Ilwaco, WA Fishing Trip — May

Your Ilwaco, WA Fishing Trip

May2 peopleFamily Trip

High 57°F / Low 47°F3.2" rain · 15 rainy daysMild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.

What’s Biting in May

10 species

Striped Bass

Excellent

Striped Bass

Trolling · Casting

Chinook Salmon

Excellent

Chinook Salmon

Trolling · Fly Fishing

Lingcod

Excellent

Lingcod

Various

Rockfish

Excellent

Rockfish

Various

Halibut

Excellent

Halibut

Bottom Fishing · Trolling

Steelhead

Excellent

Steelhead

Various

False Albacore

Excellent

False Albacore

Various

Dungeness Crab

Good

Dungeness Crab

Crab Traps · Ring Nets

Coho Salmon

Good

Coho Salmon

Various

Albacore Tuna

Good

Albacore Tuna

Various

May Weather in Ilwaco

57°F

Avg High

47°F

Avg Low

3.2"

Rainfall

15

Rainy Days

Mild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.

5 Guides Matched

Sea Breeze Charters

4.6(220)Top Rated

Sea Breeze Charters is a family-owned and operated business! We offer family-friendly fishing experiences in the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River. Our family has been fishing out of Ilwaco for 60+ years, and we are very proud of our family heritage!

Ilwaco, Washington

Coho Charters & Motel

4.7(76)Top Rated

Get in touch with Coho Charters® in Ilwaco, WA, for all your fishing charter needs. Call us or fill out our form today. Click here to contact us!

Ilwaco, Washington

Pacific Salmon Charters

Charter fishing with Pacific Salmon Charters - #1 in Ilwaco! ling cod, sturgeon, salmon, tuna, bottom fish and more.

Ilwaco, Washington

Shake N Bake Sportfishing

Washington charter fishing - Live bait albacore tuna fishing. Shake N Bake Sportfishing is a tuna and salmon charter operating out of Ilwaco, Washington

Albacore TunaSalmonTuna

Ilwaco, Washington

Salty Dog Sportfishing

Ilwaco, Washington

Prepare for Your Trip

Gear recommendations and packing list for your trip. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

For Your Target Species

Striper Swimbaits

Paddle tail swimbaits in bunker and herring colors

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Salmon Spoon Lures

Trolling and casting spoons in proven salmon colors

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For Inshore Fishing

Performance Fishing Shirt

UPF 50+ long sleeve — stay cool and protected all day

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Sun protection for face and neck that breathes in the heat

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For the Season

Waterproof Backpack

Keeps electronics and gear dry in downpours and spray

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Anti-Fog Sunglasses Spray

Keep polarized lenses clear in humid and rainy conditions

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Trip Essentials

Saltwater-resistant pliers with split ring tool and line cutter

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Waterproof Dry Bag

Roll-top bag for phone, wallet, and keys — keeps everything dry

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What to Bring

Check with your guide about gear. Here's a recommended packing list:

Sunscreen (SPF 50+)

Polarized sunglasses

Hat or visor

Weather-appropriate clothing

Non-marking shoes or deck shoes

Water and drinks (stay hydrated)

Snacks or lunch

Cooler for your catch

Motion sickness medication (if needed)

Camera or phone (waterproof case recommended)

Valid fishing license (confirm with captain)

Light rain jacket

$910

Estimated total for 2 people

$455

per person

Charter $500

Tip $100

Licenses $60

Food $100

Lodging $150

Ilwaco from ~$150/night

Pickup in Ilwaco

Estimates based on local charter rates and averages. Contact guides for exact pricing.

Things to Do in Ilwaco

Activities for your non-fishing days

Boat Tours & Cruises

Snorkeling & Diving

Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Wildlife & Nature Tours

What's Biting By Month

Peak

1 / 3

Striped Bass

Dungeness Crab

Chinook Salmon

Lingcod

Washington Fishing License

License Cost

Resident$30.05

Non-Resident$84.50

Requirements

Required for ages 15+. Freshwater, saltwater, and combination licenses available. Catch record card required for salmon/steelhead.

Buy License Online — Washington

Species Regulations

Striped Bass

Season:Year-round

Bag Limit:2 per day

Size Limit:22-inch to 28-inch slot limit

Only legal to fish in the Columbia River downstream from Bonneville Dam.

Chinook Salmon

Season:Varies by water body; check specific regulations

Bag Limit:Varies by water body; check specific regulations

Size Limit:Varies by water body; check specific regulations

Regulations change frequently; always consult the WDFW website or printed pamphlet for the specific location and time.

Lingcod

Season:Varies by marine area; check specific regulations

Bag Limit:1 per day in most marine areas

Size Limit:26-36 inch slot limit in most marine areas

Specific marine areas have different seasons and regulations; consult the WDFW website or printed pamphlet.

Rockfish

Season:Varies by marine area; check specific regulations

Bag Limit:Varies by marine area; check specific regulations

Size Limit:Varies by marine area; check specific regulations

Many rockfish species are protected; consult the WDFW website or printed pamphlet for species-specific regulations and marine area closures.

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