The Best Spots for Fishing and Oyster Picking on the Hood Canal
Showcased by the majestic Olympic Mountains, the Hood Canal is one of Washington's deepest and life-filled waterways. A natural-carved fjord created 13,000 years ago, it is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its wide variety of marine creatures. There’s hardly a better way to appreciate the serenity of these pristine waters than to spend a quiet fall afternoon fishing the elusive steelhead and chinook salmon. Or, come in the spring and summer to experience the rich opportunities for world class oyster and clam gathering along the scenic beaches. Here are some of our favorite spots for fishing and oyster picking on the enchanting Hood Canal:
1. POINT WHITNEY TIDELANDS AND POINT WHITNEY LAGOON
Aside from the public tidelands that offer oyster and clam gathering, Point Whitney makes our list due to the gorgeous views. You’ll want to stroll the shores at this pretty and secluded beach. It’s one of the beter public beaches for a tasty winter combo of steamer clams and oysters, and there’s relaxation here too!
The area is the site of the state Department of Wildlife’s Point Whitney Shellfish Lab, and there is an interpretive center as well. Both the “outside” tideland beaches and the “inside” lagoon beaches have been planted to enhance recreational opportunities.
2. QUILCENE BAY TIDELANDS
It’s hard to generalize about a Quilcene oyster as many here both cultivate oysters or harvest wild ones. Oyster gathering has always been central to the live of Quilcene. We suggest following the Linger Longer Road along the beautiful shore to the Public Tidelands area. There is an easy trail to the beach and clamming just a few hundred feet from the parking lot. At low tide, in season, you can harvest your own oysters to your heart’s content.
3. TRITON COVE
Chinook (King), and Coho (Silver) Salmon pass by Triton Cove on their way to Hoodsport Hatchery or the Skokomish River. Directly in front of the Triton Cove Beach Home is a known spot for Salmon to feed on baitfish before heading on to their spawning grounds. For those who like to relax and fish, you can even cast a line from the hot tub on high tide. Cutthroat Trout can also be enticed by a fly pattern near the beach in late July through early September. Bring your boat and launch at the Triton Cove State Park boat ramp (guests of the Triton Cove Beach Home will receive a pass to launch your boat for free) and tie up to the deep water buoy that is located right in front of the house.
These are but just a very small selection of the many amazing areas for Hood Canal Fishing and Hood Canal Oyster Picking. No matter where you go along the canal, you’re in for a day of beauty, serenity, and an abundance of sea life.
Showcased by the majestic Olympic Mountains, the Hood Canal is one of Washington's deepest and life-filled waterways. A natural-carved fjord created 13,000 years ago, it is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its wide variety of marine creatures. There’s hardly a better way to appreciate the serenity of these pristine waters than to spend a quiet fall afternoon fishing the elusive steelhead and chinook salmon. Or, come in the spring and summer to experience the rich opportunities for world class oyster and clam gathering along the scenic beaches. Here are some of our favorite spots for fishing and oyster picking on the enchanting Hood Canal:
1. POINT WHITNEY TIDELANDS AND POINT WHITNEY LAGOON
Aside from the public tidelands that offer oyster and clam gathering, Point Whitney makes our list due to the gorgeous views. You’ll want to stroll the shores at this pretty and secluded beach. It’s one of the beter public beaches for a tasty winter combo of steamer clams and oysters, and there’s relaxation here too!
The area is the site of the state Department of Wildlife’s Point Whitney Shellfish Lab, and there is an interpretive center as well. Both the “outside” tideland beaches and the “inside” lagoon beaches have been planted to enhance recreational opportunities.
2. QUILCENE BAY TIDELANDS
It’s hard to generalize about a Quilcene oyster as many here both cultivate oysters or harvest wild ones. Oyster gathering has always been central to the live of Quilcene. We suggest following the Linger Longer Road along the beautiful shore to the Public Tidelands area. There is an easy trail to the beach and clamming just a few hundred feet from the parking lot. At low tide, in season, you can harvest your own oysters to your heart’s content.
3. TRITON COVE
Chinook (King), and Coho (Silver) Salmon pass by Triton Cove on their way to Hoodsport Hatchery or the Skokomish River. Directly in front of the Triton Cove Beach Home is a known spot for Salmon to feed on baitfish before heading on to their spawning grounds. For those who like to relax and fish, you can even cast a line from the hot tub on high tide. Cutthroat Trout can also be enticed by a fly pattern near the beach in late July through early September. Bring your boat and launch at the Triton Cove State Park boat ramp (guests of the Triton Cove Beach Home will receive a pass to launch your boat for free) and tie up to the deep water buoy that is located right in front of the house.
These are but just a very small selection of the many amazing areas for Hood Canal Fishing and Hood Canal Oyster Picking. No matter where you go along the canal, you’re in for a day of beauty, serenity, and an abundance of sea life.