Lingcod Fishing at Port Townsend: Reefs, Rigs & the Right Approach
The rocky reefs around Point Wilson and Admiralty Inlet hold excellent lingcod populations. Here's how to target them fr...
Read MoreWashington · Strait & Sound
PORT TOWNSEND
FISHING CHARTERS
10+ verified captains. Instant confirmation. Best price guaranteed.
10+
Verified Captains
4.7★
Avg Rating
3
Fishing Types
6+
Species
Port Townsend, WA
Select dates
All Types
Get Charter Quotes
Free account required to request pricing
Anglers:
2 Adults
0 Kids
Instant Booking
Free Cancellation
Best Price Guarantee
About
Port Townsend Fishing
Port Townsend is a Victorian seaport at the entrance to Puget Sound, with access to productive fishing waters in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Admiralty Inlet, and the San Juan Islands. Salmon, halibut, and lingcod are the primary targets from this charming town known for its historic architecture, arts scene, and maritime heritage.
Fishing Calendar
What's Biting in Port Townsend?
See which species are available each month, color-coded by activity level.
Color Key
Peak
Good
Fair
Off Season
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Inshore
|
F | F | F | F | G | G | P | P | G | F | F | F |
|
Bottom Fishing
|
F | F | F | G | P | P | P | G | G | F | F | F |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | - | - | G | G | - | - | - | F | - | - |
|
Bottom Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | G | P | G | F | - | - | - | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | - | - | - | G | P | G | F | - | - | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | G | P | G | - | - |
Species Glossary
View Full Species Guide
Port Townsend Fish Species
6+ species organized by fishing type. Click any species to learn more.
Inshore Species
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore.
Nearshore Species
Target reefs, wrecks, and structure within a few miles of land.
Bottom Fishing Species
Charter Guide
Fishing Charter Types in Port Townsend
Understanding the different charter types will help you book the perfect trip for your group.
INSHORE
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
View Inshore ChartersNEARSHORE
Fish the reefs, wrecks, and structure 1-9 miles offshore. Target snapper, grouper, cobia and more over natural and artificial reefs.
View Nearshore ChartersDEEP SEA FISHING
Deep sea fishing 20+ miles out. Chase tuna, marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo and other pelagic gamefish in blue water.
View Deep Sea Fishing ChartersTROLLING
Cover water by dragging lures or bait behind a moving boat to target pelagic species.
View Trolling ChartersBOTTOM FISHING
Drop baits to the ocean floor to target snapper, grouper, and other reef dwellers.
View Bottom Fishing ChartersFLY FISHING
Sight-cast with fly rods on the flats for redfish, trout, and tarpon.
View Fly Fishing ChartersSURF FISHING
Fish from the beach or wade into the surf to target pompano, whiting, and redfish.
View Surf Fishing ChartersKAYAK FISHING
Paddle out for a more intimate fishing experience on bays and nearshore waters.
View Kayak Fishing Charters
Fishing Tips & Guides
View All Articles
Port Townsend Fishing Blog
Local insights, seasonal reports, and expert tips for fishing in Port Townsend.
Guest Reviews
4.7
based on 3 reviews
Port Townsend Fishing Reviews
Chinook Salmon in Admiralty Inlet
Trolled the deep waters of Admiralty Inlet and intercepted a massive push of Chinook migrating through the channel. Herring rigs at 80 feet were getting crushed — eight kings to 24 pounds for a 4-pack trip. Port Townsend sits at the crossroads of every salmon migration in the Sound.
C
Captain Helen Mayfield
July 2025
Chinook Salmon
Dungeness Crab Loading Every Pot
Set our pots in 55 feet off Marrowstone Island and every single pot came up loaded with heavy Dungeness crabs. Pulled limits of gorgeous crabs averaging over 2 pounds each. Combined with the incredible views of the Olympic Mountains and Victorian architecture — a perfect Port Townsend day.
C
Captain David Pham
November 2025
Dungeness Crab
Lingcod on the Rocks
Dropped swimbaits on the rocky structure off Point Wilson and found hungry lingcod on the current rips. Four keepers to 18 pounds with several shorts released. Mixed in some beautiful copper rockfish on lighter jigs between the lingcod drops. Port Townsend's bottomfish are always reliable.
C
Captain Gary Svensson
March 2025
Lingcod
Copper Rockfish
Start Your Adventure
Ready to Fish Port Townsend?
Post your trip request and let Port Townsend's top captains compete for your business. Or browse available charters and book instantly.