Discover the Washington Coast: Fishing Reports & Recreation

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Surf perch fishing in the Long Beach Peninsula (including Klipsan Beach, Cranberry Access, Oysterville Road, Ocean Park, and Leadbetter State Park) is consistently productive year round. Low summer surf and warmer temperatures make it more enjoyable during the warmer months. Winter brings frigid temperatures and high seas, however always fun to do a clamming and Surf fishing combo trip. Techniques centered on casting bait rigs beyond the first set of breakers. 

Lures like red/gold Cast Masters and Lucky Craft 110 jerk baits work well. Timing is critical, with incoming tides being optimal. There is less fishing pressure at Ocean Park and Leadbetter State Park as alternatives to the access points above. Bait preferences revolve around Gulp kelp worms, sand shrimp (raw or marinated) sand crabs and clam necks.  Safety measures include wearing wading belts, life jackets avoiding high surf, and rinsing gear post-fishing.

The Buoy 10 fishery, located at the mouth of the Columbia River, is a premier destination for salmon anglers chasing trophy Chinook (king) and coho (silver) salmon. The season typically kicks off on August 1 and runs through early September for Chinook, with coho fishing extending into October. Peak action hits in late August for Chinook and mid-August to mid-September for coho, with incoming tides and the first hour after high slack offering the best bites. Anglers need to time their trips with tidal movements, as salmon follow baitfish pushed by cooler ocean water into the estuary, making tide charts essential for success.

Trolling is the go-to technique, using divers or cannon ball sinkers to target Chinook deeper (25–70 feet) and coho higher in the water column (20–35 feet). Popular baits include cut-plug herring or anchovies, often paired with scents like tuna or garlic, while spinners, Yakima Bait SpinFish) and hoochies in red/white or chartreuse/green dot excel in low light. Mooching during slack tides can also entice suspended salmon. 

Safety is critical at Buoy 10, dubbed the “Graveyard of the Pacific” due to strong currents, rough waters, and heavy boat traffic. Life jackets, VHF radios, and navigation charts are non-negotiable, especially for small boats navigating turbulent ebb tides or high winds. Check weather and tide forecasts, avoid shallow hazards like Desdemona Sands, and stay vigilant for boat traffic to prevent tangles or collisions. For the latest updates, check ODFW or WDFW websites and tap local guides for real-time tips to make your Buoy 10 adventure both thrilling and safe.

Willapa Bay and the Columbia River Estuary are prime destinations for recreational crabbing along Washington’s coast, offering abundant Dungeness and red rock crab populations in scenic, productive waters. In Willapa Bay, crabbing is open year-round for non-pot gear, with pot gear permitted from November 15 to September 15. The Columbia River Estuary allows year-round crabbing with all gear types, including pots, making it a hotspot for boat-based crabbers, especially from August to mid-winter when crab populations peak. 

Timing is key: the best crabbing occurs during slack tides, particularly a few hours before high tide, as strong outgoing tides can push crabs out and risk gear loss. Late summer to early fall is ideal in the Columbia Estuary, though mid-winter can yield good catches between storms, while Willapa Bay sees strong crabbing from late summer through fall, with soft-shell crabs more common during late summer molting.

Crabbers typically use pots, ring nets, or dip nets, with pots being the most common for boat-based fishing. Bait like fish carcasses, clams, squid, chicken, or turkey works well, secured in bait cages to maximize scent dispersal and prevent crabs from escaping with the bait. Fishing from the beach with a crab snare and fishing rod is an option.

This region is prime for clam digging on the Pacific Northwest coast, with Long Beach known for razor clams and the Columbia Estuary offering both razor and soft-shell clams. Razor clam seasons run from fall to spring, with peak digging during low spring tides in March and April, set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) based on population and toxin (domoic acid) levels. Soft-shell clams in the Columbia Estuary are available year-round, with optimal conditions in fall and winter. 

Dig during low tides (preferably -1.0 feet or lower) at dawn or dusk, using tide charts to plan. For razor clams, use a shovel or clam gun to dig 12–18 inches deep in the “show” (a hole or dimple) on the ocean side of the surf line, digging sideways to avoid breaking shells. For soft-shell clams, dig 6–12 inches in muddy or gravelly tidal flats with a shovel. Essential gear includes a bucket, mesh bag, or backpack, waterproof boots, and a headlamp. A shellfish license is required with limits of 15 razor clams (minimum 3½ inches) or 36 soft-shell clams per day. Discard broken or undersized clams and be aware of soft-shell female Dungeness buried in the sand.

Ocean fishing off the Columbia River offers a thrilling range of opportunities, from jetty fishing to targeting halibut, bottom fish, offshore salmon, and tuna. 

Jetty Fishing: Jetty fishing along the North Jetty (Ilwaco) and South Jetty (Fort Stevens) in the Columbia Estuary, or the jetties in Willapa Bay, targets rockfish, lingcod, greenling, and occasionally salmon or surfperch. The season runs year-round, with spring and summer offering calmer seas and peak catches. Low tides and early mornings are best for access and fish activity. Cast jigs (1–2 oz, white or chartreuse), shrimp flies, or cut bait like herring or anchovy near jetty rocks or in channels. Use 20–30-pound line and sturdy rods to handle strong currents and snags. 

Halibut Fishing: Pacific halibut are targeted offshore from May to August, with seasons set by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) and WDFW/ODFW, often limited to specific days (e.g., Thursdays–Sundays in May–June). Prime spots include depths of 120–300 feet off Ilwaco or Long Beach in the Columbia Estuary, or near Willapa Bay’s outer banks. Troll or drift with large herring, squid, or octopus on circle hooks (12/0–16/0) with 80–100-pound leaders and 16–32-ounce weights, or use heavy jigs (8–12 oz) in glow or white. 

Bottom Fishing: Bottom fishing for rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon is excellent in 50–300 feet of water around reefs and rocky structures off Willapa Bay and the Columbia Estuary. Drop jigs (4–12 oz, metal or soft plastic in glow or dark colors) or bait (squid, herring) on high-low rigs with 40–80-pound leaders. Use heavy sinkers (8–24 oz) to combat currents. Avoid protected species like yelloweye rockfish (release immediately). Safety includes using depth finders to avoid snags, carrying emergency gear, and monitoring marine forecasts for rough seas.

Offshore Salmon Fishing: Offshore salmon fishing targets Chinook and coho from June to September, peaking in July–August, in waters 3–30 miles offshore from Ilwaco or Westport. Troll with downriggers or divers at 20–80 feet using whole herring, anchovies, or hoochies behind flashers (red/white or green/chartreuse). Use 20–25-pound line and barbless hooks. Chinook must be 24 inches minimum, coho 16 inches, with a two-fish daily limit (one Chinook, hatchery coho only). Check regulations for quota closures. 

Tuna Fishing: Albacore tuna fishing peaks from July to October, 20–60 miles offshore in 60–70°F water. Troll at 6–8 knots with cedar plugs, clone feathers, or live bait (anchovies) on 30–50-pound tackle. Spreaders or daisy chains in green, blue, or white work well. No size or bag limits apply, but trips require long-range planning. Safety is paramount: use large, well-equipped boats, carry EPIRBs, and check extended weather forecasts. Fuel range and sea conditions are critical, as trips can take 8–12 hours.

 Naselle River: Salmon, Steelhead, and Sea-Run Cutthroat. The Naselle River, flowing into the southern end of Willapa Bay, is a gem for salmon, steelhead, and sea-run cutthroat trout, offering year-round action for dedicated anglers. 

For Chinook and coho, drift fishing with bobber and bait or spoon casting (e.g., Blue Fox spinners) is effective in August–October. Target deeper pools and runs near Parpala Rd or WA 4 access points. Steelhead Drift fishing with jigs, corkies with yarn, or beads excels for winter steelhead (December–February). Use spinning gear with 10–12 lb test in the lower reaches along Salmon Creek Rd or Deep River Main Line. Sea-Run Cutthroat: Fly fishing with nymphs (e.g., Prince Nymphs) or small spinners targets  cutthroat in tidewater areas from July to fall. Access via Upper Naselle Rd or WA 401 for shallow, clear runs. Focus on early morning or late evening for cutthroat, and check WDFW’s Fish Washington app for real-time regulations, as wild salmon must be released. 

Mill Creek: Fly fishing with nymphs or small dries (e.g., Elk Hair Caddis) for sea-run cutthroat in fall. Spinning with small spinners along Mill Creek Rd near Menlo.

Nemah River (North, Middle, South Forks): Drift fishing for steelhead (December–February) with jigs or beads. Fly fishing or spinning for cutthroat in tidewater areas (July–September) along North Nemah Rd or US 101.

North River: Fly fishing or spinning for sea-run cutthroat (July–September) and steelhead (early winter) near WA 105. Bobber and bait for coho in the fall.

Salmon Creek, Smith Creek, Trap Creek: Fly fishing with nymphs or small spinners for cutthroat and occasional jack salmon (August–September). Access via WA 401, WA 105, or Trap Creek Lane for these smaller streams 

Black Lake:  A year-round season makes it accessible, but dense weed growth in summer (June–August) challenges bank anglers. Two docks at Ilwaco Park provide good access, with a primitive launch on the northeast side for small boats. Elevation (26 ft) and shallow depth (28.5 acres) mean warmer water in summer, boosting bass and perch activity.

Bait: Trout: Power Bait (chartreuse, garlic), nightcrawlers, or small spinners (e.g., Panther Martin, gold or yellow-black) spoons for trolling. Bass: Soft plastics (e.g., Senkos, curly-tail grubs), crankbaits, or topwater frogs in weedy areas. Live worms work in shallow zones. Perch: Small jigs (1/16–1/8 oz) tipped with worms or shrimp under a bobber near docks. 

Radar Ponds (Snag Lake, Western Lake): Fly fishing or spinning with nymphs (e.g., Copper Johns) or small spinners for brook and cutthroat trout. Access via C-2000 Rd off WA 4, near Naselle. Spring and fall stockings ensure fast action  .

Loomis Lake: Casting from the public launch on the west shore (2.5 miles south of Ocean Park) with PowerBait, worms, or spinners for stocked rainbow trout (April–August, peaking May–June). Trolling with small spoons for trout in deeper water.

Discovery Trail (Long Beach to Ilwaco):  An 8.3-mile, mostly paved trail stretches from 26th St NW in Long Beach to 2nd Ave. SW/SR 100 in Ilwaco, winding through dune grass, sand pines, and cliffs with ocean vistas. It’s ideal for all skill levels, with access to beaches and landmarks like Beards Hollow and North Head Lighthouse.  Walk or jog the flat, paved sections for a leisurely stroll, or tackle the gravelly singletrack near Beards Hollow for a moderate challenge. There is year-round access, with February offering sunny days and minimal Summer can be busy with tourists, and winter rains may make gravel sections slick. Expect unpredictable coastal weather—bring layers and check forecasts. Pro Tip: Start at The Breakers motel in Long Beach for easy parking, and stop at the Ilwaco waterfront farmer’s market (Saturdays, summer) for snacks and local vibes.

Cape Disappointment State Park (Ilwaco): This park offers 8 miles of trails, including the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse Trail (1.9 miles round-trip, moderate) and North Head Lighthouse Trail (0.5 miles, easy). Hike through old-growth forests to cliffside views of the Pacific and Deadman’s Cove. Use sturdy hiking boots for uneven terrain and bring binoculars for birdwatching (e.g., bald eagles, pelicans). The Coastal Loop Trail (1.5 miles) is great for families, with interpretive signs about the area’s history. Pro Tip: Combine a hike with razor clamming at Waikiki Beach within the park, especially during low tides.

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge (Naselle Area): Spanning 11,000 acres, this refuge offers trails like the Art Trail (0.5 miles, easy) and Bear River Trail (3 miles, moderate), showcasing wetlands, forests, and Willapa Bay views. Access near US 101 south of Naselle. Walk boardwalks for easy access or hike gravel paths for a deeper forest experience. Bring a camera for wildlife (e.g., elk, shorebirds) and bug spray for summer mosquitoes. Best in spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) for clear skies and wildlife. Winter rains can muddy trails, and summer algae blooms may affect water views. Check WDFW for trail updates. Pro Tip: Pair a hike with fishing on the Naselle River for a full day of adventure.

Pacific Coast Route (Ilwaco to Astoria):  Part of the Adventure Cycling Association’s Pacific Coast Route, this section follows US 101 and side roads from Ilwaco to Astoria, OR, with wide shoulders and coastal views. It’s a 20–30-mile ride, ideal for road cyclists. Use road bikes with 40c or wider tires for comfort on US 101’s shoulders. Ride early to avoid traffic, and take side roads (e.g., Fort to Sea Trail) for quieter stretches. The Wahkiakum County ferry crosses the Columbia River, linking to Oregon’s bike paths. Best in spring (April–June) and fall (August–September) for dry, sunny weather. Winter rains and fog can reduce visibility, and summer traffic is heavy. North-to-south winds aid southbound rides. Pro Tip: Stop at Cape Disappointment State Park for a quick hike or fish check-in at Ilwaco’s port.

Ilwaco Saturday Market: Running May–September at Ilwaco’s waterfront, this market offers local crafts, food (e.g., fresh clam chowder), and live music, perfect for families after a Discovery Trail bike ride or jetty fishing trip. Summer is peak season, with sunny days and bustling crowds. Fall offers quieter visits with mild weather. Pro Tip: Pair with a visit to the Columbia River Maritime Museum in nearby Astoria for a fun, educational outing.

Washington State International Kite Festival (Long Beach): Held annually in August, this week-long event features kite competitions, workshops, and kid-friendly activities. Perfect for families staying near Long Beach. Pro Tip:Bring your own kite or buy one at Long Beach’s kite shops for a memorable day on the beach.