Fishing Seasons in Puget Sound
When to Fish with All Star Fishing Charters
Puget Sound offers great fishing opportunities throughout the year, but each season brings its own species, hotspots, and techniques. Below is an easy guide to what you can expect to catch during different times of the year when fishing with All Star Fishing Charters from Seattle, Edmonds, and Everett.
Spring (April – May)
Lingcod Season
One of our most popular spring fisheries.
- Season: Opens May 1 (varies by WDFW annually)
- Style: Structure fishing on reefs, ledges, and rocky bottom
- Departures: Seattle (Shilshole) and Edmonds
- Experience: Hands-on action, fast-paced, big hits
- Trips: Private or shared morning lingcod charters
- Bonus Species: Kelp greenling, rockfish (catch & release only)
Flounder & Light Bottom Fish
Fun, relaxed fishing for all ages.
- Great for families, beginners, and kids
- Available anytime flounder are open
- Calm protected waters
- Trips depart from Seattle, Edmonds, or Everett
Summer (June – August)
Summer Salmon (Coho + Resident & Ocean-Returning Fish)
Summer brings consistent salmon action to Puget Sound.
- June–July: Resident coho, early ocean-run coho
- Late July–August: Strong coho migration
- Departures: Seattle, Edmonds, Everett
- Style: Trolling with downriggers
- Trips: Shared & private morning or afternoon salmon charters
Flounder & Family Bottom Fishing
A perfect choice when salmon seasons are closed or if you want lots of action.
- Steady bites
- Very kid-friendly
- Great add-on to summer family vacations
Dungeness Crab (When Open)
In select areas, crabbing may open mid-summer.
- Check WDFW dates each year
- Crab pots dropped during your fishing trip
- You keep your crab limit
Fall (September – November)
Peak Coho Salmon Season
This is one of the best times of year to fish Puget Sound.
- September–October: Large ocean-bright coho flood into local waters
- November: Late coho available depending on the year
- Departures: Seattle, Edmonds, Everett
- Why It’s Good: Action-oriented fishery, great weather into early fall
Chum Salmon (November)
Chum can provide hard fights and steady action when open.
- Typically peaks late October–November
- Strong, fun species for experienced anglers
- Seattle-based trips usually produce best
Winter (December – March)
Note: Winter Blackmouth Closed Until April
Historically, Puget Sound offered excellent winter Chinook (“blackmouth”) fishing, but WDFW no longer opens winter seasons the way it once did.
If a short winter opener happens, we will list it immediately on our site and booking calendar.
What We Offer in Winter
Even with salmon closed, we still have great options:
- Flounder fishing (when open)
- Light bottom fishing
- Wildlife & harbor tours (eagles, seals, sea lions, porpoise)
- Private charters for families or out-of-town visitors
These trips depart from Edmonds, Everett, and Seattle depending on conditions.
Monthly Fishing Overview
A simple reference for planning your trip:
| Month | Salmon | Lingcod | Flounder | Crabbing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Closed | Closed | Limited | Closed | Bottom fish only |
| February | Closed | Closed | Limited | Closed | Wildlife + flounder |
| March | Closed | Closed | Limited | Closed | Pre–season trips |
| April | Possible limited salmon (varies) | Opens late April/May depending on year | Yes | No | Start of spring season |
| May | Coho (resident) | Lingcod prime | Yes | No | One of our busiest months |
| June | Coho | Yes | Yes | Possible | Start of summer |
| July | Coho | Yes | Yes | Possible | Great weather trips |
| August | Coho | Yes | Yes | Possible | Peak summer |
| September | Peak Coho | No | Yes | Yes | Best overall month |
| October | Coho + some chum | No | Yes | Yes | Strong fall fishing |
| November | Chum (varies) | No | Yes | Closed | Late-season action |
| December | Closed | Closed | Limited | Closed | Winter options only |
Why Fish with All Star Fishing Charters?
- 40+ years Puget Sound experience
- Seattle, Edmonds, and Everett departures — choose the location closest to you
- Friendly, expert captains
- Clean heated cabins
- All gear, bait, and tackle included
- Free fish cleaning
- Great for families, beginners, and seasoned anglers
Call to Action
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