What Washington Park Offers Anglers

Washington Park sits on the western edge of Anacortes and gives you direct access to the Salish Sea without a boat. The park has a public fishing pier, rocky shoreline, and beach areas where you can cast for the saltwater species that move through this part of Puget Sound. The pier is the main draw — it's concrete, well-maintained, and long enough that you're fishing in deeper water than you'd reach from shore.

The species you'll encounter depend on the season and tide. Bottomfish like lingcod and rockfish hold around the pier pilings year-round. Salmon move through in summer and fall, with Chinook and coho both possible. Flounder and sole work the sandy bottom nearby. Herring spawn in the park itself during winter months, which brings predators and makes for active fishing if you know what to look for.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington Park's fishing pier is open to the public and requires no permit beyond a Washington saltwater fishing license.
  • Bottomfish like rockfish and lingcod are present year-round, while salmon runs peak in summer and early fall.
  • The pier works best on incoming tide when water depth increases and fish move closer to structure.
  • Parking is free and plentiful, and the park has restrooms and picnic areas, making it accessible for a half-day outing.

Pier Fishing and Tackle Setup

Bring a medium-action saltwater rod rated for 15 to 20 pounds and a reel that holds at least 200 yards of line. The pier is crowded during peak season, so a shorter rod (6 to 7 feet) gives you better control in close quarters than a longer casting rod would. Spool with 20-pound braided line — it cuts through the current better and gives you more sensitivity to what's on the bottom.

For bottomfish, use a simple setup: a three-way rig or a sliding sinker rig with a 2 to 4-ounce weight depending on tide strength. Attach a 12-inch leader and a size 2/0 to 4/0 hook. Live herring or squid work, but frozen squid is easier to manage on a crowded pier and catches just as many fish. Drop straight down along the pilings — you don't need to cast. Jigs also work well; a 3 to 5-ounce white or chartreuse jig tipped with squid will take rockfish and lingcod on the drop and the retrieve.

For salmon, switch to a heavier jig (5 to 7 ounces) or a small spoon. Cast out and work it back with a steady retrieve or a jigging motion. Early morning and the last two hours of daylight are most productive. Salmon fishing here is hit-or-miss compared to dedicated salmon waters, but when they're in, the action can be fast.

Tides and Timing

The incoming tide is your best window. As water rises, fish move up from deeper channels and feed more actively around the pier structure. The first two hours of incoming tide and the hour before high slack are prime. Low tide exposes more of the rocky shore but puts you in shallower water from the pier, and fish tend to move away from the pilings.

Winter herring spawn (December through February) creates unusual conditions. The water gets crowded with herring, and predators — including lingcod, rockfish, and the occasional salmon — feed aggressively. If you're fishing during spawn, small jigs and spoons that mimic herring fry will outfish traditional bottom rigs. Check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website for spawn timing updates; it varies year to year.

Regulations and Licensing

You need a Washington saltwater fishing license, which you can purchase online through the WDFW website or at local sporting goods stores. A three-day license is available if you're visiting, or an annual license if you plan to fish multiple times. The license covers all saltwater species in Puget Sound.

Catch limits vary by species and change seasonally. Rockfish have a daily limit (usually 5 fish), lingcod have their own limit, and salmon limits depend on the run and the current season. Check the WDFW Puget Sound Fishing Guide before you go — it's updated regularly and tells you what's open and what the daily limits are. Possession limits are separate from daily limits, so know both.

Parking, Amenities, and Access

Washington Park has a large free parking lot right at the entrance. The pier is a short walk from the lot, and the park is open during daylight hours year-round. Restrooms are available, and there are picnic tables and benches throughout the park if you want to take a break between sessions.

The pier is accessible to people with mobility limitations — it's paved and has railings. The rocky shore areas are rougher and require scrambling, so stick to the pier if you have concerns about footing. The park can get crowded on summer weekends and during salmon season, so arrive early if you want space to fish comfortably.

What to Bring and What to Avoid

Bring more tackle than you think you'll need. Snags on the pilings and rocky bottom are common, and you'll lose rigs. A small tackle box with extra hooks, weights, and leaders saves trips to the truck. Bring sunscreen and a hat — there's no shade on the pier, and the water reflects light intensely. A cooler with ice keeps your catch fresh if you plan to keep fish.

Avoid fishing the pier during heavy rain or wind. The pier is exposed, and conditions can deteriorate quickly. Also avoid slack tide (the hour around high and low) — fish feed less actively during these windows, and you'll spend more time waiting than catching. If you're new to saltwater fishing, go during a weekday morning when the pier is less crowded and you can move around without bumping into other anglers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Washington Park?

No. The pier and shoreline give you access to productive water without a boat. The pier reaches far enough out that you're fishing in depths where salmon and bottomfish hold. If you want to fish deeper channels or move around more, a boat helps, but it's not necessary to catch fish here.

What's the best time of year to fish Washington Park?

Summer and early fall (June through September) bring salmon and are the most active months. Winter (December through February) offers herring spawn fishing and consistent bottomfish. Spring and late fall are quieter but still productive for rockfish and lingcod. Choose based on what species you want to target.

Can I keep what I catch?

Yes, within daily and possession limits set by WDFW. Rockfish, lingcod, flounder, and salmon are all legal to keep. Check the current Puget Sound Fishing Guide to confirm limits for the species and season you're fishing. Most fish caught here are good eating if prepared fresh.

Is the pier crowded, and when should I avoid it?

The pier fills up on summer weekends and during salmon season. Weekday mornings are quieter. Avoid slack tide (the hour around high and low water) — fish feed less actively then. Heavy rain and strong wind make the pier uncomfortable and less productive, so pick calm days when you can.

What if I've never saltwater fished before?

Start with a simple bottom rig and squid. Drop it straight down, feel for bumps on the bottom, and reel up slowly. Rockfish are forgiving and bite readily. Bring a friend or watch other anglers to get a sense of what works. The pier is a good learning ground because you're not managing a boat, and other anglers are usually willing to share tips.