Salmon Fishing Seattle
Experience the Best Salmon Fishing in Seattle
Seattle isn’t just famous for coffee, rain, and the Space Needle — it’s one of the few major cities in the world where you can catch wild Pacific salmon within sight of downtown.
Just beyond the skyline, the calm, protected waters of Puget Sound hold one of the richest urban fisheries on the West Coast.
Each tide carries new life through this inland sea — King Salmon in summer, Coho in fall, Pinks every other year, and Blackmouth feeding all winter long.
It’s the rare kind of fishery where city and sea meet — easy to reach, breathtakingly beautiful, and alive with the same wild salmon runs that define the Pacific Northwest.
With Fish Finders Private Charters, you’ll launch from Shilshole Bay Marina in Ballard, only 10 minutes from downtown, and be fishing in open water within minutes.
Whether you’re a first-timer, a family, or an experienced angler chasing your next trophy, this is Seattle’s signature outdoor adventure.
What Makes Seattle Salmon Fishing Unique
Seattle’s salmon fishery is unlike anywhere else.
- Calm, Protected Waters: No ocean swells — perfect for families and first-timers.
- Year-Round Opportunities: Different salmon species peak in different seasons.
- City Convenience: Depart from Seattle’s marina, fish within minutes of leaving the dock.
- Scenery & Wildlife: Orcas, eagles, and snowcapped mountains make every trip unforgettable.
Fishing in Puget Sound feels wild, yet it’s right in the city’s backyard.
Seattle’s Salmon Seasons
Salmon run through the Sound in distinct waves — here’s what to expect throughout the year:
Summer (June–August): King Salmon Season
The biggest and most powerful salmon of the year. Kings, also known as Chinook, can exceed 25 pounds.
- Peak: July and August
Late Summer to Fall (August–October): Coho (Silver) Salmon
Aggressive and acrobatic, Coho bring high-energy fishing to the end of summer.
- Peak: August through October
Odd Years (July–September): Pink Salmon (Humpies)
Every other summer, millions of Pinks flood Puget Sound — easy, fun, and perfect for beginners and families.
- Next Runs: 2025, 2027
Winter (November–April): Blackmouth (Juvenile Kings)
Seattle’s hidden gem: the resident Chinook that feed in Puget Sound all winter long.
- Peak: December through March
There’s no off-season — only different kinds of salmon adventures.
How We Fish for Salmon in Seattle
Each trip is customized to the season and your comfort level:
- Downrigger Trolling: Covers water and targets deep-feeding Chinook and Coho.
- Drift Mooching: A Seattle favorite — a hands-on, bait-based method where you feel every strike.
- Light Tackle Fun: Especially popular during Coho and Pink seasons.
All gear, bait, and fish cleaning are included. Just show up ready to fish — we’ll handle the rest.
A Day on Puget Sound
Imagine launching just after sunrise, the Seattle skyline glowing behind you as the mountains rise to the west. The water is calm, the air is salty, and the downrigger hums. Then — the rod loads up, the reel screams, and your first salmon is on.
Every trip with Fish Finders Private Charters blends the thrill of the catch with the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
You might see:
- Orcas surfacing in the distance
- Bald eagles diving for baitfish
- Sea lions and harbor seals cruising the kelp lines
- Snowcapped Mount Rainier glowing on the horizon
It’s the kind of day that makes you forget you’re still within city limits.
Guided by Seattle’s Most Experienced Captains
Fish Finders Private Charters has been guiding Seattle salmon trips since 1994 — longer than most charter outfits in the region.
- Local Knowledge: Captain Carl Nyman and his handpicked team know the tides, currents, and migration patterns of Puget Sound salmon.
- Small Groups: Most trips host just 3–5 anglers for a more personal, productive experience.
- Comfort & Safety: Heated cabins, enclosed heads, and Coast Guard–licensed captains.
- Reputation: Trusted by locals, hotels, and returning guests year after year.
If you’re ready to fish like a local, this is an authentic Seattle adventure guided by people who live and fish here every day.
Trip Details
- Departures: Shilshole Bay Marina, Ballard — 10 minutes from downtown Seattle
- Trip Length: 6-hour standard morning trips; 4-hour private afternoon trips available
- Group Size: Shared (3–5 anglers) or private (up to 6 guests)
- What’s Included: All gear, tackle, bait, fish cleaning, and bags (licenses available onboard)
- Pricing: Shared trips from $300/person; private charters from $1,300 (see Pricing page for details)