A unique salmon fishing opportunity for the whole family!  

In 1975, Westport began raising coho in the marina that would be released and return as jacks and adults in the fall. In late August to early September, you will likely catch a glimpse of these now-adult salmon swimming around the edges of the harbor in a big loop, offering a fun, local opportunity to catch salmon here in the Westport Marina.

There are numerous ways to target these coho, but most people opt to fish spinners, jigs, or bait (often below a bobber). Spinners can be cast from the docks or edges of the harbor, and most people opt for a 5/8 oz or size 5 or 6. Those fishing with bait may opt for a cut plug herring behind a banana weight (between ½ oz and 1 ½ oz), cured salmon eggs below a bobber, or anchovies. 

Regardless of the method you choose to fish, it is essential to remember that you must use only single-point barbless hooks, have a valid saltwater fishing license, and snagging is illegal (so any fish caught behind the head must be released, and you must adhere to terminal tackle that does not violate the anti-snagging rules described in the Washington fishing regulations). 

Some boat basin fishing etiquette to make sure everyone has an enjoyable time. Please give people space and remember to distance yourself from others. Be courteous to your fellow anglers, and do not chase the salmon throughout the harbor throwing your tackle at the salmon while disturbing anglers who have been patiently waiting for their return. Salmon are naturally on the lookout for predators, so when large shadows or flashy metal objects go whizzing by them constantly, they will often further avoid eating and hunker down, minimizing your opportunities for catching them legally. They swim the entirety of the harbor, and a little patience will allow them to reset as they continue their loop back around to your gear.

Salmon fishing in Westport's boat basin should be a fun opportunity for everyone, particularly those who don't have the means to take a boat out to fish in the ocean, bays, or rivers, so I encourage kindness and respect for your fellow anglers, the fish, and those working in the harbor. 

Westport Boat Basin Salmon Derby

Many years ago, the Vern Coverdale Boat Basin Derby began offering prizes to the anglers who caught the biggest of these returning coho salmon. According to the WDFW regulations, fishing for salmon in the boat basin starts on August 16th, but the derby doesn't begin until the peak of the season on September 15th and extends through October 31st. 

There is no derby ticket necessary to participate in the derby. Just bring your whole fish (not gutted) to be weighed in at the Seafood Connection building on Float 8 between the hours of 10 am-5 pm daily. The top three salmon weighed will receive prizes in both the adult and children categories on November 1st. 

I wish you all great fishing and tight lines!

Marina May

For further information on the fishing regulation in the harbor, please see the WDFW rules for Marine Area 2-2. When reporting your salmon caught on your Catch Record Card, use area code 2-2W.