What You'll Find at Dash Point

Dash Point State Park sits on the Puget Sound shoreline about 20 miles south of Tacoma, near the town of Federal Way. The park offers saltwater access from a sandy beach and rocky points that hold fish year-round. You can fish from shore without a boat, and the park has parking, restrooms, and picnic areas — making it one of the more accessible saltwater spots in the Tacoma area.

The water here is cold and productive. Tides move fast along the point, and that current brings food and fish. You'll find coho salmon in fall, Dungeness crab in winter and spring, bottomfish like lingcod and rockfish year-round, and sea-run cutthroat trout in late summer and fall. The beach itself is gentler and better for crabbing; the rocky points to the north and south of the main beach hold more fish.

Key Takeaways

  • Dash Point requires a Washington saltwater fishing license, which you can buy online or at any sporting goods store before you arrive.
  • Coho salmon run strongest in September and October; bottomfish are present all year but bite best in winter and early spring.
  • Low tide exposes more rock and gives you access to areas that are underwater at high tide, so check tide tables before you go.
  • The park charges a day-use fee of $10 per vehicle, payable at the entrance booth or online through the Washington State Parks website.

Seasons and What Bites When

Fall is the busiest season. Coho salmon move into the shallows in September and October, and they'll take small spoons, spinners, and live herring. Most anglers use 6- to 8-pound test and cast from the rocky points. The bite is strongest on incoming tide and during low-light hours — early morning and late afternoon.

Winter and spring bring Dungeness crab. The beach near the parking area is the easiest place to crab; you can use a hand line, a crab pot, or a dip net. Crab season runs from December through September, though the best months are January through March when the water is coldest and crabs are most active. You'll need a separate crab license, which is included with most saltwater licenses.

Lingcod and rockfish bite year-round from the rocky points, especially in winter and early spring. These fish hold tight to structure, so fish the rocks directly and work your lure slowly. Jigging with small metal jigs or soft plastics works well. Sea-run cutthroat trout show up in late August and stay through October; they're smaller than ocean fish but abundant and willing to take small spinners and flies.

Tides and Timing

Tides at Dash Point swing 10 to 12 feet between low and high, and that movement matters. At low tide, you can walk out onto rocks and points that are submerged at high tide, giving you access to deeper water and more fish. The incoming tide brings food and triggers feeding; many anglers prefer the first two hours of the incoming tide and the last two hours before the tide turns.

Check tide tables for the Tacoma Narrows or Dash Point specifically — they're available free on NOAA's website or through most fishing apps. Plan your trip around the tide, not the other way around. If you're targeting coho, arrive an hour before the tide starts coming in. For bottomfish, low tide often produces better because you can reach deeper structure from shore.

Gear and Tackle

Bring a medium-action spinning rod, 6- to 10-pound test, and a small tackle box with spoons, spinners, and soft plastics in sizes 2 to 4 inches. For coho, silver and blue spoons work well; for bottomfish, small metal jigs and dark-colored plastics are standard. If you're crabbing, bring a hand line or a collapsible crab pot — both are legal and easier to carry than a full trap.

The rocks are sharp and the water is cold. Wear shoes with good grip, bring a net if you're targeting salmon, and consider a pair of waders or waterproof pants if you plan to wade. The park has no tackle shop, so bring everything you need from home or from a Tacoma-area shop before you arrive.

Rules and Licenses

Washington requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can buy a one-day license online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website, or pick one up at any sporting goods store. The cost varies — a one-day license is cheaper than a three-day or annual license, so choose based on how often you plan to fish.

Crabbing requires a separate Puget Sound Crab License, but it's usually bundled with saltwater licenses. Check the license you buy to confirm it includes crab. Salmon have daily catch limits that change by year and species; bottomfish limits are generous. The park itself charges a $10 day-use fee per vehicle, payable at the booth when you enter.

Getting There and What to Expect

Dash Point State Park is at 5700 Dash Point Road SW in Federal Way. From Tacoma, take I-5 south about 20 miles, exit onto Highway 99, and follow signs to the park. Parking is plentiful, and the lot is close to the beach. The park is open year-round, though winter weather can be rough — wind and rain are common, and the water temperature stays in the 40s.

The beach is sandy and easy to walk on; the rocky points require more care, especially at low tide when the rocks are exposed and slippery. The park has restrooms, picnic tables, and a small day-use area, but no camping. Bring water and snacks — there's no food service at the park. On weekends and holidays, especially in fall, the parking lot fills up early, so arrive before 8 a.m. if you want a may provide spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Dash Point?

No. The entire park is shore-accessible, and most fish are caught from the beach and rocky points without a boat. The shallow water and structure near shore hold plenty of salmon, bottomfish, and crab.

What's the best time of year to go?

Fall (September through October) is peak season for coho salmon and draws the most anglers. Winter and spring are better for crabbing and bottomfish. Summer is slower but less crowded if you prefer a quieter trip.

Can I bring my kids to crab?

Yes. Crabbing from the beach is simple and safe for children. A hand line or small net is all you need, and crabs are abundant in winter and spring. Kids 15 and younger don't need a license to fish or crab.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Dash Point is exposed to Puget Sound, so wind and rain are common, especially in winter. The park stays open in bad weather, but fishing is often slower. Dress warmly and bring rain gear. If conditions are dangerous — high winds or rough water — consider rescheduling.

Is there a tackle shop near the park?

No shop is at the park itself, but Federal Way and Tacoma have several sporting goods stores within 10 to 15 minutes' drive. Bring your tackle with you or stop on the way to the park.