Fishing Charters in Washington
Browse fishing charters in Washington that can help you catch striped bass.
High Life Charters
What to bring on your charter fishing trip. The HIGH LIFE specializes in catching Salmon, Rockfish, Lingcod, Tuna, and Halibut out of Westport, Washington.
Lower Columbia Guide Service
Here at Lower Columbia Guide Service, we specialize in salmon, sturgeon, and rockfish fishing on the lower Columbia River and Pacific Ocean. We combine fishing and fun together to create an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Catch Striped Bass
Striped Bass can be caught year-round in Port Townsend. Right now in May, activity is high.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Striped Bass
In the waters surrounding Port Townsend, targeting striped bass requires understanding the interplay between Puget Sound's currents and the seasonal baitfish migrations. While stripers aren't as abundant here as in other regions, dedicated anglers can find success. Focus your efforts around the mouths of rivers and inlets where freshwater mixes with the saltwater, creating brackish environments that stripers favor. Spring and fall are prime times, coinciding with baitfish runs. A key local tip is to pay attention to tidal charts; stripers often feed aggressively during tidal changes. Fort Worden State Park offers good shore access, but a boat provides greater flexibility to explore the area. Be prepared to adjust your lure presentation and depth based on water temperature, as stripers tend to move deeper in colder conditions.
Plan a Trip to Port Townsend
See what's biting in Port Townsend, find top-rated guides, and estimate charter costs.
How to Catch Striped Bass
Striped Bass Fishing Regulations in Washington
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
2 per day
Size Limit
22-inch to 28-inch slot limit
License Required
Freshwater fishing license
Only legal to fish in the Columbia River downstream from Bonneville Dam.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Washington state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a good bait to use for Striped Bass around Port Townsend?
For Striped Bass in the Port Townsend area, try using cut herring or other oily baitfish. Artificial lures that imitate these baitfish can also be effective, especially those with a strong vibration or flash.
If I catch a Striped Bass in Port Townsend, what size can I keep?
Washington has a slot limit for Striped Bass, so you can only keep fish that measure between 22 and 28 inches. Any fish outside this range must be released unharmed.
How many Striped Bass can I keep per day when fishing near Port Townsend?
The daily bag limit for Striped Bass in Washington is 2 fish. Make sure to stop fishing for Striped Bass once you've reached this limit.
Do I need a license to fish for Striped Bass in the Port Townsend area?
Yes, you need a valid freshwater fishing license from the state of Washington to fish for Striped Bass, even in saltwater or brackish water near Port Townsend.
More Striped Bass Fishing in Washington
Other Species to Fish in Port Townsend
Ready to Catch Striped Bass in Port Townsend?
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