What Semiahmoo Spit offers anglers

Semiahmoo Spit is a narrow strip of land and tidelands that juts into the Strait of Georgia just north of Blaine, Washington, offering saltwater fishing access without a boat. The spit itself is mostly public land managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources, and you can fish from shore along both the bay side (calmer, shallower) and the strait side (deeper, more exposed). The real draw is the combination of protected waters and open strait access within walking distance—you can work the shallow flats in the morning and move to deeper channels by afternoon without leaving the spit.

The spit is shaped like a finger pointing northeast into the water. At high tide, much of the bay side becomes too deep for wade fishing, but the strait side stays fishable year-round. The tidelands here are productive: sand and mud flats that hold crabs, clams, and small baitfish that draw larger predators. Because the spit is narrow and exposed to weather, conditions can change fast, and the wind often picks up in the afternoon.

Key Takeaways

  • Semiahmoo Spit offers shore-based saltwater fishing on public tidelands without requiring a boat or special permit beyond your Washington fishing license.
  • The bay side is best at low tide for wading and flats fishing; the strait side holds fish at all tidal stages but is more exposed to wind and current.
  • Access is free and unrestricted, but the spit is narrow and weather can deteriorate quickly, so plan for wind and bring layers.
  • Chinook and coho salmon, lingcod, rockfish, and flounder are common catches; timing varies by season and recent catches should be checked before you go.

Getting to the spit and where to park

From Blaine, take Semiahmoo Drive north toward the Semiahmoo Resort. The public access point is at the Semiahmoo Park parking area, located at the base of the spit near the resort. Parking is free and usually available, though it fills on weekends during good weather. The walk from the parking lot to the fishing areas is short—less than a quarter mile to reach the bay side, and you can walk the entire spit in under an hour if you want to scout both sides.

The spit itself is accessible on foot year-round. There is no formal trail, but the ground is firm sand and gravel, and the path is obvious. Be aware that the spit narrows significantly at its tip, and at high tide the water can wash across it in places. Check tide tables before you go, especially if you plan to walk to the far end. Cell service is spotty, so download a tide app or print a tide table before leaving home.

Tides, timing, and seasonal patterns

Tides here swing 10 to 12 feet between low and high, which means the fishing changes dramatically through the day. Low tide exposes the bay-side flats and creates channels where fish concentrate. High tide pushes water over the flats and makes wading difficult, but it also brings fish closer to shore on the strait side. Most anglers fish the two hours before and after low tide on the bay side, then switch to the strait side or deeper pockets during high water.

Chinook salmon are present year-round but peak in spring (April through June) and again in fall (August through October). Coho show up in summer and fall. Lingcod and rockfish are available most of the year but are more reliable in winter and early spring. Flounder fishing is best in fall and winter. Summer can be slow for salmon, though it is the most crowded season. Check recent catch reports from the Blaine area before planning a trip—conditions and fish availability shift week to week.

What fish are here and what gear works

Chinook and coho salmon are the primary target, especially in spring and fall. Lingcod and various rockfish species are year-round residents. Flounder and sole are common on the sandy bottom. Crabs and small baitfish are abundant, which means the spit attracts larger predators. Herring, sand eels, and small sculpins are the natural forage, so lures and bait that imitate these work best.

For salmon, cast small spoons (1/4 to 1/2 ounce), shrimp flies, or herring-pattern plugs along the drop-offs where the flats meet deeper water. Lingcod and rockfish respond to jigging with small plastics or metal jigs. If you wade the bay-side flats, a 7- to 9-foot medium-light rod with 8- to 12-pound line is standard. For the strait side, a slightly heavier setup (10- to 15-pound line) handles the current and larger fish. Live herring or sand eels work if you want to bait fish, but check current regulations on bait use—some species have restrictions.

Wading safety and weather considerations

The spit is exposed and weather can turn quickly. Wind often builds in the afternoon, and the strait side can develop strong currents. Wear a personal flotation device if you wade beyond waist depth, and never wade alone. The bottom is mostly sand and mud, which is stable, but underwater rocks and kelp beds can be slippery. Bring a wading staff if you are unfamiliar with the area.

Hypothermia is a real risk in the Strait of Georgia year-round. Water temperature ranges from 45 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to 55 degrees in summer. Wear a wetsuit or thick layers, and bring a dry bag with extra clothes. The spit offers no shelter, so if weather deteriorates, you have no choice but to walk back. Check the forecast before you go, and do not stay if conditions are worsening. Fog is common in summer and can roll in fast, so bring a headlamp even on a daytime trip.

Regulations and what you need to bring

You need a valid Washington saltwater fishing license. Licenses are sold online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website, at sporting goods stores, and at some gas stations. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you fish only occasionally. Check the current saltwater fishing pamphlet for species-specific rules—some fish have minimum sizes, daily catch limits, or seasonal closures that change year to year.

Bring tide tables or a tide app, a headlamp, extra layers, and a wading staff. A small cooler with ice keeps fish fresh. Wear polarized sunglasses to see fish in shallow water. The spit has no facilities—no restrooms, no water, no food—so bring everything you need. Leave no trash, and pack out what you pack in. The spit is a working tidal ecosystem, and it stays productive only if anglers treat it with care.

Alternatives if the spit is crowded or conditions are poor

If Semiahmoo Spit is too crowded or the weather is bad, Blaine Harbor offers similar saltwater access with more shelter. The Blaine Pier is a shorter walk and provides some protection from wind. Drayton Harbor, just south of Blaine, has shallower water and is better for beginners or on windy days. If you want to fish deeper water or target larger salmon, a charter boat from Bellingham (about 30 minutes south) gives you access to open strait and offshore grounds.

For freshwater alternatives, the Nooksack River near Blaine holds salmon and steelhead depending on the season. The North Fork Nooksack is smaller and more technical but less crowded. Both rivers require different techniques and gear than saltwater fishing, but they are worth exploring if you want variety or if saltwater conditions are unfavorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Semiahmoo Spit at night?

Yes, but it is not recommended without experience. The spit is narrow and has no lighting. Fog and darkness make it easy to lose your bearings or step into deep water. If you fish at night, bring a powerful headlamp, tell someone where you are going, and stay on the bay side where water is shallower and more predictable.

Do I need a boat to fish here?

No. The entire spit is accessible on foot from shore. You can wade into the water and fish without a boat. If you want to reach deeper water or fish farther out, a small kayak or canoe is useful, but it is not necessary for productive fishing.

What is the best time of year to fish Semiahmoo Spit?

Spring (April through June) and fall (August through October) are best for salmon. Winter and early spring are good for lingcod and rockfish. Summer is the most crowded season and can be slow for salmon. Check recent catch reports before planning a trip, as conditions vary year to year.

Are there restrooms or facilities at the spit?

No. The spit has no restrooms, water, or food services. Bring everything you need, including water and snacks. The nearest facilities are at the Semiahmoo Resort, which is private property.

What should I do if I hook a large fish and the current is strong?

Keep your rod tip up and let the reel do the work. Do not try to muscle a large fish in strong current—you risk breaking your line or being pulled off balance. If you are wading, move to shallower water if possible. If the fish is too large or the current too strong, consider letting it go rather than risking your safety.