Fishing in Port Angeles
Freshwater and saltwater fishing in Port Angeles can be as easy as casting from the downtown city pier, taking a guided charter out to sea for the day, or fly fishing at high mountain lakes, rivers and streams. Fishing enthusiasts head to the area’s rivers and sea for some of the best fishing in Washington. Book an experienced fishing guide to help you navigate the local waters and know what’s biting where and when.
Lakes, Rivers & Streams
The Olympic National Park and the Olympic Peninsula’s lakes and rivers are teeming with trout, salmon and steelhead. The popular spots for both fly fishing and angling include the Sol Duc, Hoh, Queets and Lake Crescent.
Elwha River
After the completion of one of the largest dam removal projects in the country that began in 2011, the Elwha River is slowly being restored back to its natural state — it’s now flowing from the Olympic Mountains to the Strait of Juan de Fuca after 100 years. The Elwha River and its tributaries are closed to all fishing for now to allow all five species of Pacific Salmon to return to the river. The Salmon population is expected to grow from 3,000 to 400,000 over the next 30 years. Boating is prohibited from Upper Lake Mills Trail to the Highway 112 bridge with the exception for the area between Altair Campground and the Highway 101 bridge.
Halibut Fishing
Port Angeles is on Washington states’ top 10 hotspot list for Halibut fishing. The annual two-day Halibut Derby happens around Memorial Day and attracts anglers looking to catch their trophy fish for a chance at the $11,000 prize ladder. Tickets for the event are available online or at Swain’s General Store.
Shellfish
Port Angeles’ access to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Pacific Ocean allows for some of the best recreational shellfishing. Of course, the Dungeness crab tops our list since we have an entire festival dedicated to the delicious crustacean. Our area is also abundant with oysters, clams, mussels, and squid. Head to one of our beautiful beaches for a clam dig!
Casting a line in Port Angeles can look however you want it to—dropping a line off the pier, heading out on the open water, or finding a quiet spot along a mountain lake. With easy access to rivers, saltwater, and alpine environments, it’s a place where both seasoned fishermen and first-timers can create unforgettable moments.
From the powerful return of salmon in the Elwha River to the thrill of reeling in halibut in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the connection to nature here runs deep. Add in the simple joy of digging for clams or crabbing along the shoreline, and it’s clear that the waters surrounding Port Angeles are just as rich in experience as they are in wildlife.
No matter the season, the landscape, or the type of adventure you’re after, Port Angeles is a place where the outdoors isn’t just something you visit—it’s something you fully immerse yourself in.