Gone Fishin’: Why Westport, Washington is a Sportfishing Paradise
If you’re the type who finds peace in the cast and satisfaction in a full cooler, Westport, Washington might just be your happy place. Westport is the largest working port in the Pacific Northwest based on value and tonnage, so there are, as they say, plenty of fish in this sea. With its working waterfront, varied charter fishing options, public piers, jetty access, and miles of shoreline, there are endless ways to fish here—whether you’re a seasoned angler with your own gear or a first-timer who just wants to see what bites.
So grab your rod and crab pot—or borrow one when you get here. Here are just a few of your many options:
Charter Fishing: Deep Sea, Deep Satisfaction
Let’s start with the big one. Westport is famous for its charter fleet, one of the largest on the Washington Coast. These boats head out daily (weather permitting) into the Pacific to chase everything from halibut and lingcod to salmon, rockfish, and albacore tuna during fishing season (generally between March - October).
If you’ve never been on a fishing charter before, don’t worry. Most trips include everything you need: tackle, bait, expert guidance, and deckhands who’ll help you with everything from baiting your hook to bagging your catch. All you have to bring is your fishing license, warm layers, snacks, and the sense of adventure that comes with heading out into open water.
Spring and summer are prime time for bottomfish and halibut. Salmon season usually kicks off in late June or early July. And for thrill-seekers, the offshore albacore tuna runs (typically July through September) offer fast-paced action that’ll have your arms sore in the best possible way.
Check out our list of professional Fishing Charters and book early—weekends fill up fast, especially during peak season. And if you’re lucky enough to land something spectacular, Westport’s dockside fish processors will clean, fillet, and flash-freeze your catch so it’s ready for the grill.
Most importantly, don’t forget the Charter Boat Derby! Each season, the Westport Charter Boat Association awards over $60,000 in prizes to the largest Coho, Halibut, Ling Cod and Salmon of the season!
Jetty Fishing: The DIY Favorite
If you prefer your fishing a little closer to shore—and free with a permit—Westport’s twin jetties are local legends. The South Jetty, accessible from Westhaven State Park, stretches a full mile into the ocean. It’s not for the faint of foot (you’ll be walking on large, uneven rocks), but the payoff is worth it.
Anglers target lingcod, rockfish, and even the occasional salmon from the jetty. Some locals swear by using rubber swimbaits bounced along the rocks. Others opt for herring or sand shrimp. Just watch your step and wear sturdy shoes with good grip. The rocks can be slippery when wet, and rogue waves aren’t unheard of—so always fish with a buddy and keep an eye on the tide.
Surf Fishing: Sand Between Your Toes, Rod in Your Hands
Want a fishing experience that also feels like a beach day? Welcome to surf fishing. Westport’s wide, sandy beaches make it easy to set up and start casting right from the shore. This style of fishing is all about perch, flounder, and sometimes even salmon during certain runs.
What you’ll need: a longer rod (9 to 12 feet is typical), a sand spike to hold it upright, and a willingness to get a little sandy. Bloodworms, sand shrimp, and clam necks are popular baits. You don’t need a boat, a license is inexpensive, and you get the bonus of ocean views and sea breezes while you wait for a bite. It’s also a great way to introduce kids to fishing without the pressure of a charter.
Check with local merchants for the best times and spots to surf fish!
Crabbing: The Tasty Treasure Hunt
If you prefer your seafood with claws, Westport is also a prime spot for Dungeness crab—arguably the tastiest crustacean the Pacific has to offer.
Crabbing here is a choose-your-own-adventure situation. You can:
Rent a boat and drop pots in the harbor or just outside it.
Toss a ring net right off the docks near Float 6 or Float 10 (especially popular and productive in late summer through winter).
Join a crabbing charter that’ll take you out with all the gear and permits handled.
The best part? You can often cook your crab at nearby seafood markets or RV parks with communal cooking areas. Some even offer steaming on the spot, so you can go from catch to feast without ever leaving the harbor.
Just be sure to check Washington’s crabbing regulations before you go, including open seasons, size limits, and gear requirements.
Fishing from the Docks and Public Piers
If you’re looking for something low-key, you don’t need to venture far. The public docks in Westport’s marina offer plenty of fishing opportunities for herring, flounder, perch, and the occasional crab. It’s an easy, accessible way to get in on the action, especially for families with young kids.
Additionally, each spring, baby Coho Salmon are raised and released by our local Kiwanis Club into the Westport Boat Basin. In the fall, returning Coho come back to the basin and anglers line the docks casting for these feisty fish. Often, the fish can be seen swimming in schools throughout the marina.
Early morning and just before sunset are often the best times to cast from the docks. You can fish with simple bait rigs or just watch what the locals are doing and follow suit. (And if you forget your gear, Westport has multiple bait shops and outfitters that can hook you up!)
A Few Pro Tips Before You Go
Buy a license. Anyone 15 and older needs a Washington state fishing license, and different licenses are required for salmon, halibut, or shellfish like crab.
Check the tides. Especially for jetty and surf fishing, tides can make a big difference.
Know the rules. Species limits, seasons, and gear restrictions are updated annually by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Dress in layers. Even sunny days can start out misty and cold on the coast.
Reel ‘Em In
Whether you want the thrill of a full-day tuna chase or the calm of casting into the surf as the sun sets, Westport has a fishing experience for every skill level and appetite. It’s one of the few places where you can fill a bucket from the dock, catch dinner from the sand, and reel in a sea monster—all in the same weekend.
So come for the salt air, stay for the seafood (check out our accommodations page to find your home base), and leave with stories. Just don’t forget your cooler.