What Manzanita Bay offers and when to fish it

Manzanita Bay sits on the Willapa Hills coast in Pacific County, Washington, about 30 miles south of Longview. It is a shallow, productive estuary where the Willapa River meets Willapa Bay proper — a working landscape of oyster beds, mudflats, and eelgrass that holds cutthroat trout, Dungeness crab, and seasonal runs of salmon and steelhead. The bay is accessible by boat from Willapa Harbor to the south or by car to the small community of Manzanita itself, where a few launch points and public access areas serve local anglers.

The fishing calendar here is driven by tidal movement and seasonal migrations. Winter and spring bring steelhead and sea-run cutthroat into the shallows; summer is quieter for trout but opens crabbing season; fall sees coho and chum salmon moving through. Tides matter more than anywhere else on this coast — the bay drains nearly dry at low tide, so timing your launch and your fishing window is not optional.

Key Takeaways

  • Manzanita Bay is a shallow estuary best fished by boat, and you must launch at high or mid-tide to avoid running aground on mudflats.
  • Winter and spring cutthroat and steelhead fishing peaks from December through April; summer crabbing runs June through September.
  • A Washington saltwater license covers bay fishing, but you must check current regulations for species-specific seasons and bag limits before you go.
  • The nearest services — fuel, tackle, lodging — are in Raymond or South Bend, 15 to 20 minutes away; plan accordingly.
  • Hire a local guide if you are unfamiliar with the bay's tidal flats and channels; running aground is common and expensive.

Access points and how to launch

Manzanita itself has limited public boat access. The main launch is at the Manzanita Boat Launch, a single-lane concrete ramp at the end of Manzanita Road, managed by Pacific County. It is free to use but can be tight during peak tides — arrive early and do not launch at extreme low tide. Parking is minimal, so come prepared to turn around quickly.

Most anglers use the more developed facilities at Willapa Harbor, about 10 miles south. The Willapa Harbor Marina has a two-lane launch, fuel dock, and tackle shop, and it is the better choice if you are unfamiliar with the bay or running a larger boat. From there, Manzanita Bay is a 20-minute run north at cruising speed. South Bend, another 5 miles south, also has a public launch and is the closest town with lodging and restaurants.

If you do not own a boat, charter services operate out of South Bend and Raymond. A half-day charter typically runs four to six hours and costs between $300 and $500 for one or two anglers, depending on the season and target species. Guides know the tides, the channels, and where fish are holding — worth the cost if you are new to the bay.

Cutthroat and steelhead: winter and spring fishing

Sea-run cutthroat trout are the signature fish of Manzanita Bay from December through April. They enter the estuary on the fall and winter tides, holding in the deeper channels and around structure — pilings, eelgrass beds, and the mouths of small creeks. Fish average 14 to 18 inches, with occasional fish pushing 22 inches. They are not aggressive, so light tackle and small presentations work best: 3-inch herring strips, small spoons, or fly patterns that imitate baitfish.

Steelhead move through the bay on their way upriver, usually peaking in February and March. They are less predictable than cutthroat — some days they stack in the channels, other days you will not see one. Fishing the deeper water near the Willapa River mouth gives you the best odds. Drift small roe bags or spoons, or swing flies in the current. Steelhead here average 8 to 12 pounds, and a 15-pounder is a genuine prize.

Both species require a Washington saltwater license and are subject to daily catch limits that change year to year. Check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) website before you fish — regulations are specific to Willapa Bay and can differ from other coastal areas. Cutthroat often have a minimum size of 12 inches; steelhead may have a one-fish daily limit during peak season.

Crabbing and summer fishing

Dungeness crab season in Willapa Bay typically opens in December and runs through September, though the bay itself is most productive June through August when the water warms and crabs move into shallower flats. You can crab from a boat using pots or rings, or from the shore if you can find access to deeper water. A single-person crab pot costs $15 to $30 and can be baited with chicken, herring, or squid — whatever you have on hand.

Summer also brings occasional coho salmon into the bay, usually in August and September. They are not abundant here, but when they show up they are aggressive and fun on light tackle. Troll small spoons or cast spinners near the river mouth. Coho average 6 to 10 pounds and are good eating.

Crabbing requires a saltwater license and a Puget Sound Crab Endorsement, which costs a few dollars and is added to your license at purchase. Crab pots must have your name and address on them, and you must check local regulations for pot limits and size restrictions. WDFW publishes a crabbing guide specific to Willapa Bay each season.

Tides, weather, and timing your trip

Manzanita Bay is a tidal estuary, which means the water level swings 8 to 12 feet between high and low tide. At extreme low tide, much of the bay becomes mudflats, and boats run aground regularly. Plan to launch and fish during the rising tide or at high slack water — roughly the two hours before and after high tide. If you launch at low tide, you may not be able to get back out.

Weather on this coast changes fast. Winter storms can make the bay rough and dangerous; summer is calmer but still subject to afternoon wind. Check the marine forecast before you leave, and do not fish if conditions are deteriorating. The nearest Coast Guard station is at Westport, about 45 minutes away by road.

Daylight is short in winter — the sun sets around 4:30 p.m. in December — so plan your launch time accordingly. Summer gives you until 9 p.m., which is why many anglers prefer June through August despite the slower trout bite.

Regulations, licenses, and what you need to know

A Washington saltwater license is required for all fishing in Manzanita Bay. You can buy a one-day license ($15 to $20) or an annual license ($130 to $150) through the WDFW website, by phone, or at any licensed tackle shop. The license covers most saltwater species, but some fish — like Dungeness crab — require an additional endorsement.

Regulations change annually and sometimes mid-season. Species-specific rules cover minimum size, daily catch limits, and season dates. Steelhead and cutthroat limits are particularly strict and vary by water. Before you fish, check the WDFW Willapa Bay regulations page or call the Willapa Bay Hatchery office at (360) 875-2602 to confirm what is open and what the limits are.

Shellfish harvesting — clams, oysters, mussels — is restricted in Willapa Bay due to water quality concerns. Do not harvest shellfish without checking current closures on the WDFW website. Crabbing is the only shellfish harvest generally open to the public.

Lodging, tackle, and services

Manzanita itself has no lodging or tackle shops. South Bend, 15 miles south, has a few small motels and the South Bend Willapa Bay Interpretive Center, which has information on local fishing. Raymond, 20 miles south, is slightly larger and has more lodging options and a grocery store. Both towns are working communities, not tourist destinations, so do not expect resort amenities.

Tackle shops are sparse. The Willapa Harbor Marina has basic supplies — tackle, ice, and fuel — but for a full selection of flies, rods, or specialty gear, you may need to order ahead or bring what you need from home. Bait (herring, roe, squid) is available at the marina and at shops in Raymond.

Camping is available at several county parks nearby, including Willapa Hills State Park and Leadbetter Point State Park, both within 20 minutes of the bay. These are day-use or overnight facilities with basic amenities — no hookups, but adequate for a fishing trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to fish Manzanita Bay?

Not if you know tidal flats and can read a chart, but the bay is tricky and running aground is common. A guide for your first trip costs $300 to $500 and teaches you the channels, the timing, and where fish hold. After that, you can fish on your own if you want to.

What is the best time of year to catch cutthroat?

December through March is peak season. Fish are most active in the first two hours of the rising tide and the last two hours before low tide. February and March often see the largest fish and the most consistent bite.

Can I fish from shore at Manzanita Bay?

Shore access is limited. The Manzanita Boat Launch area has a small beach, but most productive water is only reachable by boat. If you do not have a boat, hire a charter or fish the Willapa River itself, which has public access upstream of the bay.

What happens if I get stuck on a mudflat?

It happens. If you run aground at low tide, you will be stuck for six to eight hours until the tide comes back in. Do not gun the engine — you will damage the prop and the hull. Call for a tow if you need one; the marina can recommend a service. Plan your launch time to avoid this entirely.

Are there salmon in Manzanita Bay?

Coho and chum salmon pass through in fall, usually August through October. Coho are more aggressive and better for sport fishing. Chum are larger but less likely to strike a lure. Seasons and limits change yearly, so check WDFW regulations before you fish for them.