Washington · Strait & Sound
ROCKFISH FISHING
IN BELLINGHAM
Bellingham 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 Bellingham
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 — Bellingham
Month-by-month availability for rockfish in Bellingham, WA.
How to Catch Rockfish in Bellingham
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 Bellingham
Top spots where local captains target rockfish and other bottom fishing species.
Bellingham Bay
Bellingham Bay is a large protected bay where Chinook salmon, coho salmon, pink salmon, and bottomfish hold in the bay's deeper channels and around its extensive waterfront structure. The bay's Nooksack River influence brings nutrients that support productive fisheries throughout the season.
Squalicum Harbor
Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham provides dock-fishing access where perch, flatfish, and occasional salmon hold around the marina's extensive dock and breakwater structure. The harbor serves as the main launch point for fishing Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands.
Chuckanut Bay
Chuckanut Bay south of Bellingham features rocky shoreline and eelgrass beds where Chinook salmon, perch, and flatfish hold in sheltered waters beneath the dramatic Chuckanut Mountain cliffs. The bay's diverse habitat supports multi-species fishing year-round.
Lummi Island Shore
Lummi Island's eastern shore facing Bellingham Bay provides shore-fishing access where Chinook salmon follow the shoreline during their migration and rockfish hold along the rocky beach structure. The Lummi Island ferry dock area is a popular shore-fishing spot.
Other Species in Bellingham
More fish you can target while visiting Bellingham.
Rockfish Fishing in Bellingham — FAQ
The peak months for Rockfish fishing in Bellingham are May, June, July. During these months, Rockfish are most active and abundant in the Bellingham area.
Rockfish fishing charters in Bellingham 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 Bellingham, 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 Bellingham, you may also catch Dungeness Crab, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Pacific Halibut, Lingcod. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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