When albacore are off Ilwaco

Albacore fishing out of Ilwaco, Washington, runs from July into September or October according to the local charters, and boats go offshore to find the fish. The species guide covers the fish itself. This page covers the port: season windows, structure, methods and boats.
Two listed windows
Two operators publish albacore seasons for the port:
- Shake N Bake lists July through September.
- Legendz lists July through October.
July through September is the overlap both operators list. October appears only on Legendz’s list. For the wider picture, see coastwide albacore timing (see also the Pacific Northwest region guide).
Where boats run
Albacore boats out of Ilwaco run offshore, and one named structure sits near the port.
Offshore
Legendz advertises offshore albacore and bluefin trips, and Ilwaco Tuna Club describes its anglers as offshore anglers. If you run your own boat, plan the day as an offshore trip from the first waypoint.
Astoria Canyon
Astoria Canyon is the named structure near Ilwaco.
How albacore are fished here

Local operators publish three formats, and each affects how you plan your own day.
Live bait
According to Shake N Bake, the boat fishes live bait for albacore. A private boat using the same approach has to plan around carrying bait and keeping it alive.
12-hour days
Salty Dog runs 12-hour trips as full-day albacore outings, going out and back within a single day.
Reverse 1.5-day trips
Legendz lists reverse 1.5-day albacore trips that leave mid-morning and return the next day. These are overnight offshore trips, with the boat and crew out through the night.
Who fishes for albacore out of Ilwaco

Three charters list albacore from this port, and Ilwaco Tuna Club describes offshore anglers who fish from here.
| Charter | Vessel | Listed albacore season or format |
|---|---|---|
| Legendz Sportfishing | Sportfisher Legendz, 55 ft x 18 ft | July through October; reverse 1.5-day trips |
| Shake N Bake Sport Fishing | 42-foot Henriques Sportfishing yacht | July through September; live bait |
| Salty Dog Sport Fishing | Monte Carlo, 50-foot Delta Marine, 12 passengers | 12-hour trips |
Legendz
Legendz Sportfishing runs the sportfisher Legendz, listed as 55 ft x 18 ft. It lists albacore from July through October and advertises offshore albacore and bluefin trips. Our tuna pages cover bluefin and the other tuna species.
Shake N Bake
Shake N Bake Sport Fishing runs a 42-foot Henriques Sportfishing yacht. It fishes live bait and lists albacore from July through September.
Salty Dog
Salty Dog Sport Fishing runs the Monte Carlo, a 50-foot Delta Marine sport charter vessel carrying 12 passengers, on 12-hour albacore days. Its website redirects to washingtoncoastfishing.com.
Ilwaco Tuna Club
Ilwaco Tuna Club describes offshore anglers fishing out of Ilwaco.
FAQ: albacore out of Ilwaco
When is albacore tuna fishing out of Ilwaco?
Shake N Bake lists July through September. Legendz lists July through October.
How far do boats run?
Boats run offshore. Legendz advertises offshore albacore trips.
Is there named structure nearby?
Astoria Canyon is the named structure near Ilwaco.
What methods do local boats use?
Shake N Bake fishes live bait. Salty Dog runs 12-hour full-day trips. Legendz runs reverse 1.5-day trips that leave mid-morning and return the next day.
Do Ilwaco boats target bluefin?
Legendz advertises offshore bluefin trips alongside albacore.



