Washington · Washington Outer Coast
CHINOOK SALMON FISHING
IN NEAH BAY
Neah Bay is an excellent destination for chinook salmon fishing, with peak season in July, August and good catches in June, September. Book a charter and target chinook salmon with local experts.
About Chinook Salmon Fishing in Neah Bay
The king of salmon and the most prized sportfish on the Pacific coast. Chinook — also called king salmon — are the largest Pacific salmon species, with trophy fish exceeding 50 pounds in Alaska and Northern California rivers. Their powerful runs and acrobatic fights make them the ultimate West Coast gamefish from spring through fall.
Chinook Salmon — universally called King Salmon — are the largest and most prized Pacific salmon species. These magnificent fish can exceed 50 pounds in Alaskan rivers and 30+ pounds in California and Oregon waters. Kings are anadromous, born in freshwater rivers, migrating to the Pacific Ocean to feed and grow for 2-7 years, then returning to their natal streams to spawn and die. Their chrome-bright ocean phase features a dark blue-green back speckled with black spots, bright silver sides, and a white belly. Spawning fish turn dark olive to maroon. Males develop a pronounced hooked jaw ("kype") and humped back during the spawn.
Scientific name: Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Chinook Salmon Seasonal Calendar — Neah Bay
Month-by-month availability for chinook salmon in Neah Bay, WA.
How to Catch Chinook Salmon in Neah Bay
Techniques & Bait
Ocean trolling with downriggers is the primary technique, running herring or anchovy cut-plugs at 30-120 feet behind flashers or dodgers. Mooching (drifting with weighted herring or anchovy) is a classic Pacific Northwest method. In rivers, back-trolling with Kwikfish, Mag Lips, or bait-wrapped plugs is deadly. Bank anglers do well drifting cured salmon roe under a float through holding water. In Alaska, backbouncing eggs or casting spinners (Blue Fox, Rooster Tails) in river systems produces trophy kings.
Recommended Tackle
Ocean trolling: 8-9 ft medium-heavy downrigger rod, level-wind reel, 25-40 lb mono or 50 lb braid. River fishing: 8'6"-10'6" medium-heavy rod, spinning or level-wind reel, 15-30 lb main line, 12-20 lb fluorocarbon leader. In Alaska, heavier gear (30-50 lb) is common for 40+ lb fish.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Neah Bay
Top spots where local captains target chinook salmon and other nearshore species.
Tatoosh Island
Tatoosh Island at Cape Flattery, the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States, is surrounded by rocky reefs where lingcod, rockfish, and cabezon hold in powerful currents. The island's exposed position in the Strait of Juan de Fuca creates some of the most dynamic nearshore fishing on the Washington coast.
Seal and Sail Rocks
Seal and Sail Rocks offshore of Neah Bay provide rocky nearshore structure where lingcod, black rockfish, and yelloweye rockfish hold in dramatic volcanic formations. The rocks' position in the strait's currents concentrates baitfish and attracts quality bottomfish.
Koitlah Point
Koitlah Point east of Neah Bay features rocky reef structure in the Strait of Juan de Fuca where lingcod, rockfish, and halibut hold in current-swept habitat. The point's nearshore reefs provide productive bottom-fishing accessible from Neah Bay in minutes.
Mushroom Rock
Mushroom Rock is a distinctive sea stack west of Neah Bay surrounded by productive nearshore reef where lingcod, cabezon, and rockfish hold in kelp-covered structure. The rock serves as a landmark for the surrounding reef fishing grounds.
Other Species in Neah Bay
More fish you can target while visiting Neah Bay.
Chinook Salmon Fishing in Neah Bay — FAQ
The peak months for Chinook Salmon fishing in Neah Bay are July, August. During these months, Chinook Salmon are most active and abundant in the Neah Bay area.
Chinook Salmon fishing charters in Neah Bay are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Ocean trolling with downriggers is the primary technique, running herring or anchovy cut-plugs at 30-120 feet behind flashers or dodgers. Mooching (drifting with weighted herring or anchovy) is a classic Pacific Northwest method. In rivers, back-trolling with Kwikfish, Mag Lips, or bait-wrapped plugs is deadly. Bank anglers do well drifting cured salmon roe under a float through holding water. In Alaska, backbouncing eggs or casting spinners (Blue Fox, Rooster Tails) in river systems produces trophy kings.
No — when you book a charter in Neah Bay, your captain provides all required Washington fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Chinook Salmon 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 Chinook Salmon in Neah Bay, you may also catch Rockfish, Pacific Halibut, Coho Salmon, Lingcod, Dungeness Crab. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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