Tacoma Fishing Directory

Tacoma, WA, is a bustling urban city sitting on the majestic waters of Puget Sound. Its proximity to Seattle, Mt. Rainier, Olympic National Park, and the San Juan Islands makes it a prime spot for tourists of all types.

What sportsmen may overlook is the abundance of excellent fishing in the area. Tacoma fishing comes in two distinct varieties:

• Inland freshwater lakes, streams, and rivers
• The fertile waters of Puget Sound

We love fishing the Sound from Tacoma. Choose a site on the shore, at a public pier, or take to the water in a boat. You won’t be disappointed.

Tacoma fishing in Puget Sound includes two major Marine Areas. Marine Area 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island) is located north of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Here, anglers will find plentiful shore and pier fishing for resident and migratory salmon.

Well-known hotspots include Point Defiance, Tacoma Narrows, and Brown’s Point.

Unlike most areas of the country, there is a fall/winter fishing season in Marine Area 11. You can fish for resident salmon (a Chinook variety called Blackmouth) during their October-December run. You’ll also find quite a bit of squid fishing from public piers during those months.

South of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge awaits Marine Area 13 (South Puget Sound). This gem is the only place in the state of Washington where you can fish for salmon 12 months a year. The estuaries, tidal flow, and other regional conditions support particularly abundant food sources that attract migrating Chinook and Coho during their spring and summer runs. You’ll also find Pink, Chum, and Sockeye Salmon migrating through the area.

Marine Area 13 is also known for its excellent resident Blackmouth Salmon and Coastal Cutthroat Trout fishing.

When you plan a Tacoma fishing trip, timing is crucial. Each salmon species has its own season and limit on the number of fish you may catch. These seasons and limits may vary from year to year, so it’s important to talk with a knowledgeable local guide before you hit the water.

Local guides will also fill you in on the best time of day to fish in Tacoma’s Puget Sound waters, the type of gear that is legal and effective, and the very best bait for your fish of choice. They will also help you find the best spot to drop your line.

Tacoma fishing in Puget Sound is varied and exciting. You’ll find small, quiet spots surrounded by gorgeous scenery that you can fish by boat, as well as urban parks where you can catch salmon from a public shore.

Contact us today to plan your perfect Tacoma Puget Sound fishing trip. You’ll never forget your time spent fishing these remarkable waters.