Washington · Strait & Sound
CHINOOK SALMON FISHING
IN PORT TOWNSEND
Port Townsend is a solid destination for chinook salmon fishing, with peak season in July and good catches in June, August. Book a charter and target chinook salmon with local experts.
About Chinook Salmon Fishing in Port Townsend
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 — Port Townsend
Month-by-month availability for chinook salmon in Port Townsend, WA.
How to Catch Chinook Salmon in Port Townsend
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 Port Townsend
Top spots where local captains target chinook salmon and other nearshore species.
Admiralty Inlet
Admiralty Inlet connecting the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Puget Sound funnels powerful tidal currents past Port Townsend, creating prime habitat for Chinook salmon, lingcod, and rockfish. Mooching and jigging in the inlet's deep water produces quality salmon and bottomfish.
McCurdy Point
McCurdy Point on Marrowstone Island features rocky nearshore structure where lingcod, rockfish, and cabezon hold in current-swept habitat. The point's position in Admiralty Inlet catches strong tidal flows that concentrate baitfish and attract predators.
Protection Island
The waters around Protection Island in the Strait of Juan de Fuca near Port Townsend hold Chinook salmon, lingcod, and rockfish over rocky bottom. The island's protected wildlife refuge status limits approach distance, but fishing the surrounding waters is productive.
Kala Point
Kala Point south of Port Townsend features rocky nearshore reefs where lingcod, rockfish, and greenling hold in 30 to 70 feet of water. The point's kelp beds and rocky structure provide reliable nearshore bottom-fishing for small boats.
Other Species in Port Townsend
More fish you can target while visiting Port Townsend.
Chinook Salmon Fishing in Port Townsend — FAQ
The peak months for Chinook Salmon fishing in Port Townsend are July. During these months, Chinook Salmon are most active and abundant in the Port Townsend area.
Chinook Salmon fishing charters in Port Townsend 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 Port Townsend, 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 Port Townsend, you may also catch Rockfish, Dungeness Crab, Pacific Halibut, Coho Salmon, Lingcod. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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