Fishing Priest Point Park in Olympia — Budd Inlet Access and Freshwater Ponds

What You'll Find at Priest Point Park

Priest Point Park sits on a wooded peninsula jutting into Budd Inlet, about three miles northeast of downtown Olympia. The park holds two distinct fishing zones: a saltwater shoreline along the inlet itself, and a series of freshwater ponds tucked into the forest interior. The saltwater access is the main draw — you can fish from the beach at high tide for bottomfish, and the inlet's current patterns bring in seasonal runs of salmon. The freshwater ponds are smaller and shallower, stocked with trout and holding resident bass and panfish.

The park spans roughly 67 acres and is managed by the City of Olympia Parks and Recreation. It's a day-use facility with parking, restrooms, and maintained trails connecting the different fishing areas. Unlike some Puget Sound parks, Priest Point doesn't require a reservation or day-use fee — you can show up and fish. The shoreline is rocky and uneven in places, so wear good boots and watch your footing, especially when the tide is coming in fast.

Key Takeaways

• Priest Point offers both saltwater fishing on Budd Inlet and freshwater pond fishing in the forest, each with different target species and seasonal patterns.
• Saltwater access is best at high tide when you can reach deeper water and the inlet's current brings in feeding fish.
• The freshwater ponds hold stocked trout in winter and spring, plus resident bass and panfish year-round.
• No day-use fee or reservation is required; the park is open dawn to dusk with parking and restrooms available.
• Washington State fishing licenses and saltwater punch cards (for salmon and bottomfish) are required; check current regulations before you go.

Saltwater Fishing on Budd Inlet

The inlet shoreline at Priest Point is a rocky beach that drops off gradually into deeper water. At high tide, you can reach productive depths without wading far. The bottom is mixed rock and sand, which holds lingcod, cabezon, and various rockfish species. These are year-round residents, though they bite most consistently in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate. Bring small jigs, soft plastics, or live herring if you can get it — the fish here respond well to natural baits.

Salmon enter Budd Inlet in summer and fall, typically July through October. Coho and chinook both move through, though the run strength varies year to year. You won't catch them from the beach the way you would from a boat, but they do cruise the shallower water near the point, especially early morning and late afternoon. A small spoon or spinner cast along the current line can connect you to a fish. The inlet's tidal current is strong here — fish the incoming tide when the water is moving and pushing baitfish toward the point.

Tide timing matters more at Priest Point than at most Puget Sound beaches. The rocky bottom and inlet geometry create a narrow window of fishable depth. Check a tide table before you go and plan to fish the two hours before and after high slack water. Arriving at low tide will leave you stranded on exposed rocks with no water to fish.

Freshwater Ponds and Trout Stocking

The park contains several small ponds scattered through the forest interior, connected by walking trails. These ponds are stocked with rainbow trout by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, typically in late fall and winter. The stocking schedule varies, so check the WDFW website or call the Olympia regional office before planning a trip specifically for trout. When the ponds are freshly stocked, they hold catchable-size fish that will take basic gear — a spinning rod with small spinners, PowerBait, or worms works well.

The ponds also hold resident largemouth bass and panfish (bluegill, crappie) that are present year-round. Bass fishing is best in late spring and early summer when the water warms and the fish move into shallow weed beds. Panfish bite consistently throughout the year, especially in the early morning. The ponds are shallow — most are under 15 feet deep — so you don't need heavy tackle. A light spinning rod and small lures or live bait will handle everything in these waters.

The pond areas are less crowded than the saltwater beach, especially on weekdays. The trails are well-maintained and easy to walk, though the ponds themselves have limited bank access in places. Scout the area when you arrive to find the best casting spots. Some ponds have small clearings; others are ringed with brush and overhanging trees, which can make backcasting difficult but also concentrate the fish.

Seasons and What to Expect

Winter and early spring (November through March) is prime time for trout in the ponds. The WDFW stocking schedule peaks in this window, and the water is cool enough that trout remain active throughout the day. Saltwater fishing is also productive in winter — the inlet's water temperature is stable, and the fish are feeding steadily. Expect overcast skies, occasional rain, and shorter daylight hours. The park is less crowded than in summer.

Late spring through early summer (April through June) shifts the focus to bass and panfish in the ponds, and to salmon moving into the inlet. The saltwater shoreline can get busy on weekends as the weather improves. Trout stocking typically ends by April, so the ponds become less reliable for that species. The water warms, and the fish move deeper or into weed beds where they're harder to reach from shore.

Summer and fall (July through October) brings salmon runs to the inlet, making the saltwater beach the most productive zone. The ponds are still fishable but slower. Water levels can drop in the ponds during dry summers, concentrating the fish but also stressing them. Fall brings cooler water and renewed trout stocking, so the ponds improve again by late September.

Gear and Tackle for Both Zones

For saltwater fishing, bring a medium-weight spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 15- to 20-pound braided line. The rocky bottom will snag and fray monofilament quickly. Pack a selection of small jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce), soft plastics in natural colors, and a few spoons for salmon. Bring a small net if you plan to keep fish — the rocky beach makes landing larger fish difficult without one. Wear a PFD if you're wading; the current can be deceptive, and the water is cold year-round.

For the freshwater ponds, a light spinning rod (5 to 6 feet) with 6- to 8-pound monofilament is plenty. Pack small spinners, inline spoons, and a container of PowerBait or worms. Bring a small tackle box and a net. The ponds are shallow enough that you can see where the fish are holding, so polarized sunglasses help. A headlamp is useful if you plan to fish early morning or late afternoon, especially in winter when daylight is short.

Washington State requires a valid fishing license for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Saltwater anglers targeting salmon or bottomfish also need a Puget Sound Salmon and Bottomfish Punch Card, which is free but must be obtained before you fish. Check the current WDFW regulations for bag limits and size restrictions — these change seasonally and by species. The regulations are available on the WDFW website or at any sporting goods store that sells licenses.

How to Get There and What to Bring

Priest Point Park is located at 2222 Conger Northwest in Olympia, about a 10-minute drive from downtown. From Interstate 5, take Exit 109 (Olympia/US-101) and follow signs toward the city center, then head north on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. The park entrance is well-marked. Parking is free and usually available, though it can fill on sunny weekends. The lot has restrooms and a small picnic area.

The walk from the parking lot to the saltwater beach is about a quarter-mile on a paved trail. The freshwater ponds are scattered throughout the park interior, with trails ranging from a few hundred yards to half a mile from the parking area. Wear sturdy shoes — the trails are maintained but can be muddy in winter and uneven in places. Bring water, snacks, and a light jacket even if the weather looks clear. The inlet creates its own wind patterns, and the forest can be damp and cool even on sunny days.

The park is open dawn to dusk. There are no overnight camping facilities. If you're planning a longer outing, bring a cooler with ice for any fish you keep. The nearest food and supplies are in downtown Olympia, about three miles away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a saltwater punch card if I'm only fishing the freshwater ponds?

No. The punch card is only required for saltwater species like salmon and bottomfish. If you're fishing the ponds for trout, bass, or panfish, you need only a valid Washington State fishing license. However, if you plan to fish both zones in the same trip, bring the punch card to be safe.

What's the best time of day to fish Priest Point?

For saltwater, fish the incoming tide in early morning or late afternoon when the water is moving and the light is low. For the ponds, early morning and dusk are most productive, especially for bass and panfish. Winter trout fishing can be good throughout the day when the ponds are freshly stocked.

Can I keep fish I catch at Priest Point?

Yes, within the current bag and size limits set by the WDFW. Limits vary by species and season, so check the regulations before you go. Trout, bass, and panfish from the ponds are generally open to harvest. Saltwater fish have specific limits — check the punch card rules for salmon and bottomfish.

Is the park crowded, and can I fish alone?

The saltwater beach can be busy on sunny weekends, but the freshwater ponds are usually quiet. Weekday mornings are the least crowded time. The park is open to the public and well-maintained, so fishing alone is safe, but let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return.

What if the tide is wrong when I arrive?

Head to the freshwater ponds instead. They're not affected by tidal changes and hold fish year-round. The ponds are a good backup plan if the saltwater conditions aren't right on the day you visit.