Your Complete Guide to Fishing Sekiu, Washington
The Strait's Hidden Gem
Sekiu (pronounced SEE-kyoo) is a small fishing community on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, approximately 15 miles east of Neah Bay on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. While it lacks the fame of its neighbor, Sekiu offers outstanding fishing in more protected waters, with excellent salmon fishing, productive halibut grounds, and quality lingcod and rockfish on the nearshore reefs. The smaller scale of the operation — fewer boats, less crowding, more personal service — is part of the appeal for anglers who value a quieter fishing experience.
Seasonal Fishing Guide
Spring (March through May)
Halibut season draws the first serious attention to Sekiu each year. The Strait of Juan de Fuca provides relatively protected halibut fishing grounds compared to the exposed outer coast. Nearshore halibut in 80 to 180 feet of water are accessible even on days when the outer coast is too rough. Lingcod and rockfish fishing reopens on the nearshore reefs and kelp edges. Spring Chinook may appear in the Strait during their coastal migration.
Summer (June through August)
Summer is the peak season for Sekiu salmon fishing. Chinook and coho migrate through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the waters off Sekiu intercept fish heading for rivers throughout Puget Sound and the Fraser River system. Trolling with flashers and herring or hoochies in the rips and current lines off the Sekiu waterfront produces consistent catches. Halibut continues on open days. Bottom fishing for lingcod and rockfish is excellent throughout summer.
Fall (September through November)
Coho fishing often extends into fall, with fish stacking up in the Strait as they prepare to enter natal rivers. Lingcod fishing peaks in October and November. Rockfish remain available on the reefs. Fall storms begin affecting fishing frequency, but the Strait provides more protection than the open ocean, extending the season compared to outer coast ports. River fishing for salmon begins in the nearby Hoko and Clallam rivers.
Winter (December through February)
Winter steelhead enter the rivers near Sekiu, providing freshwater fishing opportunities. Ocean access is storm-limited but available on calm days for bottom fishing. The quiet winter season at Sekiu offers solitude and uncrowded waters for anglers willing to travel during the off-peak months.
Sekiu Fishing Calendar
| Season | Top Species | Best Area | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Halibut, lingcod | Strait reefs, sandy banks | Protected, moderate seas |
| Summer | Chinook, coho, rockfish | Strait trolling lanes, reefs | Calm, productive |
| Fall | Coho, lingcod | Strait, nearshore reefs | Increasingly stormy |
| Winter | Steelhead (rivers) | Hoko, Clallam rivers | Storm-limited ocean |
Why Choose Sekiu
Sekiu offers several advantages over larger, more famous ports. The Strait of Juan de Fuca provides more protected fishing waters than the open Pacific, meaning fewer weather cancellations and calmer conditions for anglers prone to seasickness. The smaller fleet means less competition on the water and more personalized attention from charter captains. And the lower-key atmosphere appeals to anglers who want serious fishing without the crowds and commercialism of busier ports.
"Sekiu is where I send people who want real fishing without the circus. The salmon are just as bright, the halibut just as big, and the lingcod just as mean — but you won't be fighting for elbow room at the dock or trolling in a fleet of 200 boats. It's fishing the way it used to be." — Olympic Peninsula fishing guide
The Strait Salmon Fishery
The Strait of Juan de Fuca funnels migrating salmon between the Pacific Ocean and the inland waters of Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, and British Columbia. Sekiu sits on the south shore of this migration corridor, intercepting Chinook, coho, and pink salmon (in odd years) as they move eastward. The current rips and upwelling zones off Sekiu create feeding areas where salmon pause and concentrate, making them vulnerable to trolling presentations. Summer Chinook in the 15- to 25-pound range and bright coho in the 8- to 14-pound range are standard catches.
Facilities and Access
Sekiu has a small marina with a boat ramp, fuel dock, and limited moorage. Several resorts and lodges cater specifically to fishing guests, offering lodging, charter boat services, and fish processing. The Coho Resort, Curley's Resort, and Van Riper's Resort are well-known Sekiu fishing lodges that have operated for decades. The town of Clallam Bay (adjacent to Sekiu) provides additional services including a general store and restaurants.
- Driving distance: Approximately 90 miles west of Port Angeles, 4.5 hours from Seattle
- Boat ramp: Sekiu Marina, public access with parking
- Charters: Several experienced charter captains operating from Sekiu resorts
- Lodging: Fishing resorts, cabins, and a few vacation rentals
- Supplies: Basic tackle and bait available at resorts; fuller selection in Port Angeles
Regulations
- Salmon: WDFW Marine Area 5 regulations — check for season dates, bag limits, and mark-selective rules
- Halibut: Marine Area 5 has its own halibut quota and open dates — monitor WDFW announcements
- Lingcod: 2 per day, 26-inch minimum in Washington marine waters
- Rockfish: Aggregate limits with species-specific sub-limits