The Olympic Peninsula is a great area for all types of fishing. Salmon is a popular catch, The Strait holds trophy halibut and lingcod and the rivers have wild rainbow trout. It makes living on the west coast better ~ good fresh seafood and incredible places to fish!
Halibut and lingcod seasons open in May along with the shrimp season. June marks the opening of river and stream fishing throughout Washington. Crabbing opens in July on the Hood Canal and areas of northern Puget Sound. There are plenty of beaches in the area to gather clams and oysters, just remember "to call before you dig" if it is shellfish you are after, 1-800-562-5632.
You can crab and fish off most of the public docks in PT, Fort Worden Marine Science Center dock, Union Wharf and Port Hudson Jetty. All types of licenses are available in town at Swain's General Store (other locations listed below).
Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" pamphlet for specific regulations and rule changes before you go.
Also check our Local Business Directory for resources.
Helpful Resources
Peninsula Sportsman Guide and Outfitting Service
Peninsula Sportsman Guide and Outfitting Service offers a variety of fishing, crabbing and wildlife watching/ sightseeing charters in the Port Townsend area. Our expert local guides provide the best fishing our area has to offer for Halibut, Lingcod, Native Rainbow and Coastal sea-run Cutthroat Trout plus family-oriented activities such as Dungeness Crabbing, Clamming and Shrimping charters. All tackle provided on fishing and crabbing charters including rain gear if needed. Custom cleaning and packaging of your catch and cooking of crab is all taken care of aboard the charter boat so we can send your group with the makings for a fresh and delicious seafood dinner.
Phone: 360-379-0906; Email
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) - Statewide information on fishing and shellfishing (crabbing, clams, etc).
Phone: (360) 796-3215
WDFW Region 6 Coastal Washington/Olympic Peninsula - current information, conditions, reports and announcements.
WDFW Olympic Peninsula/Jefferson County Public Fishing Piers
WDFW Regulations - We are in Juan de Fuca/North Jefferson County Marine Area 6
Washington Lakes - Reader's Report on Lake Fishing in Washington
Puget Sound Anglers - East Jefferson County Chapter - Regional sport fishing organization.
Piscatorial Pursuits - Reports and questions on Olympic Peninsula fly fishing, and fish and watershed management concerns.
Salmon University: Port Townsend, aka Mid-Channel Bank
Where to get fishing licenses in East Jefferson County:
| Dealer | Phone | Address | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cove RV Park (Seasonal) | 360-796-4723 | 303075 US Highway 101 | Brinnon 98320 |
| Swain's General Store | 360-385-1313 | 1121 Water St. | Port Townsend 98368 |
| Brinnon General Store | 360-796-4400 | 306413 US Highway 101 | Brinnon 98320 |
| Port Ludlow Marina | 360-437-0513 | 1 Gull Lane | Port Ludlow 98365 |
Port Townsend Angler - Full-service fly fishing shop.
(360) 379-3763
Bob Triggs - Little Stone Flyfisher - Olympic Peninsula Fly Fishing Guide.
(360)385-9618 or (866)793-3595
Clallam Bay- Sekiu Charter Fishing - charter services listed on this site are available in Sekiu and Neah Bay.
Quillayute River Guide Service - Guided river fishing on Olympic Peninsula rivers.
(888) 501-5887 or (360) 374-2660
