Westport's Fresh Catch: Salmon

Written by Scenic Washington / Photos & Video by Capture.Share.Repeat

Is there anything better than eating fresh fish by the seashore? Seafood lovers will want to experience Westport, Washington, located just a few hours southwest of Seattle. This small harbor town, located on the edge of the Pacific Coast, offers excellent recreation, lodging, dining and charter fishing experiences. However, the local seafood attracts visitors from across the country.

Salmon is one of the most favored seafood landed on Westport's shore, it's not only delicious, but you can feel good about eating this sustainably caught fish and supporting local families. Westport fishermen love Salmon and have a fierce desire to preserve the resource for generations to come.

Troll caught Salmon landed in Westport is harvested in the Pacific Ocean, one at a time, hook and line, at peak quality. They are immediately bled and filleted, resulting in what is the highest quality salmon product on the market. Most of the trollers you'll see coming and going from the Westport Marina today are small, family-owned businesses that have been working the oceans for generations. Washington's salmon management plan is among the most stringent in the world. When you enjoy Salmon delivered in Westport, you also support fishers who abide by fisheries management guidelines carefully developed with sustainability and resilience in mind.

Salmon fishing is tied to Westport’s past, grounded in their identity as "The Salmon Capital of the World," with nearly every 40-foot slip constructed in the original Westport Marina built to serve fishers harvesting troll-caught Salmon. And, even as the town has evolved into one of the most diverse and successful fishing ports in the US, it all started with Salmon. While crab, tuna, and bottomfish make up the bulk of the landings in Westport, the legacy of troll-caught Salmon in this little fishing community is unmatched.

Ryker, from Seafood Connection on float 8 at the marina, unloads the fresh catch of the day.

One of the most memorable ways to get fresh fish is right off the boat in Westport.

Westport is one of the premier Chinook fisheries on the Washington Coast, with over half the total Chinook caught there. Coho fishing can also be excellent, especially later in summer.

If you want to partake in this seafood goodness, your best bet is to stop by one of the local seafood markets. They will be happy to sell you fresh local Salmon, and they will likely throw in tips and trick for cooking it - free of charge! Not interested in cooking? Many local restaurants place local Salmon on their menus during the season.