Dozens of public piers and docks provide access to saltwater fishing areas from Bellingham to Ilwaco. You probably won’t catch a record-breaking salmon or halibut from a public pier, but anglers fishing from these structures do reel in their share of salmon, sole, perch and other fish each year. At night, public piers in Puget Sound are an ideal place to jig for squid, known to diners as calamari. Crab fishing is also extremely popular in Puget Sound and on the coast during crab season in summer and fall.
Public piers and docks provide a unique fishing experience, since they are usually located in urban areas. They’re popular for family fishing outings, because public transportation, restroom facilities and other amenities are often readily available. Anglers should check consumption advisories for fish caught in Puget Sound and other areas where contaminants may be present.
