What You'll Find at Edmonds Fishing Pier

Edmonds Fishing Pier is a public 1,500-foot concrete structure extending into Puget Sound from the waterfront in downtown Edmonds. The pier is open year-round and free to fish — you don't need to pay a fee or reserve a spot. It's one of the most accessible saltwater fishing locations in the Seattle area, with parking, restrooms, and a covered pavilion nearby.

The pier sits in a productive part of Puget Sound where tidal currents bring food and baitfish through regularly. This makes it a reliable spot for both experienced anglers and people fishing for the first time. The concrete surface is stable and easy to walk, and the pier is wide enough that anglers don't crowd each other even on busy days.

Key Takeaways

  • Edmonds Pier is open year-round and free to fish, with parking and restrooms on the waterfront.
  • Salmon, bottomfish, and lingcod are the main species; salmon season runs roughly June through September, with coho and chinook most common.
  • You need a Washington saltwater fishing license and must follow current catch limits and size rules set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  • Slack tide (the period around high or low tide when current slows) is the best time to fish, and early morning or evening often produces more bites than midday.
  • The pier can get crowded on weekends and holidays, especially during peak salmon season.

Salmon Season and What Species to Target

Coho salmon are the most reliable catch at Edmonds Pier from mid-June through early September. They average 8 to 12 pounds and are aggressive feeders, making them good for anglers who want consistent action. Chinook (king) salmon also move through the area, typically larger at 15 to 40 pounds, but less predictable than coho.

Pink salmon show up in odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, etc.) in late summer and fall, and they're smaller and lighter-fighting than coho but plentiful when they're running. Chum salmon appear in fall and winter but are less common from the pier than the other species.

Outside salmon season, bottomfish like rockfish and lingcod hold year-round. Lingcod can reach 20 pounds or more and are strong fighters. Rockfish are smaller but numerous and fun on light tackle. Winter months (November through February) often see better bottomfish action because fewer anglers are fishing and the fish are more concentrated.

Regulations, Licenses, and Catch Limits

You must have a current Washington saltwater fishing license to fish Edmonds Pier. You can buy a one-day license, three-day license, or annual license through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) website or at local sporting goods stores. The license cost varies by type and residency status.

Catch limits and size restrictions change by species and season. Coho salmon typically have a daily limit of two fish with a minimum size of 16 inches. Chinook limits are usually one fish per day with a 24-inch minimum. Bottomfish limits vary — rockfish often allow several fish per day, while lingcod may be one or two fish depending on the current rule. Check the WDFW website or call their hotline before you fish to confirm the rules in effect for the day you're planning to go.

The WDFW publishes a saltwater fishing pamphlet each year that lists all current limits, size rules, and seasonal closures. You can download it from their website or pick up a printed copy at license vendors. Regulations can change mid-season, so it's worth checking the day before you fish if you haven't been out in a few weeks.

Best Times to Fish and Tidal Conditions

Slack tide — the period when tidal current slows down around high tide or low tide — is when most anglers catch fish at Edmonds Pier. During slack tide, bait and lures stay in the strike zone longer instead of being swept away by the current. Slack tide typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, and you can find the exact times for Edmonds on NOAA tide tables or fishing apps.

Early morning (first light to mid-morning) and evening (late afternoon through dusk) are more productive than midday, especially during summer when the sun is high. Overcast days often fish better than bright, clear days because salmon are less spooky in low light.

Salmon season peaks in July and August. If you want fewer people and more space to fish, come in June or September when the season is open but crowds are lighter. Winter bottomfishing (November through February) is quieter overall and can be excellent, though the weather is colder and the pier can be wet and slippery.

What Gear and Tackle to Bring

For salmon, a medium-action 7- to 8-foot rod with a spinning reel works well. Bring 12- to 20-pound test line depending on whether you're targeting coho or chinook. Spoons (small metal lures that mimic baitfish) are the most popular choice at Edmonds Pier — silver, chartreuse, and white patterns work in most conditions. Bring several sizes and colors because what works one day may not work the next.

For bottomfish, a shorter 6- to 7-foot rod is easier to manage on the pier, and you can use lighter line (10- to 15-pound test) since you're fishing straight down. Jigs tipped with squid or herring work well for lingcod and rockfish. Bring a net or a gaff if you plan to land larger fish — trying to hand-line a 20-pound lingcod onto a concrete pier is difficult and risky.

Bring a cooler with ice if you plan to keep fish. The pier has no shade except the pavilion, so wear sunscreen and a hat. Bring water and snacks — there are no food vendors on the pier. A headlamp or flashlight is useful if you fish early morning or evening.

Access, Parking, and Facilities

Edmonds Fishing Pier is located at the Edmonds Waterfront Park, 220 Third Avenue South in downtown Edmonds. Parking is available in the adjacent lot and on nearby streets — parking is free but can fill up on weekends and holidays during salmon season. The pier entrance is a short walk from the parking area.

Restrooms are located near the pier entrance. The covered pavilion provides shelter from rain and sun, though it can get crowded. The pier is open dawn to dusk year-round, though some sources list extended hours in summer — check with the City of Edmonds Parks and Recreation before planning an early morning or evening trip if you want to confirm current access times.

The pier is wheelchair accessible, and the concrete surface is stable even in wet conditions. Dogs are allowed on the pier but must be leashed. The area is well-lit at night, though the pier itself may have limited lighting — bring a headlamp if you plan to fish after dark.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is fishing during strong tidal current instead of waiting for slack tide. When the current is running hard, your lure gets swept away and you lose contact with the bottom or the baitfish zone. Patience during slack tide produces far more fish than constant casting during fast current.

Another mistake is using tackle that's too heavy or too light. Spoons that are too light won't cast far enough or sink fast enough to reach feeding fish. Spoons that are too heavy make the rod tiring to cast all day and can spook salmon in clear water. Start with a 1/2-ounce to 1-ounce spoon and adjust based on what other anglers are using and what the fish are hitting.

Anglers also often fish the same spot all day instead of moving along the pier. Different sections produce at different times depending on the tide and the time of day. Walk the pier, watch where other anglers are catching fish, and move if you're not getting bites after 15 to 20 minutes of casting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish Edmonds Pier?

Yes, you need a current Washington saltwater fishing license. You can buy a one-day, three-day, or annual license through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at local sporting goods stores. The license cost varies by type.

What's the best month to fish for salmon at Edmonds Pier?

July and August are peak season for coho salmon, with the most consistent action and the largest number of fish. June and September are also open and often less crowded. Pink salmon run in odd-numbered years in late summer and fall.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes, as long as they meet the size and species limits set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Check the current rules before you fish because limits change by season. Bring a cooler with ice if you plan to keep your catch.

Is Edmonds Pier good for beginners?

Yes. The pier is stable, easy to walk, and wide enough that you won't feel crowded. Coho salmon are aggressive and fun to catch on spoons, making them good for people learning saltwater fishing. Arrive during slack tide and watch what other anglers are doing to learn quickly.

What should I do if I'm not catching fish?

Move to a different section of the pier, try a different spoon color or size, or wait for slack tide if you're fishing during strong current. If the current is running hard and you're not seeing other anglers catching fish, it may be worth coming back at a better time rather than spending the whole day casting.