast, and spring is by far our favorite time of year to hit the beach. It gets even better when one of our favorite coastal towns hosts a festival that celebrates the bounty we get to pull from the beach. Long Beach Razor Clam Festival is April 17th and 18th this year and features lots of great activities in town. Combine that with some exceptionally low morning tides and a Razor Clam opener and how can you not go! Long Beach Razor Clam Festival Website
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Washington State Fishing Report - March 2026
March is looking great for fishing options across Washington State, and we've got alot to talk about in the fishing report. Some great Puget Sound salmon fishing is happening now, with more openers in the very near future. Trout and Kokanee fishing around Washington is starting to heat up. Columbia River Spring Chinook fishing is happening now and should get red hot at the end of the month! Puget Sound Region South Puget Sound Salmon fishing has been pretty decent, Marine Area 13 has been kicking out some nice Chinook at Point Gibson and Point Fosdick to the Bridge. Trolling flasher & spoon or bait near the bottom has been the ticket. Salmon Gear Central Puget Sound Salmon is opening on April 1st, we are expecting a 4 day opener Wednesday to Saturday with hopefully more openers to be announced later! Lake Washington Trout & Kokanee fishing has been excellent. With the mild winter, we've had many days with good catching, including some monster Cutthroat. Most of the efforts have been on the south end of the lake, but the guys launching at Magnuson in Seattle have reported some good Cutthroat fishing in front of Kirkland.Trout Gear Lake Sammamish Trout anglers are finding some good fishing, maybe not as consistent as Lake Washington but still worth a trip! Lots of Cutthroat around the weather buoy, and if you're fishing in a kayak or small boat and staying closer to the State Park, fish surface to 40' in front of Issaquah Creek and troll towards Greenwood Point. Puget Sound Halibut officially opens April 2nd! The season will be through June 30 and open 7-days a week. Halibut Gear Olympic Peninsula & Coast Olympic Peninsula Steelhead fishing has been decent on rivers like the Bogachiel, Quillayute, Clearwater and pretty good on the Hoh, Queets and Sol Duc. We are just ahead of a major storm front that should push most of the coastal rivers out of shape for a while, but will make those last few days of the season before the end of the month really good!Steelhead Gear Coastal Razor Clamming keeps on rolling on the Washington Coast. We've had a great season so far, and another round of openers is set for March 17 to 24. Check out more here. Washington Coast Lingcod & Rockfish opens on Saturday March 14th and everyone is excited to get back out on the ocean. The early part of the season is a great time to restock your whitefish freezer stash when the weather permits. Many have already planned out their March with trips to Westport and Neah Bay.Lingcod & Rockfish Gear Strait of Juan de Fuca Halibut officially opens on April 2nd, which is just around the corner! The first few weeks of the season can yield some really great fishing in the Strait Read more here. Southwest Washington Columbia River Spring Chinook has been off to a slow start, as is typical. With our unseasonably mild winter and low snowpack, we should see water temperatures climb any day to that magic number which kick starts the mass migration. Anglers have been picking up a few around Cathlamet, Willow Grove and Kalama. See the full report here. Cowlitz River Steelhead fishing has been good! Lots of Hatchery Steelhead to be found around the Blue Creek area. Most of the guides are running a bobber dogging program with Soft Beads and working the area around the Blue Creek Launch and the Clay Banks. Bank fishing has been good as well with traditional drift fishing gear and corkies.Steelhead Gear Kalama River Steelhead fishing has been decent, not a ton of angling pressure and there are a few quality Wild Steelhead to be found. The river should start to see a trickle of Spring Chinook as well, which makes this river a special place to fish in the spring. Willapa River Steelhead fishing has been mediocre. Water flows through the end of the season will be mostly high, so keep an eye open for that window that it's dropping before the next rain system pushes in. Cascades & Central Washington Lake Chelan has been kicking out some exceptional Kokanee fishing. Anglers have been able to find really good fishing in the lower basin close to the launches and town. Fishing has been bestKokanee Gear Eastern Washington Columbia Basin Lake fishing season officially kicked off on March 1 with the early opener, dozens of lakes in Eastern Washington opened for fishing and lots of trout are out there to be had! Northeast Washington Rufus Woods Reservoir fishing for Triploid Rainbows has been okay. Higher flows and more spill over Grand Coulee has made for some faster flows so fish the edges and up your sinkers and bait sizes! Lake Roosevelt clarity is starting to muddy up, but fishing has been pretty good for Rainbows and Kokanee. Some bank anglers have had some good action for trout plunking powerbait and the boat anglers are finding limits.
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Our Guide to Washington's 2026 Halibut Season
Washington’s 2026 Halibut Seasons start April 2 Washington Halibut options span the Ocean, Strait and Puget Sound Washington's first big saltwater fishing opener of the year starts with Halibut Season. The 2026 season was just announced, with generous open ocean opportunities on the Washington Coast and an early season kickoff in Puget Sound, Strait of Juan de Fuca, San Juan Islands and Sekiu. We’ve broken down the seasons by area, and hope it helps you break down the dates to plan your Halibut fishing trips. We’ve been busy helping to outfit people already. Check out our page dedicated to all of our best Halibut fishing tackle and gear. Jump to Pacific Ocean - Marine Areas 1-4Jump to Sekiu, Strait & San Juan Islands - Marine Areas 5-7Jump to Puget Sound - Marine Areas 8-10Jump to Washington Halibut FishingJump to Halibut Gear Guide Washington Coast & Pacific Ocean Halibut Season for 2026 Halibut seasons are managed by a quota system, and each region has a certain amount of quota poundage that can be harvested, so although seasons have been set and dates announced, it’s a good idea to check out the quota updates for your area before you head out. These can be easily found, along with each marine area’s emergency rules, linked below. Marine Area 1 – Ilwaco Fishing for Halibut in Washington’s southernmost portion of the Pacific Ocean can be great, and there are both an all-depth opener and a nearshore fishery that provides extra opportunities. Marine Area 1 all depth areas are open April 30 to May 31 and also June 4 to June 28 on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. If quota remains, June 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 may be added to the season. Dates may be cut from the schedule if quota is used up.There's also a potential for fishing in August and September if quota remains. WDFW Columbia River Halibut - Marine Area 1 Regulations - Marine Area 1 Emergency Rules There is usually a nearshore fishery in this area, but not this year, only the all-depth dates listed above. Daily limit is 1 any size, annual limit is 6 and anglers must purchase a Halibut catch card and record their catch. Marine Area 2 – Westport Westport, Washington has the coast’s largest charter boat fleet and a large contingent of private boats that enjoy the Halibut season here. Most of the action occurs far offshore around the edges of Grays Canyon, with depths to 600’ or more! There is a nearshore opportunity as well, and if you luck into a Halibut fishing for Lingcod or Rockfish you can keep them on certain dates. Marine Area 2 will be open April 30 to May 31 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Then again June 2 to June 30 on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Dates may be cut from the schedule if quota is used up. There is a potential for halibut fishing in August and September if quota remains after the June openers. WDFW South Coast Halibut - Marine Area 2 Regulations - Marine Area 2 Emergency Rules Northern Nearshore Halibut Fishery: This area includes the waters from 47°31.70’ N. latitude south to 46°58.00’N. latitude and east of a line approximating 30 fathoms. Check WDFW for exact coordinates. Daily limit is 1 any size, annual limit is 6 and anglers must purchase a Halibut catch card and record their catch. Marine Area 3 – La Push La Push is on our remote North Coast and a beautiful part of our state. Halibut fishing here can be phenomenal and varies between far offshore to inside the 100’ line near rocky structure. Marine Area 3 will be open April 30 to May 16 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Then May 22-24, May 28-30. In June it will be open June 4 to June 28 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Dates may be cut from the schedule if quota is used up. If quota remains after June 30, all marine areas may be open up to seven days per week in August and September. WDFW North Coast Halibut - Marine Area 3 Regulations - Marine Area 3 Emergency Rules Daily limit is 1 any size, annual limit is 6 and anglers must purchase a Halibut catch card and record their catch. Marine Area 4 – Neah Bay Neah Bay offers a great chance to get offshore, where Halibut fishing can be great in far off places like around the C-Closure, Blue Dot, 72 Square among others, but also along the Pacific Coast and inside the entrance to the Straits. It’s a varied marine area with a lot of character and good fishing. Marine Area 4 will be open April 30 to May 16 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Then May 22-24, May 28-30. In June it will be open June 4 to June 28 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Dates may be cut from the schedule if quota is used up. If quota remains after June 30, all marine areas may be open up to seven days per week in August and September. WDFW North Coast Halibut - Marine Area 4 Regulations - Marine Area 4 Emergency Rules Daily limit is 1 any size, annual limit is 6 and anglers must purchase a Halibut catch card and record their catch. Sekiu, Strait of Juan de Fuca, San Juan Islands and Puget Sound Halibut Season for 2026 Marine Area 5 – Sekiu Sekiu is way out west near the entrance to the Strait and gets a good haul of Halibut hit its docks each spring. Fishing just north of Clallam Bay, off Pillar Point and the mouth of the Sekiu River are prime spots for Halibut. Marine Area 5 opens April 2 to June 30, 7 days a week. If quota remains, there may be some more openings in August and September. WDFW Puget Sound Halibut - Marine Area 5 Regulations - Marine Area 5 Emergency Rules Daily limit is 1 any size, annual limit is 6 and anglers must purchase a Halibut catch card and record their catch. Marine Area 6 – Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca holds several highly productive banks where Halibut anglers will both drift and sit on anchor, including Hein, Dallas, Partridge, Eastern, Coyote Banks, the Rockpile, Protection Island and others. Marine Area 6 opens April 2 to June 30, 7 days a week. If quota remains, there may be some more openings in August and September. WDFW Puget Sound Halibut - Marine Area 6 Regulations - Marine Area 6 Emergency Rules Daily limit is 1 any size, annual limit is 6 and anglers must purchase a Halibut catch card and record their catch. Marine Area 7 – San Juan Islands The San Juan Islands offer an easy shot out to some places in the Eastern Strait that are in Marine Area 7, like Salmon Bank and Hein Bank, and further north of the islands at Alden Bank, while most of the fishing inside the islands is focused on Lingcod starting May 1, there are the occasional Halibut caught off the rocky points and reefs inside the island chain as well. Marine Area 7 opens April 2 to June 30, 7 days a week. If quota remains, there may be some more openings in August and September. WDFW Puget Sound Halibut - Marine Area 7 Regulations - Marine Area 7 Emergency Rules Daily limit is 1 any size, annual limit is 6 and anglers must purchase a Halibut catch card and record their catch. Marine Areas 8-10 – Admiralty Inlet, Saratoga Passage, Seattle & Bainbridge Island Protected areas of North and Central Puget Sound give people close reach to Halibut fishing action near Seattle, Everett, Edmonds, Kingston, Whidbey Island and Port Townsend. On many days, even smaller boats can safely get out for a chance at Halibut. While the best action is in Admiralty Inlet in places like Admiralty Bay, Mutiny Bay and Foulweather Bluff, there are Halibut occasionally caught at points further south like Possession, Skunk Bay and even Jeff Head, but not with much regularity. Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2, 9, 10 all open April 2 to June 30, 7 days a week. If quota remains, there may be some more openings in August and September. WDFW Puget Sound Halibut - Marine Area 9 Regulations - Marine Area 9 Emergency Rules Daily limit is 1 any size, annual limit is 6 and anglers must purchase a Halibut catch card and record their catch. Fishing for Halibut in Washington State Washington has some really exciting options for Halibut fishing, with areas of Halibut abundance offshore, and plenty of really solid opportunities for nearshore and inshore Halibut hauls. From the serious offshore angler, to the small-boat-Halibut-hopefuls, there are tons of Halibut caught across our state’s marine waters. Halibut fishing in the Pacific offshore The greatest concentrations of Halibut in Washington waters occur far offshore near the edge of the continental shelf. Depending on the region, it could be anywhere from a 25 mile to 50 mile run to get where you want to be. The southern half of Washington’s Pacific Coast is a gradual gradient from the beach out for many miles until the shelf, Ilwaco boats run out and fish the edges of the Astoria Canyon, Westport boats fish the edges of the Grays Harbor Canyon. Nearshore fisheries near these two ports give up some incidental Halibut, but the small nearshore quota is more of a gesture to the guys specifically targeting Lingcod and Rockfish, giving them a big bonus if they catch a Halibut. Further north near La Push and Neah Bay, the ocean floor gains more character, with larger swaths of contour and terrain, giving anglers more spots to go explore. For those that have smaller ocean-worthy boats that may not feel comfortable running out 30 miles, there are plenty of Halibut caught within ten miles or less from the harbor entrances of these two great fishing ports. Fishing inside Washington’s Strait Halibut fishing from the west entrance at Neah Bay to the Eastern Strait can be really good. Most of the action occurs on larger lifted banks where strong currents create a concentration point for sealife, including Halibut’s most common forage, Candlefish and Herring. There are more than two dozen extremely well known Halibut spots here, some mentioned above, where a couple dozen boats can be found working the area at any good tide. There is a good mix of boats that anchor up with a chum bag and wait for the fish to come to them, and those that drift with the currents and cover ground. Both tactics can yield success. Halibut fishing in the protected waters of Puget Sound & San Juan Islands Halibut can be found with decent regularity in Admiralty Inlet and gradually get more scarce the further south you go. The rare catch at Possession, Skunk Bay really create a buzz, and on even rarer occasion, a Halibut will get caught at Jeff Head or somewhere else in Marine Area 10. Generally speaking, there isn’t much angling effort for Halibut in Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2 or 10. But you do have a decent chance of catching Halibut in the northern portion of Marine Area 9! Seattle Fishing Co. Halibut Gear Check out our page dedicated to all of our best Halibut fishing tackle and gear. If you are looking for a great rod and reel setup, we have a great selection of Okuma and Daiwa to choose from, including an option to have us spool up your reel with quality braided line. Halibut Hoochie Rig B2 Squid Rig Standard Spreader Bar Glow Spreader Bar Halibut Weight Slider Square Cod Weight Cannonball Weight Gamakatsu Octopus 8/0 to 10/0 Gamakatsu Big River Bait Hook 8/0 to 12/0 Copper Pipe Jig, P-Line Hali Drop Jigs P-Line Diamond Jigs Gibbs Cod Jigs Fisherman’s Gold Electric Eels Lead Jighead Delta Hali Hawg Grub Kalin's Big N Grub P-Line Twin Tail Squid Powerbait Grub. Halibut fishing through Spring and Summer This is one of our favorite fishing options in the spring, and when you battle and land your first Halibut, it’s an experience that you absolutely will want to repeat! Safety is always a major consideration when deciding where to go and when, and knowing your experience level and boat’s capabilities will definitely help keep you safe and create some really great memories. If you need any help gear up please let us know, we are happy to help!
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Ocean Shores 2026 Razor Clam & Seafood Festival March 20-22
If you're looking for a fun day trip, head to Ocean Shores and check out their annual Razor Clam and Seafood Festival. Not only is this a great event, with lots of vendors to visit, a chowder cookoff, tons of food booths, live local music and a crab dinner, but Razor Clam digging is also happening this weekend! Check out our writeup on the clam dig opener here. Ocean Shores, WA Razor Clam and Seafood Festival Website
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Razor Clam Digs approved for March 17th to 24th
Tides are looking good for the upcoming Razor Clam digs that were just announced! It looks like we will see digging at Long Beach, Twin Harbors every day during the openers, and alternating openers between Copalis and Mocrocks Beaches. The openers starts off with a few late afternoon and evening digs, but then by Friday the low tides are in the morning! There's nothing better than waking up early, heading to the beach and getting your limit of clams before exploring the coast. WDFW approves eight days of coastal razor clam digs beginning March 17 with additional dates planned through early April OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers confirmed today, razor clam digging opportunities at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks beaches from March 17 through March 24. “March is finally here and with it comes longer days, the shift to morning harvest, and hopefully better weather,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. “This next tide series will start off with our last few evening digs, then switch to spring morning tides to kick off weekend digging and the Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival.” Copalis and Mocrocks beaches are not open every day during each series of digs, so be sure to check which beach is open before heading out. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) requires test samples for marine toxins, and domoic acid levels must fall under the guideline level before a beach can open for digging. Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. Final approval usually occurs about a week or less — sometimes two to three days — before the start of each digging series. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, is available on the WDFW’s domoic acid webpage. Recent marine biotoxin closures do not apply to razor clams or crabs. Certain shellfish species accumulate toxins more quickly, to higher levels, and can harbor them longer than other species. Refer to DOH's shellfish safety map for details on which species are safe to harvest. The following digs during late afternoon/evening (noon to midnight only): March 17, Tuesday, 6:21 p.m.; 0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis March 18, Wednesday, 6:54 p.m.; 0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis March 19, Thursday, 7:28 p.m.; 0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks The following digs during morning (midnight to noon only) low tides: March 20, Friday, 8:00 a.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival) March 21, Saturday, 8:43 a.m.; -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis (Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival) March 22, Sunday, 9:29 a.m.; -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis (Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival) March 23, Monday, 10:22 a.m.; -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks March 24, Tuesday, 11:21 a.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (digging extended until 1 p.m.) Below are additional tentative dates during morning (midnight to noon only) low tides: April 1, Wednesday, 6:45 a.m.; 0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks April 2, Thursday, 7:22 a.m.; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks April 3, Friday, 7:57 a.m.; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis April 4, Saturday, 8:32 a.m.; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis April 5, Sunday, 9:08 a.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks April 6, Monday, 9:46 a.m.; 0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks April 7, Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.; 0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis Most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide. On all open beaches — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks — the daily limit is 15 clams per person. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container, and all diggers must keep the first 15 clams they dig, regardless of size or condition. Diggers must have a valid 2025-2026 license. Licenses can be purchased from WDFW’s licensing website and from hundreds of license vendors around the state. All diggers age 16 or older must have a license to harvest razor clams on any beach. WDFW recommends diggers buy their license before visiting coastal beach communities. Kalaloch Beach off the northern Olympic Peninsula coast won’t be open due to continuing issues with depressed populations of harvestable clams. The 2025-2026 Razor Clam Management Plan is available on the WDFW’s website. WDFW welcomes public input on proposed razor clam schedules and considers this feedback when finalizing each season’s digs. Public comments may be emailed to: razorclams@dfw.wa.gov. For more information, refer to the WDFW's razor clam webpage. WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
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Coastal Razor Clamming Opens February 26th to March 4th
Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches will see another round of Razor Clam openers starting this week, with some minus tides and a potential for great digging. The Razor Clam harvest this seasons has been excellent so far, and there's much more to come this spring.
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Washington State Fishing Report - Mid-February 2026
February is really turning into a great fishing month, and we've got plenty to talk about in our new Fishing Report Series! Every region in Washington has some really good fishing going on right now, so whether you're looking to get out on Puget Sound, catch and release a trophy Steelhead, head to the beach for clamming, or find that hot trout fishing spot on a local lake, there's plenty to choose from!
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Halibut Fishing in Sekiu, Port Angeles & Sequim opens April 2nd
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!
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Coastal Bottomfish Season opens March 14th
Bottomfishing on the Washington Coast is the first big season opener for our saltwater season, and all four of our ocean marine areas are opening back up for the season on March 14th. Vast expanses of ocean will open up for Lingcod and Rockfish fishing for a 7 month season, and while most of the effort happens from May to September, there are plenty of people that hit the ocean early in the spring during the fair weather days. Each area of Washington's Pacific Ocean hosts some great fishing and unique scenery. The bottom fish aggregate limit is 9, including up to 2 Lingcod and 7 Rockfish. Cabezon and Greenling are also on the table as part of the limit! So whether you're a couple hours away from Ilwaco and the mouth of the Columbia River, looking at charter options in Westport, or seeking an adventure on the rugged North Coast from Neah Bay and La Push, rejoice! Washington's saltwater fishing season is about to begin! Check out the WDFW Halibut & Bottomfish Page for season highlights Black Rockfish are a primary target for Washington Bottomfish anglers. Fishing for ocean Lingcod and Rockfish in early spring March and April offer up a real mix of weather and ocean conditions, we will get severe storms to some of the most perfectly flat ocean conditions, and this can change daily. Most anglers that participate in the spring bottom fish season will keep a close eye on the marine forecast and when a window opens up to hit the ocean safely, they'll jump on the opportunity. But as spring progresses, the fair weather days become more common and expected. Early season means a fresh chance to fish over Lingcod and Rockfish stocks that haven't seen any angling pressure in months, and all the prime zones produce some great catches. Charter boats out of Neah Bay, La Push, Westport and Ilwaco will offer up some great trips and usually head back to port with boat limits of both Lings and Rockfish. Lingcod fishing with All River & Saltwater Charters in Westport Marine Area 1 - Mouth of Columbia River, Illwaco Apart from the deepwater Lingcod fishing that happens later in the season, lots of anglers from both boat and shore fish the North Jetty of the Columbia River. There are a good number of large Black Rockfish and Lings here. Like other river mouths of the Pacific Coast, it is super important to be aware of the bar conditions (current and future) when heading out for the day. Marine Area 1 published regulations and emergency rule changes. Cape Disappointment near the mouth of the Columbia River - Marine Area 1 Marine Area 2 - Westport Westport is the most popular bottomfishing port on the Washington Coast, and some major hauls are brought back to the harbor every day that the ocean allows. Near town, the Westport Jetty can offers a close-in option for shore and small boat anglers, and outside the entrance to Grays Harbor, the charter and private boats spread out to countless bottomfish spots. Marine Area 2 published regulations and emergency rule changes. Westport Marina, home to the largest fishing charter fleet in Washington - Marine Area 2 Marine Area 3 - La Push A small harbor located just inside the Quillayute River, once you pass the jetties, you're smack dab into the wild Pacific. With vast expanses of Lingcod and Rockfish habitat to explore. Typically a popular choice for mid- to large-sized fishing boats that are equipped to fish in open ocean waters. Marine Area 3 published regulations and emergency rule changes. James Island at the entrance to La Push - Marine Area 3 Marine Area 4 - Neah Bay Neah Bay is one of the more remote areas of Washington State, but offers some amazing coastline to explore. Whether your vessel is a 30' offshore boat or a 14' kayak, this is one of the best places for everyone to experience Lingcod and Rockfish fishing. Good fishing for both can be found just outside the harbor, but fishing just gets better and better the further out you go. The area has different regulations inside the Strait of Juan de Fuca versus outside, and depth restrictions for bottomfishing at certain times of the year. Marine Area 4 published regulations and emergency rule changes. The rugged coastline of Cape Flattery near Neay Bay - Marine Area 4 Seattle Fishing Co. Rockfish & Lingcod Gear There are a few setups that will help you catch Ocean Rockfish and Lingcod with ease, we have a few rigging diagrams to make things easy. Check out our full line of Lingcod & Rockfish Gear Deepwater Lingcod Gear Much of the offshore environment holds that hardpan rocky structure that Lingcod love. During portions of the season, fishing for Lingcod is allowed the offshore zone, and with some areas exceeding 600' in depth, it's deep-sea fishing with heavy gear. The best deepwater areas hold trophy Lingcod. Jigging with heavy jigs is the most common technique. Copper Pipe Jigs 16-40 ounces Fisherman's Gold Electric Eel Jigs 16-32 ounces Gibbs Cod Jigs 16-26 ounces Kalin's Big-N Grubs 10" with Lead Jighead 16-32 ounces Inshore and Nearshore Lingcod Gear Closer to shore, rockpiles, reefs and the complex and rugged coastline offers good Lingcod fishing in the shallow areas just off the kelp out to 120' or 180', depending on the depth restrictions in the area. We mostly fish with medium heavy rods and jigs up to 12 ounces. Drifting and jigging being the most effective technique. Fisherman's Gold Electric Eel Jigs 4-8 ounces P-Line Laser Minnow Jigs 3-6 ounces Copper Pipe Jigs 8 ounces P-Line Twintail Squid 7" & 9" with Lead Jighead 4-12 ounces Light Tackle Rockfish Gear Most of the Rockfish fishing is located in the shallows, either inside the kelp, near it, or around rocky structure in 25' to 100'. Light tackle can make this a fun part of the day, and usually jigs from 1 to 3 ounces will perfectly match the size of forage that Rockfish normally prefer. Fisherman's Gold Electric Eel Jigs 1-2 ounces P-Line Twintail Squid 4.5" with Lead Jighead 1-3 ounces Shrimp Flies Luhr Jensen Crippled Herring Jigs 1-3 ounces P-Line Laser Minnow Jigs 1-2 ounces Canary Rockfish caught near Neah Bay, Washington
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More Razor Clam digs announced starting on Valentine's Day 2026
Razor Clam digging on the Washington Coast has been pretty good this season! More dates are on their way through February and March, so if you haven't had the experience of hitting the beach yet, there's plenty of opportunities headed your way. We are really excited about the return to daylight digs as well!
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