Anacortes Fishing: Your Gateway to the San Juan Islands and Beyond
The San Juan Islands Start Here
Anacortes sits at the northern tip of Fidalgo Island in Washington's Skagit County, serving as the primary ferry terminal for the San Juan Islands and the gateway to some of the finest marine fishing in the Pacific Northwest. The waters surrounding Anacortes — including Rosario Strait, Guemes Channel, and the approaches to the San Juan archipelago — hold excellent populations of salmon, lingcod, rockfish, and Dungeness crab.
Seasonal Fishing Guide
Spring (March through May)
Lingcod season opens on the rocky reefs throughout Rosario Strait and the surrounding islands. The strong tidal currents in these waters keep lingcod well-fed and aggressive, producing quality fish from the opening week. Rockfish are available on the same structure, with copper, quillback, and black rockfish all common. Dungeness crabbing picks up in the protected bays and channels as water temperatures rise. Spring Chinook may appear in small numbers as they migrate through the area.
Summer (June through August)
Summer brings outstanding salmon fishing to the Anacortes area. Chinook bound for the Skagit River, Fraser River, and dozens of other Pacific Northwest rivers migrate through the island channels, creating trolling opportunities in Rosario Strait, Guemes Channel, and around the San Juan Islands. Coho follow later in summer. Pink salmon arrive in massive numbers during odd years, providing fast action on light tackle. Bottom fishing for lingcod and rockfish remains excellent. Crabbing in the protected bays is a popular family activity.
Fall (September through November)
Coho fishing peaks in fall as silver salmon flood into the area on their way to spawning rivers. The Skagit River system, just south of Anacortes, receives one of the largest salmon and steelhead runs in Puget Sound. Lingcod fishing peaks as fish move shallower before the spawning closure. Dungeness crab are at their fattest in fall. The reduction in summer recreational boat traffic means less congestion on the fishing grounds.
Winter (December through February)
Winter is primarily a crabbing and bottom-fishing season. Dungeness crabs are available year-round in the protected waters around Anacortes. Rockfish can be targeted on calm days. The Skagit River receives winter steelhead runs that draw anglers to the riverbanks. The quieter winter season offers solitude on the water that is rare during the busy summer months.
Anacortes Fishing Calendar
| Season | Top Species | Key Areas | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Lingcod, rockfish, crab | Rosario Strait reefs, bays | Jigging, crab pots |
| Summer | Chinook, coho, lingcod | Island channels, Rosario Strait | Trolling, downrigger, jigging |
| Fall | Coho, lingcod, crab | Rosario Strait, Skagit Bay | Trolling, jigging, crab pots |
| Winter | Crab, rockfish, steelhead | Bays, reefs, Skagit River | Crab pots, bottom fishing |
Rosario Strait: The Main Fishing Ground
Rosario Strait runs between Fidalgo Island and the San Juan Islands, serving as a major conduit for tidal currents and migrating fish. The strong currents (regularly exceeding 3 knots) create a nutrient-rich environment that supports dense populations of baitfish, which in turn attract salmon, lingcod, and rockfish. The key to fishing Rosario Strait is timing your efforts around the tide — the current exchanges are too strong for most fishing techniques, but the periods of moderate flow and slack water produce outstanding action.
"Anacortes puts you right at the doorstep of the San Juan Islands, which is some of the most beautiful and productive marine fishing water in the state. The currents are challenging, but they're what make the fishing so good — all that moving water brings bait, and bait brings fish." — Anacortes charter captain
Crabbing Around Anacortes
The protected bays and channels surrounding Anacortes are excellent crabbing territory. Padilla Bay, Similk Bay, and the waters around Guemes and Sinclair Islands all produce Dungeness crabs. Boat-based crabbing with pots and rings is the most productive method, but dock and pier crabbing is available at several public access points. The WDFW manages crab seasons by marine area — Anacortes straddles multiple marine areas, so confirm which area you are crabbing in and check the current regulations.
Access and Facilities
- Cap Sante Marina: Full-service marina with boat ramp, fuel, and moorage in downtown Anacortes
- Washington Park Boat Launch: Popular public launch on the west side of Fidalgo Island
- Charter fleet: Several experienced charter operators targeting salmon, bottom fish, and crab
- Ferry access: Washington State Ferries to the San Juan Islands depart from Anacortes
- Full services: Hotels, restaurants, tackle shops, and marine supply stores
Regulations
- Salmon: WDFW Marine Areas 7 regulations — check current bag limits and mark-selective rules
- Lingcod: 2 per day, 26-inch minimum; check for marine area-specific season dates
- Rockfish: Aggregate limits with species-specific sub-limits; some rockfish species are catch-and-release only
- Crab: Check WDFW for current Dungeness crab seasons and limits by marine area
Getting to Anacortes
Anacortes is approximately 80 miles north of Seattle via Interstate 5 and State Route 20. The drive takes about 90 minutes in normal traffic. The town offers a full range of tourist services, a walkable downtown with restaurants and shops, and stunning views of the San Juan Islands and Cascade Mountains.