Washington · Strait & Sound
ROCKFISH FISHING
IN PORT TOWNSEND
Port Townsend is an excellent destination for rockfish fishing, with peak season in May, June, July and good catches in April, August, September. Book a charter and target rockfish with local experts.
About Rockfish Fishing in Port Townsend
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 — Port Townsend
Month-by-month availability for rockfish in Port Townsend, WA.
How to Catch Rockfish in Port Townsend
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 Port Townsend
Top spots where local captains target rockfish and other bottom fishing species.
Point Wilson
Point Wilson at the entrance to Admiralty Inlet is one of the most productive shore-fishing spots in Washington, where powerful tidal currents concentrate Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and pink salmon along the sandy point. Casting buzz bombs and spoons from the lighthouse beach is a time-honored Puget Sound salmon fishing tradition.
Port Townsend Bay
Port Townsend Bay provides sheltered inshore fishing where Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and bottomfish hold in the bay's deeper channels and around the marina structure. The bay's calm waters and easy access make it ideal for small-boat and kayak fishing.
Fort Worden Pier
Fort Worden State Park's pier provides free pier-fishing over deeper water at the entrance to Admiralty Inlet where rockfish, perch, flatfish, and seasonal salmon pass through. The pier's position near Point Wilson puts it in the path of migrating salmon.
Marrowstone Island
Marrowstone Island east of Port Townsend features sheltered shoreline fishing where Chinook salmon, perch, and flatfish hold around the island's rocky and sandy shores. The Indian Island bridge area provides shore-fishing access to productive waters.
Other Species in Port Townsend
More fish you can target while visiting Port Townsend.
Rockfish Fishing in Port Townsend — FAQ
The peak months for Rockfish fishing in Port Townsend are May, June, July. During these months, Rockfish are most active and abundant in the Port Townsend area.
Rockfish fishing charters in Port Townsend 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 Port Townsend, 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 Port Townsend, you may also catch Dungeness Crab, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Pacific Halibut, Lingcod. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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