Most Pacific halibut fishing out of La Push comes down to a short window. All-Ways says Marine Areas 3 and 4 usually get 10 days or less in the spring quota season. Top Notch says prime grounds sit within 1 1/2 hours of the marina, and most depths inside the ‘C’ opening run 510 to 640 ft. Rigging and fish behavior are in our Pacific halibut guide. For the whole coast, see the Pacific Northwest fishing guide.
When halibut are around La Push
Open days here come from the spring quota in Marine Areas 3 and 4. Two local sources describe the window differently, and both are worth planning around.
Spring quota days
All-Ways says May to June is the time to fish halibut here, with Areas 3 and 4 usually getting 10 days or less in the spring quota season. For the actual open days, see the Regulations section below.
Late-summer days
KYS lists May, June, August and select September days for halibut trips.
Where boats run from La Push
Most Pacific halibut fishing out of La Push happens in or around the open center of the ‘C’, or south of it. The run starts at the Quillayute River entrance and heads out through Marine Area 3.
Run time
Top Notch says prime halibut grounds are within 1 1/2 hours of the marina. Plan the day around that time from the dock rather than a mileage number. The channel out of La Push leads through the Quillayute River entrance, so the clock starts at the marina.
The ‘C’ opening
Per Leeroy’s La Push notes, most fishing is in or around the open center of the ‘C’-shaped closed area north of the river entrance. The C itself is closed, so the fishing happens in its open center.
Leeroy says most depths inside the C opening are 85 fathoms or deeper. His waypoint table lists 640 ft inside the C and 540 ft at the SW corner, SW-2. Closure rules are covered under Regulations.
North or south of the entrance
Per Leeroy, boats fish north of the river entrance, in the C opening, or south of it.
Grounds and structure off La Push
Two kinds of water share this coast. The deep C opening grounds run 510 to 640 ft for halibut. The shallow structure at 60 to 130 ft is bottomfish water, fished on the same day.
| Ground | Depth (ft) | Position as published | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside the C opening | 640 | – | halibut |
| SW-2 (SW corner of the C) | 540 | – | halibut |
| The Rock Pile | 130 | About 7 1/2 mi NW of the river mouth (Leeroy) | – |
| Awash Rock | 72 | 47-58-90 / 124-43-72 | bottomfish |
| Sea Lion Rock | 66 | 47-59-58 / 124-43-65 | bottomfish |
| Quileute Needles | 60 | – | – |
| Umatilla Reef | – | – | – |
| Carroll Island | – | – | – |
| Q buoy | – | – | – |
Waypoints are reproduced as their source published them. Chart layers are not for navigation, so cross-check every position on your own chart before running to it.
How halibut are fished out of La Push
The local routine is built around short openers, big fish and a long day.
Fish size and handling
All-Ways says fish usually run 30 to 60 pounds and are filleted and bagged. Have cooler space and bags sorted before the run in.
Halibut and lingcod on one trip
KYS fishes halibut and big lingcod on the same 8-hour trips. The shallow waypoints in the table, Awash Rock at 72 ft and Sea Lion Rock at 66 ft, are the bottomfish side of that day. For gear and depth-range basics, see the bottomfish and deep-drop guides.
Fuel on openers
Leeroy notes that marina fuel has run out on busy halibut openers. Settle the day’s fuel before the opener, since the dock may not have any left.
Who fishes halibut out of La Push
Three operators list Pacific halibut here:
- Top Notch Ocean Charters: Jim Richeson at the wheel.
- All-Ways Fishing: Randy Lato.
- KYS on FishingBooker: Captain Lamont Nelson, running a 31-foot Uniflite offshore sportfisher with six anglers max, on 8-hour halibut and lingcod trips.
FAQ about Pacific halibut fishing out of La Push
How deep do boats fish for halibut off La Push?
Most boats fish 510 to 640 ft. Per Leeroy, most depths inside the C opening are 85 fathoms or deeper, with 640 ft inside and 540 ft at SW-2.
How far is the run to the halibut grounds?
Top Notch says the prime grounds are within 1 1/2 hours of the marina. Most boats run to the open center of the C or south of it.
When is halibut season out of La Push?
All-Ways says May to June, usually 10 days or less of spring quota. KYS lists May, June, August and select September days. Check WDFW for the actual days.
How big are La Push halibut?
All-Ways says fish usually run 30 to 60 pounds and are filleted and bagged.
Is there fuel at the La Push marina?
Yes, but Leeroy notes it has run out on busy halibut openers. Plan fuel before the opener.
Can I fish lingcod the same day?
KYS fishes halibut and big lingcod on the same 8-hour trips. Shallow structure such as Awash Rock at 72 ft and Sea Lion Rock at 66 ft is listed for bottomfish.
