Planning a Halibut and Salmon Trip Out of Sekiu

Sekiu is a fishing town first. Front Street runs along the water, boat traffic starts moving before sunrise, and most of the people you meet at the coffee counter are thinking about tide, wind, and bait. If this is your first trip here, or your first in a few years, a little planning makes the difference between a calm, productive day and a scramble at the dock. This guide covers how anglers use Curley's Resort as a base on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and what to sort out before you leave home.

Know which waters you are fishing

Fishing around Sekiu falls mostly into two Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) management zones: Marine Area 5 and Marine Area 4. They have different seasons, different open days, and different rules, and the boundary between them matters when you are looking at a chart. Before you put a boat in the water, pull up the current WDFW regulation pamphlet and any emergency rule notices. Seasons shift from year to year, and in-season changes can come with little warning. Anything written in a blog post, this one included, is a starting point. The WDFW pages are the source of truth for open days, limits, size rules, and license requirements.

The seasons Curley's lists

Curley's fishing page shows the following seasons, copied as published on that page. They are here to help you pick a month, not to tell you what is legal on a given day.

• Halibut in Marine Area 5: April 2 to June 30, seven days per week.
• Halibut in Marine Area 4: limited days, April 30 to June 30.
• Lingcod in Marine Area 4: May 1 to June 15.
• Salmon in Marine Area 5: July 1 to August 15.
• Salmon in Marine Area 4: June 21 to September 15.

Treat that list as the rough shape of the year. Spring belongs to halibut and bottomfish, and summer belongs to salmon. Always check the current WDFW rules for exact dates, open days, daily limits, and what you need to carry on the boat. If a rule on the agency site disagrees with a date you read anywhere else, the agency site wins.

Where the boat sleeps

One reason anglers pick Curley's is that the water is a short walk from the room. The property lists private dock access, boat moorage, cleaning stations, and a walk from room to water. Curley's says it prioritizes moorage for overnight lodging guests, though it may take case-by-case reservations. That wording is worth reading carefully. Priority is not a guarantee of a slip on any given night, and space depends on the season and the size of your boat. Call (360) 963-2281 before you book to talk through your boat, your dates, and what you will need at the dock.

Bait, tackle, and cleaning your catch

The office and shop at Curley's sells bait, tackle, and other necessities, along with espresso, breakfast burritos and sandwiches, grab and go snacks, and sack lunches for fishermen. The shop is open daily during peak season, so if you are coming in the shoulder months, call ahead instead of counting on a full counter at 5 a.m. If you want a sit-down meal, By the Bay Cafe is a couple of doors down and is the only restaurant in Sekiu.

Beyond what the shop carries, pack the things that save a day on the water: rain gear that actually keeps you dry, warm layers, sunglasses, sea sickness remedies if anyone in your party is unsure of their stomach, a good cooler, and more ice than you think you need.

A cleaning station that is steps from your room changes the end of the day. You can bring the fish in, clean them while they are fresh, and get them on ice without hauling anything through town. Bring a sharp fillet knife, a few heavy-duty bags, and a cooler sized to what you hope to catch. Before you travel home, check WDFW rules on how fish must be transported and what parts need to stay attached for identification. Those details are regulated and they change.

Hiring a guide

Curley's does not run charters, but the staff are happy to refer you to a local operator. One they point guests to is Get Hooked NW Guide Service, run by Captain Matt Chandler, a USCG licensed guide. Get Hooked NW is a separate business, and you book with them directly. Their page lists full and half day trips for salmon from June to October and for halibut and bottomfish from April to June. Trips include the vessel, safety gear, rods and reels, bait and tackle, and the guide. A guide is a smart choice if you are new to these waters or do not want to trailer a boat across the state.

A short checklist before you go

• Read the current WDFW rules for Marine Area 4 and Marine Area 5, including emergency rule notices.
• Confirm your fishing license and any endorsements for the species you want.
• Call Curley's about moorage if you are bringing a boat.
• Book a guide early if you want a specific week in peak season.
• Check the marine forecast and tide tables the night before and again in the morning.

Sekiu is a long drive from most places, so the best trips are the ones where the paperwork is done before you pull out of the driveway. Sort the rules, sort the dock, and then let the Strait do the rest.