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Seasons & Types of Fishing Close to Sequim, Washington

The city of Sequim (pronounced "skwim") is located in Clallam County near the base of the Olympic Mountains in Washington state. The town's proximity to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and placement along the Dungeness River provide its area waters with a large variety of aquatic life. Sequim's location makes it is a favorite fishing location throughout the year for both visiting and area anglers.

Salmon &the Seasons
- Tom Nelson of Salmon University calls Sequim Bay one of the most overlooked salmon locations in the Puget Sound area. The bay offers year-round blackmouth salmon at its Diamond Point location, with winter blackmouth prevalent between November and March at Dungeness Spit. Chinook favor the northern edge of Dungeness Bank all year, and summer chinook often inhabit Diamond Point. Coho salmon, also common throughout the area, typically in the fall, are usually caught in the Dallas Bank area and off Smith Island.
  
  The area is also well-known for steelhead trout, also known as rainbow trout, which are technically part of the salmon family as well. Though they are widely associated with Sequim fishing, diminished numbers and protection under the Endangered Species Act have led to shortened seasons for catching these fish. The 2011 season ended on February 1st in most locations, with areas near steelhead hatcheries going as late as February 15th.
Other Prominent Fish Species &Their Seasons
- Sequim is known nearly as much for its halibut fishing as for its salmon. Nearly the entirety of Sequim Bay features strong halibut fishing locations, and in most years, anglers can consistently find halibut May through June. Washington state rules set the daily limit for halibut at one and the possession limit at two.
  
  Lingcod, a large bottom-feeding fish, is the other fish commonly found in Sequim. It is most prevalent in the areas of Eastern Bank and Smith Island.
Shellfish &Seasons
- Sequim Bay State Park has been enhanced with clams and oysters, which means that harvesting is encouraged. Butter clams and native little neck clams are open to harvest May 1st through June 30 at time of publication. Oysters have been planted in four different plots along the beach and are open to harvest year-round.
Types of Fishing
- Sequim is most widely known for saltwater fishing, so boat fishing is very common; both John Wayne Marina and Sequim Bay State Park have popular fishing ramps. Visiting anglers can find a variety of charter fishing guides such as Norrie Johnson (johnsonguideservice.com) for expert help on finding ideal locations. These guides generally provide a boat as well as tackle and bait.
  
  Fly fishing is another option for visitors who wish to fish from dry land. Many of the same guides who offer their services for boat fishing are also available for small stream fishing.

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