What You'll Catch at Titlow Beach

Titlow Beach is a public saltwater access point in south Tacoma where you can fish from shore for bottomfish, perch, and seasonal salmon. The beach faces Puget Sound's deeper channels, which means you're fishing structure and current rather than a flat sandy bottom. Most anglers here target surfperch year-round, with the best action in spring and early summer when they move into shallow water to spawn. Rockfish (including black rockfish and quillback) hold around the pier pilings and rocky areas, especially in fall and winter.

Salmon runs are the draw for many visitors. Coho salmon move through in late summer and fall, typically August through October. Chinook salmon are less predictable from shore but do show up in smaller numbers. The pier itself—rebuilt in recent years—gives you access to deeper water without a boat, and it's where most of the salmon activity concentrates when the run is on.

Bottomfish like lingcod and cabezon are present year-round but most abundant in winter months. If you're fishing the rocky substrate near the pier or along the beach's south end, you'll encounter them regularly. The beach also holds starry flounder in the softer bottom areas, particularly in fall.

Key Takeaways

  • Titlow Beach offers pier and shore access to Puget Sound with no boat required, and the rebuilt pier extends into deeper water where salmon concentrate during runs.
  • Surfperch bite best in spring and early summer, while rockfish and bottomfish are most reliable in fall and winter.
  • Coho salmon typically run August through October; bring appropriate tackle and check current catch reports before you go.
  • Washington State saltwater fishing rules apply, including daily catch limits and species-specific seasons that change throughout the year.
  • The beach is a day-use park with parking, restrooms, and a boat launch, making it accessible for anglers of all experience levels.

When to Fish Titlow Beach

Spring (March through May) is prime time for surfperch. The water warms slightly, and perch move shallow to spawn. You'll catch them on small jigs, sand shrimp, and soft plastics in the 3- to 8-foot range. Mornings and evenings are most productive, but perch bite throughout the day during the spawn.

Summer (June through July) sees perch action taper as water temperatures rise and fish move deeper. This is a slower period overall, though you may still find perch in early morning hours and rockfish in deeper areas around the pier. Many anglers use this time to scout conditions and prepare for the fall salmon season.

Fall (August through November) brings coho salmon and renewed rockfish activity. Salmon typically peak in September and October. Rockfish—especially black rockfish—bite well around pier pilings and rocky outcrops. Lingcod and cabezon move into shallower water as water cools. This is the busiest season at Titlow.

Winter (December through February) is excellent for bottomfish and rockfish. Lingcod bite aggressively on live baitfish and larger jigs. Quillback rockfish and other species hold tight to structure. The water is cold and often rough, but the fishing can be outstanding if you're prepared for weather.

Tackle and Bait That Works

For surfperch, use light spinning tackle—6- to 7-foot rods with 8- to 12-pound test. Small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) tipped with sand shrimp or soft plastics work best. Cast parallel to shore and work the jig slowly through the 3- to 8-foot zone. Many anglers also use small spoons and spinners.

Rockfish and bottomfish require heavier tackle. A 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy rod with 15- to 20-pound test handles the structure and current. Use 1/2- to 1-ounce jigs, live herring, or squid. From the pier, vertical jigging is most effective. From shore, cast toward rocky areas and let the jig work the bottom.

For salmon, bring 8- to 9-foot medium-heavy spinning or casting rods with 12- to 20-pound test, depending on whether you're targeting coho or chinook. Live herring, small spoons, and soft plastics all produce. The pier is your best bet for salmon access from shore; cast toward the channel and work the jig or spoon with a steady retrieve.

Bait shops in Tacoma carry sand shrimp, herring, and squid. Live herring is worth the extra cost for salmon and lingcod, especially during peak season. If you're using soft plastics, 2- to 4-inch shads and grubs in natural colors (pearl, chartreuse, white) are reliable choices.

How to Fish the Pier and Shore

The pier at Titlow extends roughly 500 feet into Puget Sound and is the primary structure. It's open to fishing during daylight hours. The pier gives you access to deeper water and current, which is where salmon and larger rockfish hold. Fish the pilings and the edges of the pier structure; current flows around these obstacles and concentrates baitfish and predators.

From the pier, vertical jigging is most effective. Drop your jig straight down, work it with sharp upstrokes, and pause on the drop. This technique works for rockfish, lingcod, and salmon. Many anglers also cast toward the pilings and retrieve slowly. The pier can get crowded during salmon season, especially weekends, so arrive early or fish weekday mornings.

Shore fishing at Titlow works best along the south end of the beach, where rocky substrate provides habitat for rockfish and perch. Wade out to knee or waist depth and cast parallel to shore for perch, or cast toward rocky areas for rockfish. The beach shelves gradually, so you can work a range of depths without wading far. Low tide exposes more rocky area and can improve fishing.

Current and tide matter at Titlow. Fish move with the tide, and slack water (the period between tidal changes) is often slower. Incoming tide typically produces better fishing than outgoing, especially for salmon. Check tide tables before you go and plan your trip around the incoming tide if possible.

Regulations and Licensing

Washington State saltwater fishing rules apply at Titlow Beach. You need a current Washington fishing license (available online at wdfw.wa.gov or at sporting goods stores). Licenses are required for anyone 16 and older. A saltwater endorsement is included with most resident licenses.

Daily catch limits vary by species and change seasonally. Surfperch have a daily limit (typically 15 fish), rockfish limits are species-specific, and salmon limits depend on the current run and management decisions. Lingcod and cabezon have their own limits. Check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) website or the current fishing pamphlet before you fish; limits and seasons change throughout the year and can shift based on population assessments.

Certain species are protected and must be released immediately. Know which rockfish species are legal to keep in your area; some are catch-and-release only. Size limits apply to most species—salmon, lingcod, and rockfish all have minimum lengths. Measure fish before you keep them.

The beach is a day-use park managed by Metro Parks Tacoma. There is a small parking fee (typically a few dollars per vehicle). Parking fills quickly during salmon season weekends. Arrive early or visit on weekdays if you prefer fewer crowds.

Access, Parking, and Facilities

Titlow Beach is located at 8912 South 19th Street in Tacoma, in the south end near the Narrows Bridge. It's easily accessible by car from downtown Tacoma (about 15 minutes) or from the surrounding neighborhoods. Parking is available in a dedicated lot; the fee is typically $5 to $7 per vehicle for day use.

The park includes restrooms, picnic areas, and a boat launch. There's a small concession stand during peak season. The pier is wheelchair-accessible, making it a good option for anglers with mobility concerns. The beach itself is sandy and rocky, so wear appropriate footwear if you plan to wade.

The park opens at dawn and closes at dusk. Fishing is allowed from the pier and shore throughout daylight hours. No overnight camping is permitted. The area is popular with families and swimmers during summer, so expect crowds on warm weekends. Fall and winter offer quieter conditions and often better fishing.

Nearby Alternatives and Related Fishing

If Titlow is crowded or not producing, Point Defiance Park (also in Tacoma) offers saltwater access with similar species and conditions. The park has multiple beach access points and a pier. Fishing is often less crowded than Titlow, especially on weekdays.

Dash Point State Park (south of Tacoma in Federal Way) is another public saltwater option with pier and shore access. It's a bit farther from downtown Tacoma but offers good perch and rockfish fishing, particularly in spring and fall.

If you want to fish freshwater instead, Lake Union and Green Lake (both in Seattle, about 45 minutes north) offer trout and bass. Rattlesnake Lake (near North Bend, about 90 minutes east) is a mountain reservoir with good trout fishing and a different landscape entirely.

For boat access to deeper Puget Sound structure, charter services operate out of Tacoma and nearby ports. Charters target salmon, lingcod, and rockfish in deeper water and are a good option if you want to expand beyond shore fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish Titlow Beach?

Yes. Washington State requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. A saltwater endorsement is included with most resident licenses. You can purchase a license online at wdfw.wa.gov, at sporting goods stores, or at some local retailers. A one-day license is available if you're visiting and don't want a full-year license.

What's the best time to catch salmon at Titlow?

Coho salmon typically run August through October, with peak fishing in September and October. The pier is your best bet for shore access. Fish early morning and evening, and focus on the deeper water around the pier pilings where salmon concentrate. Check current catch reports on the WDFW website before you go to confirm the run is active.

Can I fish from the beach without the pier?

Yes. Shore fishing works well for surfperch and rockfish, especially along the rocky south end of the beach. Wade out to knee or waist depth and cast parallel to shore for perch, or target rocky areas for rockfish. The pier gives you access to deeper water and is more productive for salmon, but the beach itself is fishable year-round.

What should I bring besides my rod and tackle?

Bring a valid fishing license, appropriate footwear (the beach is rocky), sunscreen, and a cooler if you plan to keep fish. Tide tables are helpful for planning your trip. Bring layers—Puget Sound weather changes quickly, and fall and winter can be cold and wet. A headlamp is useful if you fish early morning or evening.

Is there a parking fee, and how early should I arrive?

Yes, there is a small parking fee (typically $5 to $7 per vehicle). During salmon season weekends, the lot fills by mid-morning. Arrive at dawn or visit on weekdays if you want to avoid crowds. The park opens at dawn and closes at dusk.