What You'll Find at Edmonds Pier

Edmonds Pier is a working fishing pier that extends into Puget Sound just north of the ferry terminal in downtown Edmonds, Washington. The pier is open to the public year-round and draws anglers after bottomfish, salmon, and the occasional halibut. The structure itself is about 1,500 feet long, with the main pier running straight out and a T-shaped head at the end where most of the fishing happens.

The pier sits in a marine environment where saltwater species move through with the tides and seasons. Spring and early summer bring chinook and coho salmon. Fall sees chum salmon move through. Year-round, you can find lingcod, rockfish, flounder, and cabezon on the bottom. The pier's proximity to the ferry traffic and the Sound's main shipping channel means the water is deep and the current can run strong, especially on tide changes.

Access is free. There is no permit required to fish from the pier, and you do not need a separate saltwater license beyond Washington's standard fishing license. The pier has benches, railings, and light fixtures, but no shelter, restrooms, or food vendors—bring what you need for the hours you plan to spend there.

Key Takeaways

  • Edmonds Pier is open to public fishing year-round with no fee or special permit, and you need only a Washington fishing license to fish there.
  • Spring and summer target chinook and coho salmon; fall brings chum salmon; year-round bottomfish include lingcod, rockfish, flounder, and cabezon.
  • The pier is 1,500 feet long with a T-shaped head where most anglers fish, and the water is deep with strong tidal current that changes throughout the day.
  • Bring your own food, water, and shelter; the pier has no restrooms, vendors, or covered areas, and weather on Puget Sound can change quickly.

Seasons and What Fish Are Biting

Spring (March through May) is when chinook salmon begin moving into Puget Sound from the Pacific. They are larger fish—often 20 to 40 pounds—and they hit herring, sand eels, and small jigs. Coho salmon show up a few weeks later and stay through early summer. Both species respond to live bait and to jigging with metal spoons and shads. The water is cold and the days are still short, so dress in layers and bring a headlamp if you plan to fish early morning.

Summer (June through August) is the busiest season on the pier. Coho salmon are active, and the water warms enough that more casual anglers show up. Bottomfish—lingcod and rockfish especially—bite consistently throughout the day. The pier can get crowded on weekends, and lines tangle more often. Tides are still important, but the fishing is more forgiving than spring. Bring sunscreen and water; the sun reflects off the Sound and dehydration sneaks up.

Fall (September through November) brings chum salmon into the Sound. They are smaller than chinook but more aggressive, and they bite readily on small spoons and jigs. Bottomfish remain steady. The weather turns—wind picks up, rain becomes frequent, and the pier can be slick. This is when fewer anglers show up, and the fishing can be excellent if you dress for the conditions.

Winter (December through February) is slow but not empty. Lingcod and rockfish bite, though the action is spotty. Halibut occasionally show up in deep water off the pier head. The pier is exposed to winter storms, and conditions can deteriorate fast. Most anglers avoid winter, which means less crowding and less line tangles if you are willing to fish in cold, wet weather.

Tackle and Bait That Works Here

For salmon, bring medium-weight spinning rods (6 to 7 feet) spooled with 12- to 20-pound braid or monofilament. Live herring is the gold standard bait—you can buy it fresh at tackle shops in Edmonds or bring your own if you have a net. If live bait is not available, frozen herring works. Rig it on a simple sliding sinker setup so the bait drifts naturally with the current. Metal spoons (2 to 3 inches) in silver or chartreuse also catch salmon, especially when jigged vertically near the pier head.

For bottomfish, use heavier rods (medium-heavy, 6.5 to 7 feet) and 20- to 30-pound line. Jigs tipped with squid or shrimp work well—drop them to the bottom and work them with short, steady lifts. Lingcod and cabezon are aggressive and will hit hard. Rockfish are more subtle; you will feel a steady pressure rather than a strike. Live shrimp is excellent bait for all three species. Bring a net or a gaff; the pier is high above the water, and you cannot hand-line fish up from below.

Tidal current at Edmonds runs strong, so use enough weight to keep your bait or jig near the bottom without drifting too far. On slack tide (the hour or so around high and low water), lighter sinkers work. On moving tide, you may need 4 to 6 ounces to stay in the zone. Bring extra rigs and extra weight; the rocky bottom snags and breaks line regularly.

Tides, Timing, and When to Fish

Puget Sound fishing is ruled by tides. Edmonds Pier fishes best on moving water—the hour or two before and after slack tide (high or low water). When the tide is running hard, fish move to deeper water or hold tight to structure, and your bait drifts away faster than fish can find it. Slack tide is when fish feed most actively and when you can keep your bait in the zone with lighter weight.

Check tide tables before you go. NOAA publishes tide predictions for Edmonds specifically, and most fishing apps include them. Plan to fish the two hours around slack tide for the best results. If you have a full day, fish two slack periods—one in the morning and one in the afternoon—and take a break during the hard-running tides in between.

Dawn and dusk are productive for salmon, especially in spring and fall. The pier is less crowded early in the morning, and salmon feed more actively in low light. Summer midday fishing is slower but steadier for bottomfish. Winter fishing is a grind no matter the time of day, but you will have the pier nearly to yourself.

Parking, Access, and What to Bring

Edmonds Pier is located at the foot of Main Street, just north of the ferry terminal. Street parking is available along the waterfront, though it fills quickly on weekends and summer days. There is a public parking lot near the ferry terminal; check current rates and hours before you go. The pier is a short walk from downtown Edmonds, and the area has restaurants, tackle shops, and coffee stands if you need supplies.

The pier itself is accessible year-round during daylight hours. There are no posted hours, but fishing at night is not practical—the pier has some lighting, but it is not bright enough for safe night fishing, and the ferry traffic makes the area hazardous after dark. Bring a valid Washington fishing license. You do not need a separate saltwater license; the standard freshwater license covers saltwater fishing in Washington.

Pack food, water, and weather-appropriate clothing. The pier is exposed to wind and weather, and conditions can change fast. Bring a rain jacket, layers, and a hat. Sunscreen is essential in summer. A headlamp is useful if you fish early morning or late afternoon. Bring a net or gaff for landing fish, extra line and rigs, and a small tackle box. The pier has no amenities, so plan to be self-sufficient for the hours you are there.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The biggest mistake is ignoring the tide. Fishing during hard-running tides wastes time and line. Check the tide table, plan your trip around slack water, and you will catch more fish with less frustration. The second mistake is using bait that is too fresh or too old. Fresh bait works best, but frozen bait that has been thawed properly is fine. Bait that has been sitting in a bucket for hours loses scent and appeal.

Anglers often underestimate how much weight they need. The current at Edmonds is stronger than it looks, especially on the incoming tide. If your bait is drifting away faster than you can keep up, add weight. You will snag the bottom more often, but you will also catch more fish because your bait stays in the zone where fish are feeding.

Tangled lines are common on a crowded pier. Keep your rod tip up, reel smoothly, and be aware of anglers around you. If you hook a fish, let nearby anglers know so they can reel in and clear space. Most tangles happen when two anglers are fishing the same depth and current path. Spread out along the pier, and you will have fewer problems.

Nearby Alternatives if the Pier Is Crowded

If Edmonds Pier is too crowded or the fishing is slow, the Edmonds waterfront has other options. The jetty north of the pier is accessible at low tide and holds similar fish. The beach near the ferry terminal can be productive for salmon during spring and fall, especially early in the morning. Both require wading and are less convenient than the pier, but they see fewer anglers.

If you want to fish deeper water or chase larger salmon, charter boats operate out of Edmonds and nearby Lynnwood. They run half-day and full-day trips into Puget Sound and to the San Juan Islands. Charters cost more than pier fishing but put you on fish consistently and handle the navigation and tackle details for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special license to fish Edmonds Pier?

No. A standard Washington fishing license covers saltwater fishing from the pier. You do not need a separate saltwater license or a special permit. Purchase your license online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife or at any sporting goods store that sells licenses.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (March through May) and early summer (June through July) are most productive for salmon. Fall (September through November) is excellent for chum salmon and has fewer anglers. Bottomfish bite year-round, but winter is slow and the weather is harsh. Most anglers target spring and summer.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes, within Washington's catch limits. Chinook and coho salmon have daily limits and size restrictions that change by season. Bottomfish like lingcod and rockfish also have limits. Check the current regulations on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website before you fish, because rules change and vary by area.

What if I have never fished saltwater before?

Edmonds Pier is a good place to start. The pier is accessible, the fish are abundant, and local tackle shops can advise you on current conditions and what bait to use. Bring simple gear—a medium spinning rod, basic jigs, and live bait—and fish during slack tide. The learning curve is short, and you will catch fish quickly.

Is the pier safe during storms?

No. The pier is exposed to wind and waves, and storms can make it dangerous. If weather is deteriorating, leave. The pier will still be there when conditions improve. Winter storms can arrive fast, so check the forecast before you go and be ready to pack up and leave if conditions worsen.