Sequim, Washington is bordered by the majestic Olympic Mountains to the south and the Pacific Ocean's Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north. This coastal city, pronounced "Skwim," is known for the tasty Dungeness crab that come from Dungeness Bay.
As a fishing destination, Sequim offers a wide variety of freshwater and saltwater opportunities for fishermen. According to the Salmon University Web site, Sequim Bay is "one of the most overlooked salmon and halibut locations in the Puget Sound area." The bay is also home to coho, lingcod and blackmouth fishing. The area's many rivers are fishing favorites for steelhead, king and coho salmon.
You can rent fishing equipment and boats, bring your own or hire a guide for wide-ranging fishing experiences few American cities can match.
Whether you bring your own gear or hire a full-service guide, you'll need a Washington state fishing license. In 2010, one-day saltwater/freshwater/shellfish licenses cost $8.18 for residents and $15.82 for nonresidents. Saltwater/freshwater/shellfish annual licenses cost $46.20 for residents and $89.40 for nonresidents. Consult the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife website for additional fishing license fees and requirements.
In Sequim, you may purchase fishing licenses at Big 5 Sporting Goods, Swains Inc., Bosun's Locker and the Walmart store.
Sequim Bay's John Wayne Marina provides a restaurant, restrooms, showers, moorage, bait, tackle and fuel for fishermen. It was named “Best of the West” for small marinas, by "SEA Magazine" in 2003.
If you want to rent a fishing boat, the marina is also home to Bosun's Locker. It has boat rentals, fishing tackle, charter fishing trips and, according to the Salmon University website, the latest up-to-date fishing information for the Sequim area.
If you don't have experience boating in the Sequim area, make sure you consult tide charts and weather conditions because they might change dramatically in a matter of hours. Rain gear, rubber boots and warm clothing also are suggested because many parts of the Olympic Peninsula receive more than 300 inches of precipitation annually.
Norrie Johnson has been a fishing guide since 1978. He takes his clients fishing for steelhead and salmon on the freshwater rivers of the Olympic Peninsula. The guide service's website says fishing is done on the Hoh, Sol Duc and Bogachiel rivers. Guided trips by Norrie last between 8 and 10 hours. Call for guided trip rate quotes.
Seventeen miles west of Sequim, West Side Guide Service is located in nearby Port Angeles. It provides guided fishing trips on 10 Olympic Peninsula rivers as well as saltwater fishing in several areas off the Washington coast.
West Side's website says it uses a variety of fishing techniques designed to maximize water conditions and the type of fish guests want to catch. The guide service specializes in drift fishing, float fishing, side drifting, back-trolling plugs, bait fishing, vertical fishing, back bouncing and fly-fishing. In 2010, guided fishing trips cost between $185 and $300 a day. All fishing bait and tackle are included.
If you prefer fly-fishing, Waters West Fly Fishing Outfitters offer guided adventures for fresh and saltwater anglers. This guide service is based in Port Angeles. It takes guests saltwater beach fishing for salmon on the Pacific coast and to Olympic Peninsula rivers where trophy salmon and steelhead make spawning runs. If you prefer, Waters West will guide you through the crystal-clear, 600-foot-deep waters of Lake Crescent where native Beardslee trout swim deep. Call for guided trip rates.
Waters West's website says it also offers a full selection of fly rods, reels, lines, fly-tying materials and clothing. Fly-fishing classes and instruction also are available.
