Explore Videos

Salmon anglers came out in droves near the mouth of the Duwamish Waterway where it was easy fishing. Of the five species of Pacific salmon, the pinks (also known as “humpies” after the hump that forms on their backs) are the smallest and have the shortest life span. They spend just two years in the ocean before returning to their home rivers. Most pinks return from the Pacific Ocean to spawn in odd-numbered years, and this year brought an estimated 3.9 million back to Puget Sound waters. The pinks usually start showing up in Seattle area waters toward the end of August. Since the pink salmon swim in groups and close to shore as they get closer to their home rivers, they’re relatively easy to see and catch from the shoreline. This location off of the SW Spokane St. Bridge is a popular place to cast a line, but sites like Coleman Point in Lincoln Park, Carkeek Park, Golden Gardens, and Alki Beach are also a lure.

If you decide to try your hand at shoreline salmon fishing, make sure to check in with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to learn about licenses and regulations.