Westport Marina Boat Basin Fishery Begins Next Week; New Regulations in Effect

Press Release:

August 10, 2023

Contact:  Molly Bold, Westport Marina General Manager

mbold@portgrays.org or 360-533-9585

Westport, WASH.  -  Next week marks the start of the Westport Marina Boat Basin Recreational Coho Fishery.  This unique, family-friendly fishing opportunity has a long history in Westport and is a favorite among anglers in the Pacific Northwest.  To ensure a safe and fun environment for years to come, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has implemented new rules for the 2023 season.

Starting August 16, 2023:

·        Anti-snagging rule in effect, except any hook where the weight is molded directly to the hook such as twitching jigs, swim jigs, or casting jigs are not allowed.

Only single-point barbless hooks may be used.

·        Daily limit 6 salmon; up to 4 may be adult salmon

·        Release Chinook

·        Night closure rule in effect

 In addition to the rule change, a patrol emphasis by WDFW enforcement will be in effect to combat illegal snagging and support a safe and fun environment for everyone.  Anglers must also follow all WFDW regulations, along with the rules and regulations of the Westport Marina Tariff.  Fishing from the banklines, piling or fences is strictly prohibited.

“The Westport Boat Basin Fishery is a unique opportunity compared to the many available fisheries in Washington.   In the last few years, WDFW enforcement has been responding to increased snagging complaints and disorderly behavior.  As a result, WDFW has responded by enacting the new laws listed above to ensure this fishery remains family-friendly and enjoyable for all. We wish all anglers a safe, orderly, and successful trip to the Westport boat basin,” explained Captain Dan Chadwick, WDFW Region 6 Enforcement.

For many, the boat basin coho fishery can be a beginning step into recreational fishing.  A laid-back atmosphere with no boat required, fishermen of all ages, demographics, and backgrounds can enjoy the opportunity to catch their limit of salmon from the docks in the Westport Marina. Fishermen’s Boardwalk on Float 20, the Centennial Viewing Tower, and 17 public docks provide all citizens the opportunity to enjoy a working waterfront, with access from dawn to dusk.  “We are thrilled to see the public utilizing the docks for the boat basin fishery,” shared Port of Grays Harbor Commission President Tom Quigg.  “Public access to the waterfront has been a priority of Port of Grays Harbor Commissioners for decades. Thanks to the excellent work of WDFW and the Westport Police Department this opportunity will be around for years to come.”

Transported by WDFW, and monitored by Ocosta Students and Staff, the rearing of salmon in the marina has taken place since 1975 when the nets were first placed.  This year, WDFW placed an additional net pen and more than 50,000 additional salmon, over and above the 100,000 historically delivered.  These new fish are "Late Coho" which means in 2026, when these salmon mature and return, they should arrive in November and December extending this unique fishery late into the year.  In 2023, salmon are expected to return in early September, depending on rainfall, with peak returns over the last week of September through the first week of October.

Westport has long been dubbed the "Salmon Fishing Capital of the World".  This fishery continues that legacy in a much more accessible way.  Getting to fish for salmon is often challenging.  The boat basin offers an easy access salmon fishery that is free and available to all ages.  Ramps allow handicap accessibility and having all services just a few hundred feet from where salmon are swimming by.  “The boat basin fishery is the best kept secret in Washington State! Catching a salmon from the docks and cooking it up for dinner is a special experience for visitors and locals alike. With these new rules in place and an abundance of harvestable fish, we hope to see many more people out on the docks this fall,” stated Mike Coverdale of Windemere Real Estate.

Founded in 1911, the Port of Grays Harbor is one of Washington State’s oldest port districts and Washington’s only deep-water port located directly on the Pacific Ocean. The Port of Grays Harbor operates 4 deep-water marine terminals, the Westport Marina, Bowerman Airport, Grays Harbor ship assist services, numerous public waterfront access facilities, in addition to industrial and business parks throughout the County. The addition of Satsop Business Park increased the Port’s properties to more than 1,000 acres of industrial properties and an additional 1,200 acres of sustainably managed forestland. Strategically located midway between Seattle and Portland and less than 1 ½ hours from open sea, the Port of Grays Harbor provides businesses a diverse portfolio of facilities. More information on the Port of Grays Harbor’s facilities and operations is available at portofgraysharbor.com or satsop.com.

The Westport Marina Boat Basin Coho fishery is set to open on August 16, 2023, with new guidelines from WDFW and an abundance of harvestable fish.

Photo credit: Capture. Share. Repeat.