What Semiahmoo Spit Offers

Semiahmoo Spit is a narrow strip of land and shallow bay near Blaine, Washington, about 20 miles north of Bellingham. It juts into the Strait of Georgia and creates a protected lagoon on its west side. The spit itself is mostly residential and private, but the surrounding waters hold flatfish, rockfish, and seasonal salmon runs that draw both boat and shore anglers.

The main fishing happens in Semiahmoo Bay (the lagoon side) and in the open waters of the Strait just beyond the spit's tip. The bay is shallow, rarely deeper than 30 feet, and silts up in places — good for bottom-dwelling species but requiring local knowledge to navigate safely. The Strait side offers deeper water and stronger currents, which concentrate baitfish and larger fish.

Access is limited because most of the spit is private property. Public access points are few and specific. This makes Semiahmoo different from more open Washington saltwater fisheries — you cannot simply park and walk the shoreline. Planning your route before you arrive is essential.

Key Takeaways

  • Semiahmoo Bay holds flatfish year-round and is accessible by boat from Semiahmoo Marina or by foot from Semiahmoo Park's limited shore access.
  • The spit itself is private; public access is restricted to Semiahmoo Park on the bay side and a small public beach area near the marina.
  • Coho and chum salmon move through the area in fall, and Dungeness crab is available in winter and spring in the bay.
  • A Washington saltwater license is required; check current regulations for species-specific seasons and size limits before fishing.
  • Tidal current in the Strait can run 2 to 3 knots; boat handling and anchor placement demand attention to tide tables.

Species and Seasons

Flatfish — primarily English sole, butter sole, and starry flounder — are present year-round in Semiahmoo Bay. Spring and early summer are most productive, when the bay warms and fish move into shallower water to feed. Drifting with live shrimp or small baitfish, or jigging with small spoons, works well. Most fish run 12 to 16 inches; keepers are common.

Rockfish (black, quillback, and copper) inhabit rocky areas around the spit's tip and the deeper Strait side. Summer and early fall are best. Jigging small plastics or live baitfish near structure produces steady catches. Rockfish regulations change; check the current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) rules for daily limits and closed areas.

Salmon — coho and chum — enter the area in September and October on their way to spawning streams. Coho are more predictable and aggressive; chum are larger but less reliable. Trolling small spoons or casting spinners near current breaks works. Salmon seasons are tightly regulated; verify open dates and catch limits with WDFW before you go.

Crab — Dungeness — are available in the bay from December through spring. Pots set in 20 to 30 feet of water on sandy bottom are standard. Crab seasons open and close based on meat quality testing; confirm the bay is open before deploying pots.

Access and Launch Points

Semiahmoo Marina is the primary boat launch. It sits on the bay side, south of the spit, and offers a concrete ramp, fuel, and moorage. Launch fees apply. From here, you can motor into the bay or head north toward the spit's tip and the Strait. The marina is a working facility; arrive early on weekends to secure a launch window.

Semiahmoo Park provides the only public shore access. It is a day-use park on the bay side, with a small beach, picnic area, and parking. Shore fishing from the park is limited but possible for flatfish and occasional salmon. The park charges a day-use fee. Parking fills quickly on summer weekends.

No public access exists along the spit itself or on its ocean-facing side. The entire spit is private residential property. Respect posted boundaries; trespassing is common and creates conflict with residents and property owners.

Tides, Currents, and Navigation

Semiahmoo Bay is tidal and shallow. Tidal range is roughly 10 to 12 feet. At low tide, large areas of mudflat are exposed, and navigation becomes difficult or impossible for boats drawing more than 2 to 3 feet. Plan your fishing around tide tables; incoming tide is generally better for fishing and safer for boat movement.

The Strait of Georgia side of the spit experiences strong tidal current — 2 to 3 knots at peak flow. This current concentrates baitfish and attracts larger predators, but it also makes anchoring difficult and demands careful boat handling. Slack water (the period when current reverses) is the safest time to fish the Strait side. Slack periods last 20 to 40 minutes depending on the tide cycle.

Semiahmoo Bay itself is more protected, but the entrance narrows and current accelerates there. Know the tide before you enter or exit. A GPS chartplotter loaded with local detail is useful; paper charts are available at the marina.

Regulations and Licensing

A Washington saltwater license is required for all anglers 16 and older. Licenses are sold online through the WDFW website, at the Semiahmoo Marina, and at sporting goods stores in Blaine. A three-day license is available if you do not want a full-year license.

Species-specific regulations change annually and sometimes mid-season. Flatfish, rockfish, salmon, and crab each have their own daily catch limits, size restrictions, and open/closed dates. WDFW publishes a saltwater fishing pamphlet each year; download it or pick up a printed copy before you fish. Regulations for the Strait of Georgia differ slightly from Puget Sound regulations, so confirm you are reading the correct zone.

Semiahmoo Bay is part of Marine Area 7 (Strait of Georgia). Check WDFW's current rules for Area 7 before each trip. Rockfish closures and salmon seasons shift; fishing blind to outdated information is a common mistake.

Gear and Tackle

For flatfish, a light to medium spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 10 to 15-pound braid or monofilament works well. Small jigging spoons (1/4 to 1/2 ounce), live shrimp, and small baitfish are standard. Drift fishing with a light sinker and live bait is productive in the bay.

Rockfish fishing calls for similar gear but slightly heavier jigging spoons (1/2 to 1 ounce) and small plastic shads. Vertical jigging near rocky structure is most effective. A depthfinder helps locate fish and structure.

Salmon anglers use medium spinning or light casting rods with 12 to 20-pound line. Small spoons (1/2 to 1 ounce), spinners, and small plugs work. Trolling requires a boat; casting from shore is limited at Semiahmoo Park.

Crab pots are standard equipment. A 7-inch mesh pot with a bait bag and line is typical. Pots must be marked with a buoy bearing your name and license number. Check WDFW regulations for pot specifications and limits (usually 2 pots per person).

When to Fish

Spring (April–May) is excellent for flatfish as water warms and fish move shallow. Rockfish begin to bite. Tides are moderate and predictable.

Summer (June–August) is peak season for flatfish and rockfish. Crowds increase at the marina and park. Salmon are not yet present. Warm water can slow fishing mid-day; early morning and evening are best.

Fall (September–October) brings coho and chum salmon. Flatfish and rockfish remain active. Weather becomes less stable; wind and rain increase. This is a short, intense season for salmon.

Winter (November–March) is crab season. Flatfish remain available but fishing slows. Weather is rough; boat access is less reliable. Fewer anglers fish this season, so crowds are minimal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at Semiahmoo?

Limited shore fishing is possible at Semiahmoo Park on the bay side. You can fish for flatfish and occasionally salmon from the small beach. The spit itself is private and off-limits. Park access requires a day-use fee.

Do I need a boat to fish Semiahmoo?

A boat opens more water and species, but shore fishing at the park is viable for flatfish. Most anglers use boats to access the deeper Strait side and to fish crab. Boat rental is not available at the marina; you must bring your own or hire a charter.

What is the best tide for fishing Semiahmoo Bay?

Incoming tide is generally best for fishing and safest for navigation. At low tide, much of the bay becomes mudflat. Plan your fishing around tide tables; slack water (when current reverses) is safest for anchoring on the Strait side.

Are there fishing charters at Semiahmoo?

Charter services operate from nearby Bellingham and Blaine but not directly from Semiahmoo Marina. Contact the marina for current charter referrals. Charters typically target salmon in fall and flatfish year-round.

What is the closest town for supplies and lodging?

Blaine, 5 miles south, has gas, groceries, tackle shops, and motels. Bellingham, 20 miles south, offers more dining and lodging options. The Semiahmoo Marina has fuel and basic supplies but limited overnight facilities.