Tacoma Narrows / South Sound
Active Regulations
RESTRICTION: Commencement Bay salmon fishery update (Chinook salmon.)
No more than one hatchery Chinook may be retained as part of the salmon daily limit.
Effective 2026-08-01 to 2026-09-30. Read the WDFW rule →
About Marine Area 11
Marine Area 11 is arguably the most storied salmon fishing area in Puget Sound. Point Defiance — "THE spot" for South Sound Chinook — has been producing trophy fish for generations. The combination of deep water, strong currents, and clay bank structure creates ideal conditions for salmon.
This area is the epicenter of Puget Sound jigging, with anglers working 2-4 oz jigs along the clay banks around Point Defiance and Tacoma Narrows. Commencement Bay and Gig Harbor round out a diverse area that also offers excellent crabbing and bottomfish opportunities.
Map & Tide
Where the structure is, and when the water moves. Tap a hotspot for its depth, structure, and best tide, then time your trip around the tide windows below.
Current Conditions
Species Outlook
Season Status
Emergency rules checked live as of Friday, August 7, 2026. Base seasons are a static quick reference — see source and last-verified date below.
Fishing Hotspots
Point Defiance
THE spot for South Sound Chinook — clay banks hold bait and fish in a compact zone year-round
Point Gibson
Extension of the Point Defiance structure — less pressure, same fish
Gig Harbor
Harbor mouth creates a funnel — fish cruise past the entrance
Commencement Bay
Industrial bay with surprising productivity — Puyallup River outflow brings nutrients
Tacoma Narrows
Extreme current creates feed lanes — fish stack at current breaks
Crab Spots
Titlow Beach · Dash Point · Les Davis Pier
Recent Catches (14 days)
Access Points
- Point Defiance boat launch
- Gig Harbor marina
- Narrows Marina
- Les Davis Pier
- Titlow Beach
Other Marine Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is biting in Marine Area 11 right now?
Area 11 is a year-round fishery centered on Point Defiance. Spring blackmouth start in April, summer kings peak August-September, and fall runs extend through November. Check our daily predictions for current conditions.
Best spots to fish in Marine Area 11?
Point Defiance is THE spot — specifically the clay banks and Point Gibson. Tacoma Narrows produces on the right tides. Gig Harbor mouth and Commencement Bay are also productive.
How do I jig at Point Defiance?
Use 2 oz Puget Pounder or Laser Minnow jigs in green/white. Drop to bottom, reel up 5-10 cranks, and work sharp upward snaps with controlled free-fall. Most strikes happen on the drop. Fish 40-80 feet along the clay banks.
Where can I fish from shore in Area 11?
Les Davis Pier in Tacoma, Titlow Beach, and Dash Point State Park all offer shore fishing access. Titlow Beach is also a good crabbing spot from shore.