Pacific halibut fishing out of Neah Bay runs on a short May and June window and a set of named grounds, from a close-in bank just west of the harbor to Swiftsure Bank, about 21 miles out. Halibut is one part of the rest of Neah Bay’s fishing; this page covers only the port. For biology and range, see the halibut species picture. The wider picture is in the Pacific Northwest region guide.
When halibut are around Neah Bay
Excel Fishing Charters lists halibut trips for May and June, describes them as limited, and says they book quickly. The Regulations section below covers where to confirm openings.
Where boats run from Neah Bay
Boats make a short run to offshore banks and flats. A local guide article names Swiftsure Bank and the areas west of Tatoosh Island as halibut grounds. The Garbage Dump sits just west of Neah Bay at 300 to 325 ft, and Swiftsure Bank is about 21 miles out by one GPS reading. Whether the long run happens depends on the official marine forecast, so check it before you leave.
| Ground | Depth | Distance or location |
|---|---|---|
| Garbage Dump | 300 to 325 ft | Just west of Neah Bay, close to shore |
| Duncan Rock | 120 ft | |
| Duntze Rock | 120 ft | |
| West of Tatoosh Island | West of Tatoosh Island | |
| Table Rock | Offshore bank in Marine Area 4 (WDFW) | |
| Blue Dot | Offshore bank in Marine Area 4 (WDFW) | |
| Swiftsure Bank | About 21 miles, one GPS reading |
Grounds and structure that hold halibut
The grounds below run from nearest to farthest. Waadah Island is another named feature near the port.
Garbage Dump
The Garbage Dump is the close-in option, just west of Neah Bay and near shore, at 300 to 325 ft.
Duncan and Duntze Rocks
Both rocks sit at 120 ft (20 fathoms). The Chart Contours layer shows depth around them. Chart layers are not for navigation.
West of Tatoosh Island
The local guide article names the grounds west of Tatoosh Island as halibut water. The island itself is named as a lingcod and black rockfish area.
Table Rock and Blue Dot
WDFW lists both as offshore banks in Marine Area 4.
Swiftsure Bank
A local guide article names Swiftsure Bank as a halibut ground. At about 21 miles from Neah Bay by one GPS reading, it is the longest run on this page.
How halibut are fished out of Neah Bay
Ripple Effects and a local guide article describe the local methods, which come down to three things:
- Boats troll or drift over humps and flats.
- Anglers bounce heavy jigs or pipe jigs along the bottom.
- Jigs are tipped with herring or squid.
Drifting and trolling humps and flats
The drift is built around the structure on the grounds listed above.
Heavy jigs and pipe jigs
At 300 to 325 ft on the Garbage Dump, bouncing heavy jigs or pipe jigs tipped with herring or squid means deep-drop jig presentations.
Who fishes halibut out of Neah Bay
Five outfits list halibut or offer a way onto the water.
Excel Fishing Charters
Excel runs Captain Crosby, a 26 ft boat. See Excel Fishing Charters’ Neah Bay trips for its halibut listing.
Ripple Effects Charters
Ripple Effects Charters out of Neah Bay lists Pacific halibut. Its method is the troll or drift and jig approach covered above.
SeaWalker Charters
SeaWalker lists Tanacom 750 reels and custom Prolite rods for the boat.
Big Salmon Fishing Resort
Big Salmon Fishing Resort rental boat is the option for anglers without a boat of their own.
Big Time Sportfishing (Ocean Sport Fishing)
Big Time runs Pacific Fin II.
FAQ: Neah Bay halibut
When is halibut fished out of Neah Bay?
Excel lists May and June, limited and booking quickly. See the Regulations section for where to confirm openings.
How far is Swiftsure Bank from Neah Bay?
About 21 miles on one GPS reading.
How deep is the Garbage Dump?
300 to 325 ft, just west of Neah Bay, close to shore.
How are halibut fished out of Neah Bay?
Boats troll or drift humps and flats. Anglers bounce heavy jigs or pipe jigs tipped with herring or squid.
Can you rent a boat for halibut at Neah Bay?
Yes. Big Salmon Fishing Resort offers a rental boat.
What gear do Neah Bay halibut charters list?
SeaWalker lists Tanacom 750 reels and custom Prolite rods. Excel runs the 26 ft Captain Crosby.
