March Salmon and Trout Fishing Guide for Washington State Waters

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March Salmon and Trout Fishing Guide for Washington State Waters

By Claude Salmon, Special Correspondent

Washington state’s abundant coastal waters and river systems offer some of the most coveted salmon and trout fishing opportunities in the Pacific Northwest. For anglers eager to cast their lines during March—a transitional month between winter and spring—specific regulations, seasonal runs, and fishing techniques come into play. This comprehensive guide examines which salmon and trout species are legally available to target in March, required equipment, effective baits and rigging methods, catch limits, shore fishing opportunities, and licensing requirements for all categories of anglers.

Available Salmon and Trout Species in March

March represents a somewhat challenging month for salmon and trout anglers in Washington, as it falls between major runs. However, several opportunities remain available for the dedicated angler.

Salmon Species

Winter Blackmouth (Resident Chinook): The primary salmon fishing opportunity in March centers on winter blackmouth—immature Chinook salmon that remain in Puget Sound rather than migrating to the ocean. According to Justin Waters (@FishWDFW), the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fisheries biologist, “Winter blackmouth fishing peaks from January through April in select marine areas, making March an excellent time to target these fish.”

Marine Areas 5 (Sekiu), 6 (eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca), 7 (San Juan Islands), 9 (Admiralty Inlet), and 10 (Seattle/Bremerton) typically remain open for blackmouth in March, although regulations can change annually based on conservation needs.

Coho, pink, sockeye, and chum salmon are generally unavailable in March waters as they follow different migratory patterns, with most runs occurring from summer through fall.

Trout Species

Coastal Cutthroat Trout: Sea-run cutthroat trout present viable targets in March, particularly in lower river sections and estuaries. These aggressive feeders become increasingly active as water temperatures begin to rise.

Rainbow Trout/Steelhead: Winter steelhead runs continue through March in many coastal and Puget Sound river systems. Key rivers including the Skagit, Quillayute, Bogachiel, Calawah, Sol Duc, Hoh, Queets, and Quinault hold the best opportunities for wild and hatchery steelhead.

Bull Trout: Though strictly regulated, some bull trout fishing opportunities exist in March. Anglers must carefully check regulations as bull trout are federally protected in many watersheds.

Brown Trout: Selective waters may contain brown trout, though they’re less common than other species in Washington’s systems.

Randy Matthews, a veteran Olympic Peninsula guide (@OlyPeninsulaAnglers), notes: “March represents the last reliable month for winter steelhead fishing before we transition to spring opportunities. Water conditions can be variable, but dedicated anglers can find success, particularly in the coastal rivers.”

Essential Equipment

Successful salmon and trout fishing in Washington’s March conditions requires appropriate gear tailored to specific target species and fishing environments.

For Blackmouth Salmon

  • Rods: Medium-heavy to heavy action rods in the 8-10 foot range
  • Reels: Level-wind or baitcasting reels with line counters
  • Line: 20-30 pound test monofilament mainline or 40-65 pound braided line
  • Downriggers: Essential for reaching depths of 60-150 feet where blackmouth typically hold
  • Flashers: 11-12 inch rotating flashers for attracting attention
  • Terminal tackle: Artificial squid, spoons, and hoochies in green, chartreuse, and white patterns
  • Landing net: Large hoop with knotless mesh to protect fish
  • Fish finder/GPS: For locating productive underwater structures and baitfish schools

For Steelhead and Trout

  • Rods: 8-10.5 foot medium to medium-heavy action for drift fishing; 9-12 foot spey or switch rods for swung flies
  • Reels: Spinning or centerpin reels for drift fishing; fly reels with adequate backing for fly fishing
  • Line: 10-15 pound monofilament for conventional fishing; floating and sink-tip fly lines for fly fishing
  • Terminal tackle: Drift bobbers, jigs, beads, yarn balls, roe clusters
  • Waders: Insulated chest waders with studded boots for river fishing
  • Landing net: Medium-sized net with rubber or knotless mesh
  • Polarized sunglasses: Essential for spotting fish and underwater structure

Weather-Specific Gear

March weather in Washington can range from winter-like conditions to early spring warming. Layered waterproof clothing, hand warmers, and rain gear remain essential. Hypothermia is a genuine risk when wading in 40-degree water under potentially rainy conditions.

Bait and Rigging Techniques

Blackmouth Salmon Techniques

Downrigger Trolling:

  1. Attach a 5-6 foot leader of 30-40 pound fluorocarbon to a flasher
  2. Connect a 30-36 inch leader from the flasher to your terminal lure (spoon, hoochie, or artificial squid)
  3. For artificial squid, rig with a glow white hoochie head trailing a green, blue, or UV-reactive body
  4. Deploy at 80-120 feet where baitfish schools are marking on your fish finder
  5. Maintain a trolling speed of 1.8-2.5 knots

Mooching:

  1. Use a sliding sinker rig with 1-3 ounces of lead followed by a bead and swivel
  2. Attach a 5-6 foot leader of 25-30 pound test
  3. Rig with either herring, anchovies, or artificial alternatives like Ace Hi Flies
  4. Cut-plug herring at a 45-degree angle for optimal roll in the water
  5. Deploy to depths where fish are marking, typically working within 15 feet of the bottom

Steelhead and Trout Techniques

Drift Fishing:

  1. Use a sliding rig with enough pencil lead to maintain contact with the bottom
  2. Attach a 3-foot leader of 10-12 pound fluorocarbon
  3. Rig with a yarn ball, puff ball, or roe cluster on a size 2-1/0 octopus hook
  4. Add a small piece of shrimp or sand shrimp for additional scent
  5. Allow the rig to drift naturally through likely holding water

Float Fishing:

  1. Rig with a sliding float system, adjustable to various depths
  2. Use 8-12 pound mainline with an 8-10 pound fluorocarbon leader
  3. Weight the line to keep 80% of the float above water
  4. Fish jigs (1/8-3/8 oz), beads, or bait under the float
  5. Manage drift speed by mending line to achieve a natural presentation

Fly Fishing:

  1. Use a floating line with a sink-tip attached for most March conditions
  2. Connect a 9-foot tapered leader of 8-10 pound test
  3. For steelhead, fish 3-4 inch streamers in pink, purple, or black/blue patterns
  4. For cutthroat, smaller streamers and baitfish patterns in sizes 6-10 work well
  5. Swing flies through likely holding water or drift nymphs under indicators

Catch Limits in March

Catch limits in Washington vary by species, location, and can change based on in-season management decisions. Always consult the current WDFW regulations before fishing, as emergency rules can modify these limits. The following represents general guidelines for March 2023:

Blackmouth Salmon

  • Daily limit typically ranges from 1-2 blackmouth salmon, depending on marine area
  • Minimum size requirements of 22-24 inches, varying by location
  • Wild Chinook (with adipose fin intact) must often be released in certain areas
  • Some marine areas require barbless hooks

Steelhead

  • Daily limit of 2-3 hatchery steelhead (identified by missing adipose fin)
  • Wild steelhead (adipose fin intact) must be released in most waters
  • Steelhead over 20 inches are considered part of the adult limit
  • Some rivers have special regulations requiring single-point barbless hooks

Coastal Cutthroat

  • Daily limit typically 2 fish with a 14-inch minimum size
  • Some marine areas allow retention of cutthroat as part of the salmon daily limit
  • River regulations may differ, particularly in catch-and-release quality water sections

Bull Trout

  • Most waters require immediate release of bull trout
  • Where retention is allowed, typically included in the trout daily limit
  • Special gear restrictions often apply

Shore Fishing Opportunities

Not all anglers have access to boats, but Washington offers numerous shore-based opportunities for salmon and trout in March:

For Blackmouth Salmon

  • Possession Point (Whidbey Island)
  • Point No Point (Kitsap Peninsula)
  • Marrowstone Point (near Port Townsend)
  • Dash Point Park (Tacoma)
  • Public fishing piers in Seattle, Edmonds, and Everett

Shore-based salmon anglers typically use:

  1. Cast-and-retrieve methods with heavy jigs (1-3 oz)
  2. Buzz bombs and Point Wilson Darts in green/white patterns
  3. Herring under a bobber during incoming tides

For Steelhead and Trout

  • Lower sections of major rivers including the Snohomish, Skykomish, Skagit, and Quillayute systems
  • Public access points along the Bogachiel, Sol Duc, and Hoh rivers
  • Areas where tributaries enter larger rivers, creating holding water
  • Highway-accessible sections of coastal rivers

Marina Chavez (@PugetSoundShoreFisher) comments: “Shore-based anglers should focus on timing more than location. Fishing the two hours before and after tide changes for blackmouth, or targeting the early morning bite for steelhead, significantly increases success rates.”

Licensing Requirements

All anglers 15 years and older must purchase appropriate Washington fishing licenses. Requirements vary based on age, residency status, and fishing location:

For Anglers Under 65

Washington Residents:

  • Annual freshwater license: $29.50
  • Annual saltwater license: $30.05
  • Combination license (fresh and saltwater): $55.35
  • Required Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead endorsement: $8.75
  • Required Puget Sound Crab endorsement (if crabbing): $8.75

Non-Residents:

  • Annual freshwater license: $84.50
  • Annual saltwater license: $59.75
  • Combination license: $124.65
  • Same endorsements required as residents

For Anglers 65 and Older

Washington Residents:

  • Senior freshwater license: $7.50
  • Senior saltwater license: $8.05
  • Senior combination license: $15.35
  • Required endorsements at same price as other categories

Non-Residents:

  • No senior discount; pay full non-resident rates

Short-Term Options

Both residents and non-residents can purchase 1-day or 3-day licenses at reduced rates, which may be economical for visitors on short trips.

Additional Notes:

  • A “Catch Record Card” is required for salmon and steelhead (issued with license)
  • All catch must be recorded immediately on card
  • Two-pole endorsement available for an additional fee (not valid when fishing for salmon)
  • Free fishing days (no license required) typically occur in June, not March

Conservation Considerations

Washington’s wild salmon and steelhead populations face significant challenges, including habitat degradation, climate change, and historical overfishing. Ethical anglers should:

  • Practice careful catch-and-release techniques for wild fish
  • Use barbless hooks when fishing for salmon and steelhead
  • Minimize handling time and keep fish in the water when possible
  • Consider supporting conservation organizations like Wild Steelhead Coalition or Coastal Conservation Association

WDFW Biologist Sarah Chen explains, “March fishing can target specific hatchery populations while protecting wild stocks through selective fishing regulations. Anglers play a crucial role in conservation by carefully following rules designed to protect threatened populations.”

Conclusion

March offers dedicated Washington anglers opportunities to pursue blackmouth salmon and several trout species, particularly winter steelhead. While not the peak season for all species, those willing to brave potentially challenging weather conditions can experience productive fishing with proper preparation, equipment, and technique. Always check current regulations before heading out, as emergency rule changes can modify open areas and catch limits to protect fish populations.
#WashingtonFishing #SalmonSteelhead #PacificNorthwestAnglers

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