What You'll Find at Semiahmoo Marina

Semiahmoo Marina sits on the Semiahmoo Spit in Blaine, Washington, about 20 miles north of Bellingham and just south of the Canadian border. The marina opens directly onto Semiahmoo Bay, a shallow saltwater basin that connects to the Strait of Georgia. You can fish for Chinook and coho salmon here, along with lingcod, rockfish, and bottomfish depending on the season. The spit itself is a narrow strip of land that creates a natural breakwater, making the bay relatively protected even when Puget Sound conditions are rough.

The marina is a working facility with fuel, moorage, and a boat launch. It's operated by the Port of Blaine and serves both recreational and commercial fishing traffic. The shallow water and sandy bottom make it a different kind of saltwater fishery than the deeper channels and rocky reefs you'll find elsewhere in Puget Sound—conditions that matter for what you'll catch and how you'll fish.

Key Takeaways

  • Semiahmoo Bay is a shallow saltwater fishery best for Chinook and coho salmon in summer and fall, with lingcod and rockfish available year-round.
  • The marina has a public boat launch, fuel dock, and moorage; launching fees and fuel prices vary seasonally and should be confirmed before you arrive.
  • You need a Washington saltwater fishing license and a Puget Sound Salmon Conservation Stamp; check the current season dates and daily catch limits on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website before you fish.
  • The spit creates a protected bay, but weather can change quickly—check marine forecasts and tide tables before heading out, especially in fall and winter.
  • Nearby Drayton Harbor and the Nooksack River offer alternative saltwater and freshwater options if bay conditions are poor.

Salmon Seasons and What to Expect

Chinook salmon move through Semiahmoo Bay from late spring into early fall, with peak activity typically in July and August. Coho salmon arrive later, usually August through October. Both species are migratory—they're passing through on their way to spawning grounds in the Nooksack River and other systems, so timing and location within the bay matter. The bay's shallow water means salmon are often close to the surface, which can make for active fishing when conditions align.

Season dates and daily catch limits change year to year based on run forecasts. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) sets these rules and publishes them in the Saltwater Fishing Pamphlet, updated each January. You can also check the WDFW website or call their hotline for current season status. Chinook and coho have separate daily limits, and some years one species may be closed while the other remains open.

Bottomfish—lingcod, rockfish, and other species—are available most of the year, though some have seasonal closures. Lingcod in particular has a winter spawning closure that typically runs December through mid-March in this area. Again, the WDFW Saltwater Fishing Pamphlet is your source for exact dates.

Boat Launch, Fuel, and Marina Services

The Semiahmoo Marina public launch ramp is maintained by the Port of Blaine. There is a launch fee, though the exact amount varies and should be confirmed by calling the marina directly at (360) 332-6443. The ramp is concrete and suitable for most trailered boats. Parking is available, though it can fill on weekends during peak salmon season.

Fuel is available at the fuel dock. Prices fluctuate with the market and are not posted online, so call ahead if you want to know the current rate. The marina also offers moorage for overnight or longer stays, which can be useful if you want to fish multiple days or if weather forces you to stay put.

The marina is open year-round, but hours and services can vary seasonally. Winter weather sometimes limits access or reduces staffing. Call ahead before making the drive, especially in November through March.

Licenses, Stamps, and Regulations

You need a Washington saltwater fishing license to fish Semiahmoo Bay. Licenses are sold online through the WDFW website, at the marina, and at sporting goods stores throughout the region. You can buy a one-day license if you're visiting, or an annual license if you plan to fish multiple times.

In addition to the license, you need a Puget Sound Salmon Conservation Stamp to fish for salmon. This is a separate purchase from the license and is required even if you're fishing for other species in the same trip. Both the license and stamp are checked by enforcement officers, so carry them with you on the water.

Catch limits are set by species and change annually. Chinook and coho have separate daily limits, and you must keep track of what you've caught. Some years the bay may be closed to one species while open to another. The WDFW Saltwater Fishing Pamphlet lists all current rules; download it or pick up a printed copy before you launch.

Tides, Weather, and When to Fish

Semiahmoo Bay is shallow—much of it is less than 30 feet deep—which means tides have a noticeable effect on fishing. Salmon tend to move with the tide, and slack water (the period between tidal changes) can be productive. Low tide can expose mudflats in parts of the bay, so check tide tables before you launch and plan your fishing window around tidal movement.

The bay is protected by the spit, but it's still open water and weather can deteriorate quickly. Summer and early fall are the most stable seasons. By October, storms become more frequent, and by November through March, conditions can be rough and cold. Marine forecasts for the Strait of Georgia apply to this area. Check the National Weather Service forecast before you leave the dock, and be prepared to head back early if conditions worsen.

Wind is often the limiting factor. A strong southeasterly can make the bay choppy and uncomfortable, even if the forecast doesn't look dramatic. Local fishing reports and marina staff can give you a sense of what conditions have been like in the past few days.

Nearby Alternatives if Bay Conditions Are Poor

Drayton Harbor, just to the north near Blaine, is another shallow saltwater option with similar salmon runs. It's slightly more protected in some wind directions and offers a different bottom structure. Access is from Blaine waterfront parks and private launches.

The Nooksack River, which flows into the bay, offers freshwater salmon fishing in fall and winter. Chinook and coho move upriver to spawn, and the river can be productive when bay conditions are poor. River fishing requires different techniques and has its own season dates and regulations, but it's worth considering if you're in the area and saltwater conditions are marginal.

Bellingham Bay, about 20 miles south, is a larger saltwater fishery with more options for structure and species, though it requires a longer boat ride from Semiahmoo.

How to Get There and What to Bring

Semiahmoo Marina is located at 4500 Semiahmoo Parkway in Blaine. From Bellingham, take I-5 north toward the Canadian border and exit onto Blaine Road or follow signs for Semiahmoo. The drive is about 30 to 40 minutes from central Bellingham. Parking for boat trailers is available at the marina.

Bring your saltwater license and Puget Sound Salmon Conservation Stamp. Bring tide tables or a tide app on your phone. Bring a marine forecast and a working radio or cell phone. Bring more water and snacks than you think you'll need—the bay can be exposed and there's no shelter once you're on the water. In fall and winter, bring extra layers and a good rain jacket. Bring a net if you plan to keep fish.

If you're new to saltwater fishing, consider hiring a charter boat for your first trip. Several operators work out of Blaine and can teach you the bay, the salmon behavior, and the local techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish Semiahmoo Bay for salmon?

July and August are peak for Chinook, with coho following in August through October. Summer offers the most stable weather and the most consistent fishing. Fall can be productive but weather becomes unpredictable. Winter is possible but conditions are often rough and salmon numbers are lower.

Do I need a separate license for saltwater fishing?

Yes. You need a Washington saltwater fishing license and a Puget Sound Salmon Conservation Stamp. Both are required to fish for salmon in Semiahmoo Bay. You can buy them online, at the marina, or at sporting goods stores. A one-day license is available if you're visiting.

Can I launch my boat at Semiahmoo Marina if I don't have a reservation?

Yes, the public launch ramp is available for day-use launching. There is a launch fee. Moorage overnight or longer requires a reservation, but day launching is first-come, first-served. Call (360) 332-6443 to confirm current hours and any weather-related closures.

What should I do if the bay is too rough to fish?

Check Drayton Harbor to the north or the Nooksack River if you're visiting in fall or winter. Both are alternatives when Semiahmoo Bay conditions are poor. Bellingham Bay is farther south but offers more protected water in some wind directions. Always check the marine forecast before heading out.

Are there charter boats available at Semiahmoo?

Several charter operators work out of Blaine and fish Semiahmoo Bay and surrounding waters. A charter is a good option if you're new to the area or want to learn local techniques. Call the marina for current charter recommendations.