Washington · Washington Outer Coast
ALBACORE TUNA FISHING
IN WESTPORT
Westport is a solid destination for albacore tuna fishing, with peak season in September and good catches in August. Book a charter and target albacore tuna with local experts.
About Albacore Tuna Fishing in Westport
Albacore are warm-water tuna that migrate along the Pacific coast each summer, arriving off Oregon and Washington in July and lingering through October. Known for their long, screaming runs and excellent sushi-grade flesh, albacore trips often head 30–60 miles offshore to find the warm blue water where schools feed on anchovies and squid.
Albacore Tuna are warm-water migrants that arrive off the Pacific coast each summer, following warm currents and baitfish schools 30-60+ miles offshore. Distinguished from other tunas by their extremely long pectoral fins (which extend past the anal fin), albacore have a dark blue back, silver sides, and a white belly. They are the only tuna species marketed as "white meat tuna" and are highly prized for their mild, light-colored flesh that is excellent for sushi, canning, or grilling fresh.
Scientific name: Thunnus alalunga
Albacore Tuna Seasonal Calendar — Westport
Month-by-month availability for albacore tuna in Westport, WA.
How to Catch Albacore Tuna in Westport
Techniques & Bait
Trolling cedar plugs, feather jigs, and Rapalas at 6-8 knots to locate schools, then switching to stop-and-chum with live anchovies or bait chunks is the classic West Coast albacore technique. Once a school is located, casting swimbaits, iron jigs (Salas, Tady), or fly fishing with heavy streamers into the feeding fish produces fast action. "Run and gun" — trolling between temperature breaks until fish are found, then stopping to fish with bait — is the most efficient approach.
Recommended Tackle
Trolling: 6-7 ft medium-heavy rod, 30-40 lb line, conventional reel. Bait fishing: 7-8 ft medium rod, spinning or conventional reel, 20-30 lb mono or 40 lb braid, 25-30 lb fluorocarbon leader. Fly: 10-12 weight rod, fast-sinking line, large Deceiver or Popper patterns. Albacore make long, fast runs — reel capacity and drag quality matter.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Westport
Top spots where local captains target albacore tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
La Perouse Bank
La Perouse Bank is a major offshore fishing destination roughly 25 miles from Westport where a broad underwater plateau concentrates Pacific halibut, lingcod, and rockfish over productive hard bottom. The bank is one of the premier halibut grounds on the Washington coast.
Westport Canyon
The submarine canyon offshore of Westport creates upwelling that attracts Chinook salmon during their coastal migration and albacore tuna during warm-water years. Trolling the canyon edges produces quality salmon from spring through fall for Westport's large charter fleet.
Grays Harbor Tuna Grounds
The warm-water boundaries 40 to 60 miles offshore of Westport attract albacore tuna during their late-summer migration, making Westport one of Washington's primary albacore ports. The tuna fishery provides exciting light-tackle action from August through October.
The Prairie
The Prairie is an expansive flat area of the continental shelf offshore of Westport where Pacific halibut spread across the sandy bottom during summer months. Charter boats from Westport drift the Prairie with bait rigs for quality halibut during the open season.
Other Species in Westport
More fish you can target while visiting Westport.
Albacore Tuna Fishing in Westport — FAQ
The peak months for Albacore Tuna fishing in Westport are September. During these months, Albacore Tuna are most active and abundant in the Westport area.
Albacore Tuna fishing charters in Westport are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Trolling cedar plugs, feather jigs, and Rapalas at 6-8 knots to locate schools, then switching to stop-and-chum with live anchovies or bait chunks is the classic West Coast albacore technique. Once a school is located, casting swimbaits, iron jigs (Salas, Tady), or fly fishing with heavy streamers into the feeding fish produces fast action. "Run and gun" — trolling between temperature breaks until fish are found, then stopping to fish with bait — is the most efficient approach.
No — when you book a charter in Westport, your captain provides all required Washington fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Albacore Tuna 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 Albacore Tuna in Westport, you may also catch Rockfish, Chinook Salmon, Pacific Halibut, Coho Salmon, Lingcod. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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