The Elliott Bay Fishing Pier remains closed. Efforts to replace the pier are underway. More information is available in our news release and in this two-page project hand out (PDF). Or watch the recording of our Dec. 5 webinar.
This Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)-managed public fishing pier is located on the Seattle Waterfront adjacent to the Port of Seattle’s Centennial Park and Elliott Bay Trail north of the Pier 86 grain terminal.
The current pier was built in 1980 and has been closed since 2016. Structural engineers have deemed the pier unsafe and in need of full replacement. WDFW is developing plans to replace the Elliott Bay Fishing Pier with the intent to build a new pier in the future.
The closest public parking to this pier is to the southeast in Centennial Park or across the Helix Pedestrian Bridge off Elliott Ave W. There is also hourly parking approximately 1,000 feet to the north off 16th Ave W.
Draft design released
The draft design for a proposed new pier was announced in November 2024. WDFW accepted public input on the draft design from Nov. 13 through Dec. 15. More than 50 public comments were received through an online form. WDFW also hosted a public webinar with opportunity to ask questions and provide comments on Thursday, Dec. 5. The recording is available on YouTube.
The new fishing pier is proposed to be built within the footprint of the current pier to minimize environmental impacts. The project draft design packet (PDF) and a graphic rendering (PDF) of the new pier are available. Planned amenities include benches and shore power electrical outlets for squid fishing lights.
Next steps for a new pier
Following the public input period and ongoing outreach with tribes and local partners, WDFW will seek to incorporate changes, where feasible. An updated design is expected to undergo additional State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and other tribal, local, state, and federal review as well as additional public input in 2025. A final design for the new pier is scheduled for late 2025.
The ongoing project to design the new Elliott Bay Fishing Pier is funded in part by a $1.715 million grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce. WDFW is requesting $15 million from the Washington State Legislature during the 2025-2027 biennium for construction of the new pier as part of the Department’s Capital Budget request.
