When albacore are off Westport
Albacore show off Westport from July through October, per the operators, and most sources center the fishery on August and September. Those dates are a range the operators quote, not a fixed calendar.
Charter start dates
The charter fleet does not start on one day. Three starts matter for planning:
- Mutineer’s 1-day season starts mid-August.
- Gold Rush runs from July.
- The Washington Tuna Classic runs from July.
Early July is the front edge of the window, and by mid-August the 1-day charter fleet is fully running.
How far Westport boats run
Westport boats run roughly 30 to 70 miles offshore to reach blue water. The blue-water zone moves, so operators quote bands rather than fixed marks. For more on how that zone sets up, see Pacific Northwest albacore (see also the Pacific Northwest region guide).
Crossing the Grays Harbor Bar
Every boat crosses the Grays Harbor Bar on the way out. The Westport Jetty at Westport Light State Park sits on the south side, and the North Jetty near Ocean Shores sits on the north side.
NOAA tide station 9441102 at Westport is the tide reference for timing the crossing. Check the official marine forecast for wind, wave height and period before you commit.
Operator distances
Operators quote different bands for the same water:
| Operator | Quoted run to blue water |
|---|---|
| Deep Sea Sportfishing / Sudsy | 35 to 70 miles |
| All Rivers & Saltwater Charters | 40 to 50+ miles |
| Gold Rush Charters | 30 to 60 miles |
Together the quotes give a band of about 30 to 70 miles. Plan range against the far end.
Grounds and structure on the run west
On the run west you pass the 30-fathom line, deep structure near 500 ft about 25 miles out, and shelf-edge slopes near 700 ft about 35 miles out before reaching blue water.
| Landmark | Depth (ft) | Distance from entrance |
|---|---|---|
| 30-fathom line (Marine Area 2 lingcod line) | 180 | |
| Deepwater structure | 500 | About 25 miles due west of the Grays Harbor entrance |
| Shelf-edge halibut slopes | 700 | About 35 miles out (per Captain & Crew) |
| Quinault Canyon edge (halibut spot) | ||
| Albacore blue-water zone | 35 to 70 miles (operator quotes) |
These are reference marks, not albacore spots.
- 30-fathom line. At 180 ft, it is the Marine Area 2 lingcod line, a depth reference for how far you are from the entrance.
- 500 ft structure. About 25 miles due west of the Grays Harbor entrance. Use it as a progress check on the run.
- 700 ft shelf-edge slopes. Generally about 35 miles out, per Captain & Crew, roughly the inner end of the operator distance band.
Chart Contours shows the 30-fathom line and the shelf edge. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How Westport boats fish albacore
Westport boats troll to find albacore, then stop and fish live anchovies, with several rods working on each boat. Some boats use electric reels. For general technique and tackle, see our albacore tuna fishing guide. Live anchovies are a recognized local method off the Washington coast, as covered on WDFW’s albacore species page.
Trolling to find fish
Trolling is the search method. Boats cover water until they find fish.
Live-anchovy stops
Once fish are found, boats stop and fish live anchovies. The stop holds the school at the boat while the rods work.
Day runs and overnights
Charters offer two formats:
- 1-day runs.
- Overnight trips of 1.5 to 2 days.
An overnight trip covers the far end of the 30 to 70 mile band without a same-day return.
Who fishes albacore out of Westport
Six Westport charters list albacore tuna:
- Mutineer Charters: fleet of Fury, Gold Rush, Hot Pursuit, Reel Electric, Slammer and Stardust. The 1-day season starts mid-August.
- Sudsy Sportfishing albacore trips: quotes 35 to 70 miles.
- Gold Rush Charters: runs from July. The boat is based on Float 8. Quotes 30 to 60 miles.
- Tequila Too Sportfishing: lists albacore tuna.
- All Rivers & Saltwater Charters (Express Style Tuna): quotes 40 to 50+ miles.
- Captain & Crew Charters: the albacore boat is The Swifty, which takes up to 10 people.
A charter is one way to see the run and the pattern before you take your own boat.
FAQ: albacore out of Westport
How far offshore is albacore tuna fishing out of Westport?
Roughly 30 to 70 miles to blue water. Operators quote 35 to 70 miles, 40 to 50+ miles and 30 to 60 miles. The blue-water zone moves, so plan range against the far end of the band.
When is albacore season off Westport?
July through October, per the operators, centered on August and September. Gold Rush and the Washington Tuna Classic run from July. Mutineer’s 1-day season starts mid-August.
Do Westport boats fish day trips or overnights?
Both. Charters offer 1-day runs and overnight trips of 1.5 to 2 days. An overnight trip reaches the far end of the 30 to 70 mile band without a same-day return.
Do Westport boats use live bait for albacore?
Yes. Boats troll to find fish, then stop and fish live anchovies. Several rods work on each boat, and some boats use electric reels.
Which tide station do I use for the Grays Harbor Bar?
NOAA tide station 9441102 at Westport. Every boat crosses the Grays Harbor Bar on the way out, so check the tide figures and the official marine forecast before you go.
Who runs albacore charters out of Westport?
Six charters list albacore tuna: Mutineer, Sudsy, Gold Rush, Tequila Too, All Rivers & Saltwater and Captain & Crew. Captain & Crew’s albacore boat, The Swifty, takes up to 10 people.
