Visiting the coast during winter can seem daunting with its wet, windy, and cold weather. But for those of us born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, there’s something undeniably captivating about the ocean, even during the stormiest months. The beauty of the coastline, combined with the tranquility of quieter seasons, provides more than enough reasons to plan your coastal getaway. And, of course, if you’re headed to the coast, there’s one essential item you should never leave behind—a fly rod.

The winter months along the Washington coast are about more than just the fishing; they’re about the whole experience. But if you’re coming, you should be prepared to make the most of the diverse angling opportunities. Here’s a breakdown, month by month, of what to expect and what to bring on your coastal winter adventure.

November: King Tides, Coho, and Chum Salmon

During this month, you can target both chum and coho salmon. Early in November, chum are still prevalent, but as the month progresses, coho fishing becomes red hot. These fish are eager to take a fly and put up a serious fight, so an 8wt or 9wt rod is a must for these hard-charging fish.

But don’t forget, the coast offers much more than just fishing this time of year. November marks the beginning of our annual the King Tides, which shape our local ecosystems and create exciting opportunities for site seeing and photography. Not only that but between crabbing, razor clam digs, beachcombing, mushroom picking, and hunting, there’s something for everyone. So pack your gear and don’t let the rain keep you away—November is packed with opportunity.

December: Coho and Steelhead Make a Splash

December’s allure is similar to November’s but with the added holiday charm and the anticipation of “Crab Pot Christmas” events. Coho fishing remains excellent, making your 8wt rod indispensable. But as the coho season winds down, December is when the first steelhead of the season begin to trickle into our rivers, especially in systems with active hatcheries.

Steelhead are a dream fish for many anglers, offering a challenge that demands dedication and skill. While these silver ghosts start to appear in December, be sure to keep a lighter rod handy as well. Our local lakes remain well-stocked with rainbow trout, and you never know when the rivers may be too high for safe fishing due to storms and rainfall.

January: Storm Watching and Steelhead Pursuit

January signals a new season and a fresh start. There’s no better place to welcome the new year than on the coast, sipping hot coffee as you watch the powerful Pacific storms roll in. Fishing remains a viable option, with the focus fully shifting to steelhead. While the weather can be tough—sometimes seeing rivers rise and fall unpredictably—an 8wt rod is perfect for targeting steelhead in our smaller coastal rivers.

When the river flows are manageable, and the skies clear for those rare, stunning sunsets, the rewards are great. But even on stormy days, crabbing, clam digs, and beachcombing continue to be enjoyable coastal opportunities.

February: Steelhead Season in Full Swing

February is prime time for steelhead fishing in Southwest Washington. While the weather may test your patience, the steelhead fishing opportunities are well worth it. Don’t forget that trusty 8wt rod! If conditions line up just right, you may also encounter cutthroat trout that have been out of sight since November. These fish, previously overshadowed by the larger salmon, eagerly take flies, offering thrilling and unexpected action in February.

March: Wrapping Up and Looking Forward

As March rolls in, most of the region’s fisheries begin to wind down. Steelhead fishing may still be available in a few rivers, but this is also a time to look out for something special—the chum fry outmigration. If conditions are right and the rivers are open, you’ll find cutthroat aggressively feeding on the tiny, silver chum fry, boiling up in the rivers. A 4wt or 5wt rod is ideal for this action, and it’s an opportunity not to be missed.

For many anglers, March is a month for reflection on an amazing season and the anticipation of what’s to come. It’s the perfect time to relax, tie flies, and get lost in your favorite fishing book, all while preparing for the new season.

April: Preparing for the Cutthroat Season

By the time April arrives, fishing opportunities narrow down mostly to stocked lakes. But that doesn’t mean your coastal adventure should be canceled this is a perfect time to visit many of our local attractions including lighthouses, breweries museum and small businesses like ours that need a boost headed into spring and summer! 

Plan Your Coastal Adventure

Winter at the coast is a time of quiet beauty, with plenty of fishing and outdoor opportunities if you know where to look. Whether it’s chasing coho, battling steelhead, or simply enjoying the solitude of a winter storm, there’s always a reason to come to the coast—and always a reason to bring your fly rod.

And if you find yourself in Ilwaco, make sure to stop by Spawn Fly Fish. We’d love to hear about your adventures and help you make the most of your time on the water.