Washington · Strait & Sound
ROCKFISH FISHING
IN SEKIU
Sekiu is an outstanding destination for rockfish fishing, with peak season in May, June, July and good catches in April, September, October. Book a charter and target rockfish with local experts.
About Rockfish Fishing in Sekiu
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 — Sekiu
Month-by-month availability for rockfish in Sekiu, WA.
How to Catch Rockfish in Sekiu
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 Sekiu
Top spots where local captains target rockfish and other bottom fishing species.
Sekiu River Mouth
The Sekiu River empties into the Strait of Juan de Fuca and its tidal mouth holds coho salmon and cutthroat trout staging before upstream migration. The river mouth area provides shore-fishing access where perch and greenling also feed in the mixing zone.
Clallam Bay
Clallam Bay adjacent to Sekiu provides protected inshore fishing where Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and bottomfish hold in the bay's deeper channels. The bay's calm waters and easy boat launch access make it a popular base for fishing the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Sekiu Breakwater
The Sekiu breakwater and marina docks hold perch, greenling, and rockfish around the submerged structure. The breakwater's rock base attracts small rockfish and cabezon accessible to shore anglers and provides crabbing opportunities.
Pillar Point (Sekiu)
Pillar Point east of Sekiu is a rocky headland on the strait where Chinook salmon and coho salmon travel along the shoreline during their migration. Shore anglers cast from the point's rocky shore for salmon, rockfish, and greenling.
Other Species in Sekiu
More fish you can target while visiting Sekiu.
Rockfish Fishing in Sekiu — FAQ
The peak months for Rockfish fishing in Sekiu are May, June, July, August. During these months, Rockfish are most active and abundant in the Sekiu area.
Rockfish fishing charters in Sekiu 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 Sekiu, 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 Sekiu, you may also catch Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Pacific Halibut, Lingcod, Dungeness Crab. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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