Ringing in the New Year means it’s that time again for the annual Seattle Boat Show. Who isn’t looking forward to spending time on the water in 2026? As a Washington-based recreational fishing charter captain and guide, I can’t wait to get my first lines in the water.
Not one fishery disappointed in 2025, an epic year for fishing. The sheer number of pinks returning was mind-blowing. Our region’s marine areas were full of salmon fishing opportunities. I was pleased with the size of the kings, and the coho season seemed to last forever. So many beautiful silvers! I can’t recall such an incredible coho season. Good times were had and wonderful memories were made.
The Chinook (king) fishery was similar in return numbers vs. the previous year with 246,524 that were projected to return to various hatcheries and a wild return of 24,853. The fishery over the past few years was limited to three days a week, Thursday through Saturdays, so that catch rates could be sampled via the water creel surveys and dockside reporting. This was done to ensure that sport anglers didn’t exceed the established catch quotas. On the water, our catch rates were very good with success happening off the popular locations from Possession Bar to the north in Area 9 down south to Jefferson Head in Area 10.
The Coho salmon numbers were also similar to the previous year with a total of 727,058 silvers returning in 2025. I can recall several notable trips of very aggressive ocean-like behavior with Coho being the most acrobatic of the salmonids.
We had the fortunate opportunity to partake in a third largest historic return of pink salmon (ever!) with 7,756,232 fish returning in odd numbers years. The WDFW provided a bonus two-pink retention option on top of the two-salmon daily limits. This provided for many happy anglers that joined us from near and afar to experience the thrill of catching their first salmon.
Oh, and we can’t forget the stellar winter crab season! Seven days a week? Extended season in central Puget Sound? Yes, please. The Dungeness were some of the biggest and tastiest crab I’ve caught in years. Pulling those pots with such anxious anticipation is something I always look forward to… but especially last year.
As we emerge from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, many of us look forward to getting out on our waterways and beaches. During these winter months, there are quite a few options to get out and catch something that either swims, digs, or shuffles.
One of my favorite winter pastimes is squidding. If you’ve never experienced jigging for squid, I encourage you to give it a try. If you don’t have a boat yet, grab your light tackle and head down to one of the local piers around dusk. Squid travel in schools and swim fast. With the right finesse, you can pick up the feel for their subtle bite and potentially end up with a nice 10-pound limit of market squid on a good night. Light sources are encouraged because squid are like moths; they’re attracted to light. Another popular way to target squid is from a boat equipped with lights and modern marine electronics. Instead of waiting for squid to come to you at a pier, you can cruise around and find them.
Not only are squid a blast to catch, but they’re also delicious! So many ways to prepare them, calamari is at the top of my list. My children enjoy squidding a lot and they even like cleaning them. It’s a great family activity.
Razor clams are also delicious and another great winter family-friendly pastime if you have the chance to make it over to the coast. Always check the weather, winds, tides, and harvest opportunities with the WDFW before you go. We love making a day or overnight trip for these digs as nothing invigorates the body and soul like the wind in the face and smell of salt air.
Be reminded that if you’re 16+, a valid shellfish license is required to take part. Each member of your party should also be actively participating with a limit of the first 15 clams dug regardless of shell condition. If you haven’t signed up for the WDFW email announcements, it’s a great way to stay updated on opening announcements and emergency closures. For those that want to extend their coastal visits, bring a surf perch rod set up to add to the menu. Baited with some clam necks and or shrimp, the Red Tail Surf perch can be what the doctor ordered to cure that cabin fever.
Be sure to check surf conditions and always wear a PFD. Surge swells or large waves can happen quickly and beach anglers can easily be knocked off their feet.
Finally, a much-loved winter fishery we all welcome back is the North and Central Puget Sound Winter Blackmouth fishery. Many angler friends north of Seattle have opted to extend their salmon seasons by crossing the border and fishing for Canadian versions called “Springs.” Blackmouth, or Springs, have toothy black colored gumlines and a metallic smell with purple and black coloration that’s characteristic of a resident fish. Blackmouth are resident Chinook salmon of hatchery origin and offer sport anglers a unique opportunity to fish during the off season, versus their brothers and sisters that migrate back in the summer and fall.
They are ambush predators and will hunt prey such as herring, sand lance, and squid with vigor. They are so much fun to chase, and the table fare can be just as memorable as you gather around the dining table for the first taste of fresh salmon in 2026.
For all recreational anglers, it’s wise to actively engage with the fishing community by joining groups like your local Puget Sound Anglers chapter. Don’t be afraid to lobby and write our State elected leaders to keep hatcheries open and to rally for more opportunities. Whatever your pursuit, get out and explore! Enjoy the bounty of options the great Northwest has to offer.
