Washington · Washington Outer Coast
ROCKFISH FISHING
IN ILWACO
Ilwaco is an outstanding destination for rockfish fishing, with peak season in May, June, July and good catches in April, September, October. Book a charter and target rockfish with local experts.
About Rockfish Fishing in Ilwaco
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 — Ilwaco
Month-by-month availability for rockfish in Ilwaco, WA.
How to Catch Rockfish in Ilwaco
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 Ilwaco
Top spots where local captains target rockfish and other bottom fishing species.
Columbia River Mouth (Ilwaco)
The Columbia River mouth at Ilwaco is one of the most prolific salmon fisheries in the world, with massive runs of Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead funneling through the river's entrance. The Buoy 10 fishery in late summer draws thousands of boats to intercept salmon staging at the river mouth.
Baker Bay
Baker Bay is a protected embayment on the Columbia River's north shore at Ilwaco where Chinook salmon, sturgeon, and perch hold in the tidal channels and around the harbor structure. The bay's calm waters provide sheltered fishing when the bar is too rough for ocean access.
Ilwaco Harbor
Ilwaco Harbor's docks and pilings hold perch, flounder, and Dungeness crab in the protected boat basin. The harbor serves as home port for the area's charter fleet targeting Columbia River salmon and ocean bottomfish.
Long Beach Surf
The Long Beach Peninsula stretching north from Ilwaco offers 28 miles of sandy beach for surf-fishing where redtail surfperch, striped perch, and flatfish hold in the sandy surf zone. The beach's enormous length provides uncrowded fishing opportunities.
Other Species in Ilwaco
More fish you can target while visiting Ilwaco.
Rockfish Fishing in Ilwaco — FAQ
The peak months for Rockfish fishing in Ilwaco are May, June, July, August. During these months, Rockfish are most active and abundant in the Ilwaco area.
Rockfish fishing charters in Ilwaco 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 Ilwaco, 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 Ilwaco, you may also catch Pacific Halibut, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Lingcod, Dungeness Crab. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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