Washington · Washington Outer Coast
ROCKFISH FISHING
IN LA PUSH
La Push 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 La Push
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 — La Push
Month-by-month availability for rockfish in La Push, WA.
How to Catch Rockfish in La Push
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 La Push
Top spots where local captains target rockfish and other bottom fishing species.
Quillayute River Mouth
The Quillayute River flows into the Pacific at La Push, and its tidal mouth holds Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead staging before their upstream migration. The river's confluence with the ocean creates a productive mixing zone for multiple salmonid species.
La Push Harbor
La Push Harbor on the Quileute Reservation provides protected access to the Quillayute River system where salmon, steelhead, and perch hold in the tidal lower reaches. The harbor serves as the launch point for the area's ocean charter fleet.
First Beach
First Beach at La Push offers surf-fishing from a sandy beach framed by dramatic sea stacks where surfperch, greenling, and flatfish hold in the surf zone. The beach's scenic setting on the Olympic coast provides a unique fishing experience.
James Island Shoreline
The waters around James Island just offshore of La Push hold rockfish, greenling, and lingcod in the rocky shoreline habitat surrounding the island. Small boats and kayaks from the harbor access the island's productive nearshore structure.
Other Species in La Push
More fish you can target while visiting La Push.
Rockfish Fishing in La Push — FAQ
The peak months for Rockfish fishing in La Push are May, June, July, August. During these months, Rockfish are most active and abundant in the La Push area.
Rockfish fishing charters in La Push 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 La Push, 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 La Push, you may also catch Coho Salmon, Pacific Halibut, Chinook Salmon, Lingcod, Dungeness Crab. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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