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 happening every Memorial Day attracts anglers looking to catch their trophy fish for a chance at the $20,000 prize ladder. Tickets for the event are available at Swain’s General Store and Jerry’s Bat & Tackle.

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 Salt Creek Recreation Area for a clam dig!

Photo by Brittany Gates