The Pacific Northwest — Washington and Oregon — offers one of the most diverse fishing landscapes in North America: oceanic salmon and halibut off the Washington coast, world-famous steelhead rivers in both states, chinook and coho salmon runs through the Columbia River system, nearshore rockfish and lingcod, and the legendary fisheries of Puget Sound. The variety of species, habitats, and techniques available within a few hours’ drive of Seattle or Portland is unmatched.
Top Species in the Pacific Northwest
| Species | Peak Season | Habitat |
|---|---|---|
| Chinook Salmon | March–May (spring), August–October (fall) | Columbia River, ocean |
| Coho Salmon | September–November | Columbia, Puget Sound tribs |
| Steelhead | November–April (winter), May–October (summer) | Deschutes, Skagit, Hoh, Clearwater |
| Pacific Halibut | April–October | Westport, Neah Bay, La Push |
| Lingcod | September–February | Rocky nearshore reefs |
| Rockfish (many species) | Year-round | Nearshore reefs, Puget Sound |
| Cutthroat Trout | Year-round (peaks spring/fall) | Puget Sound beaches, mountain streams |
Best Fishing Locations
Puget Sound
Puget Sound is one of America’s great urban fisheries — within 30 minutes of downtown Seattle, anglers can pursue sea-run cutthroat trout along saltwater beaches, chinook and coho salmon from boats and piers, and Pacific halibut in season. The Narrows (Tacoma), Elliott Bay, Hood Canal, and Port Townsend areas are classic salmon and sea-run cutthroat destinations. The Des Moines Marina Pier is one of the most productive public fishing piers on the West Coast.
Columbia River
The Columbia River system — spanning Washington, Oregon, and Idaho — hosts the most complex salmon fishery in the lower 48 states. Spring chinook (the most prized, called “springers”) enter the river from March through May. Fall chinook and coho run August through November. The river from Astoria to Bonneville Dam is accessible and productive; the Buoy 10 fishery at the river mouth in August is one of the most renowned salmon fisheries in the country.
Oregon Coast & Washington Coast
Westport, WA is the premier halibut and ocean salmon port in Washington — the charter fleet runs April through October for both species. Ilwaco, WA at the Columbia mouth is the hub for Buoy 10 salmon fishing. On the Oregon coast, Newport, Garibaldi, and Brookings offer excellent ocean chinook and coho fishing July through October.
Classic Steelhead Rivers
The Deschutes River below Maupin, Oregon is America’s most celebrated summer steelhead river. The Skagit and Sauk Rivers in Washington hold the most important wild winter steelhead population remaining in the lower 48. The Hoh River on the Olympic Peninsula is a premier winter steelhead destination accessible only by 4WD in winter conditions.
Pacific Northwest Fishing Seasons
| Month | Top Species | Key Locations |
|---|---|---|
| March–May | Spring chinook, steelhead (winter wrapping up) | Columbia River, Deschutes |
| June–July | Summer steelhead, ocean salmon, halibut | Deschutes, Westport, Puget Sound |
| August | Buoy 10 chinook, coho, halibut PEAK | Columbia mouth, Westport |
| September–October | Fall chinook and coho, steelhead begins | Columbia tribs, Skagit |
| November–March | Winter steelhead, rockfish, lingcod | Skagit, Hoh, nearshore reefs |