Washington · Strait & Sound
ROCKFISH FISHING
IN ANACORTES
Anacortes is an excellent destination for rockfish fishing, with peak season in May, June, July and good catches in April, August, September. Book a charter and target rockfish with local experts.
About Rockfish Fishing in Anacortes
The Pacific rockfish complex includes over 70 species, from the prized vermilion and copper rockfish of California to the massive yelloweye of Alaska. Found around rocky reefs, pinnacles, and kelp beds at depths from 50 to 1,000 feet, rockfish are the backbone of West Coast bottom fishing and provide excellent table fare.
Pacific Rockfish encompass over 70 species in the genus Sebastes, making them the most diverse group of sportfish on the West Coast. Popular species include Vermilion Rockfish (red snapper), Copper Rockfish, Black Rockfish, Blue Rockfish, Canary Rockfish, and the massive Yelloweye Rockfish of Alaska. Colors range from bright vermilion-red to jet black to mottled copper-brown, depending on species and depth. Found from shallow kelp beds to depths exceeding 1,000 feet, rockfish are the backbone of Pacific coast bottom fishing. Many species are extremely long-lived — yelloweye rockfish can live over 120 years.
Scientific name: Sebastes spp.
Rockfish Seasonal Calendar — Anacortes
Month-by-month availability for rockfish in Anacortes, WA.
How to Catch Rockfish in Anacortes
Techniques & Bait
Dropping bait (squid strips, anchovy, shrimp) or metal jigs (Diamond Jigs, Crippled Herring, flutter jigs) to rocky structure in 60-300 feet is the standard technique. Shrimp fly rigs — multiple baited hooks on a dropper rig above a heavy sinker — allow multiple fish per drop. Soft plastic swimbaits on heavy jigheads (2-6 oz) bounced along the bottom are effective. For shallow species (Black Rockfish, Blue Rockfish), casting swimbaits and metal jigs into kelp bed edges works well. Sabiki rigs near structure can produce fast limits.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-heavy conventional rod (5'6"-7 ft), level-wind reel, 30-65 lb braided line, 30-40 lb fluorocarbon leader, 4-16 oz weights depending on depth. Long dropper leaders with multiple hooks (shrimp fly rigs) are standard on party boats. Sensitive rod tips help detect bites at depth.
Best Bottom Fishing Fishing Spots in Anacortes
Top spots where local captains target rockfish and other bottom fishing species.
Deception Pass
Deception Pass is a narrow strait between Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands where powerful tidal currents create some of the most dynamic fishing in Puget Sound. Chinook salmon, lingcod, and rockfish concentrate in the pass's turbulent water, and shore anglers fish from the bridge area and adjacent rocky shoreline.
Rosario Strait
Rosario Strait between Fidalgo Island and the San Juan Islands funnels tidal currents that attract Chinook salmon, lingcod, and rockfish to its deep channels and rocky points. Anacortes boats access the strait within minutes for productive salmon and bottomfish fishing.
Cap Sante Marina
Cap Sante Marina in downtown Anacortes provides dock-fishing access where perch, flatfish, and occasional salmon hold around the extensive marina structure. The marina's position on Fidalgo Bay offers sheltered fishing and easy access to the San Juan Islands.
March Point
March Point on Fidalgo Bay's eastern shore provides shore-fishing access where Chinook salmon, perch, and flatfish hold along the rocky and sandy shoreline. The point's position in Fidalgo Bay attracts migrating salmon that follow the shoreline.
Other Species in Anacortes
More fish you can target while visiting Anacortes.
Rockfish Fishing in Anacortes — FAQ
The peak months for Rockfish fishing in Anacortes are May, June, July. During these months, Rockfish are most active and abundant in the Anacortes area.
Rockfish fishing charters in Anacortes are typically bottom fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Dropping bait (squid strips, anchovy, shrimp) or metal jigs (Diamond Jigs, Crippled Herring, flutter jigs) to rocky structure in 60-300 feet is the standard technique. Shrimp fly rigs — multiple baited hooks on a dropper rig above a heavy sinker — allow multiple fish per drop. Soft plastic swimbaits on heavy jigheads (2-6 oz) bounced along the bottom are effective. For shallow species (Black Rockfish, Blue Rockfish), casting swimbaits and metal jigs into kelp bed edges works well. Sabiki rigs near structure can produce fast limits.
No — when you book a charter in Anacortes, your captain provides all required Washington fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Rockfish regulations in Washington include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Rockfish in Anacortes, you may also catch Dungeness Crab, Coho Salmon, Pacific Halibut, Chinook Salmon, Lingcod. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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