Washington Halibut Charters: Westport Deep Sea Fishing in April and May

By Cary Hofmann | February 18, 2026

Experience true offshore fishing on the Pacific Ocean with a professionally guided halibut charter from Westport. Located about 2.5 to 3 hours from Seattle, Westport offers the closest access to deep Pacific halibut grounds for anglers in Western Washington. Each April and May, CNH Guide Service runs full-day offshore trips targeting halibut, lingcod, and rockfish 20 to 40 miles off the Washington coast.

Washington ocean fishing. Deep water. Powerful fish. A full offshore experience.

Fishing for Halibut in Westport

Angler holding halibut and lingcod caught on a Westport fishing charter with CNH Guide Service

Westport offers the best option for ocean fishing near Seattle. True Pacific halibut fishing requires access to the outer coast. Westport sits directly on the ocean, allowing us to reach productive offshore structure that simply cannot be accessed from inland waters.

Fishing takes place over deep sand flats, ledges, and rocky bottom where:

  • Pacific halibut hold in spring
  • Lingcod position along structure
  • Rockfish gather over reefs

These same areas have been productive year after year. Each season I refine my approach based on current conditions, bottom mapping, and what the fish are responding to.

Trip Details

Schedule:

  • Departure: 5:00-6:00 AM from Westport Marina
  • Return: 2:00-4:00 PM
  • Distance Offshore: 20-40 miles
  • Capacity: Up to 6 anglers

We depart early to maximize fishing time and ocean conditions. The run offshore typically takes one to two hours depending on sea state. Once positioned over structure, we focus on efficient drifts and precise boat control to keep lines where fish are holding.

What's included:

  • Professional guide with offshore experience
  • All fishing rods, reels, and tackle
  • Bait and rigging
  • Fish cleaning and bagging at the dock
  • Safety and communication equipment
  • USCG licensed and insured vessel

What you bring:

  • Valid Washington fishing license with ocean endorsement
  • Layered clothing (it's colder offshore)
  • Rain gear
  • Non-slip footwear
  • Food, water, and snacks for a full day
  • Cooler and ice for your catch
  • Motion sickness prevention (if needed)

Fishing: We drift over structure jigging heavy gear (1-3 lb jigs) in 150-300+ feet of water. When a halibut bites, it's a serious workout to bring it up and have power assist electric reels to help. We'll also target Lingcod and Rockfish.

The run back: After limits are reached or conditions change, we head in. Fish are cleaned at the dock.

Safety on the Open Ocean

You will fish aboard a 32-foot Allied Liberator built for Pacific offshore conditions. The walk-around layout allows all six anglers to fish at the same time without crowding. More active fishing time means more opportunity throughout the day. Features include:

  • Diawa electric reels for deep-water halibut retrieval with power assist
  • Raymarine Axiom Pro fishfinders and chartplotters
  • Advanced transducer technology for bottom tracking
  • Private marine toilet
  • Ample storage for food and drinks
  • EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)
  • Eight-person emergency Datrex life-raft

The vessel carries full Coast Guard-required safety equipment along with modern communication systems. Electric reels reduce fatigue when retrieving halibut from depth, allowing anglers to stay effective throughout the day.

Weather decisions: This is open Pacific Ocean fishing. Swells and changing conditions are part of the environment. Your safety is the first priority. Weather cancellations are uncommon but can occasionally occur when offshore conditions are unsafe. Decisions are based on:

  • U.S. Coast Guard advisories
  • NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) marine forecasts
  • Bar crossing restrictions
  • Real-time ocean reports

If a trip is canceled due to unsafe conditions, it is done in the best interest of everyone onboard.

Where to Stay in Westport

Many anglers traveling from the Seattle area choose to stay overnight in Westport before their charter. Recommended options include:

  • VRBO rentals for families or groups
  • Westport Inn Hotel, within walking distance of the marina Westport Inn offers flexible cancellation policies, which can be helpful in the rare event weather forces a trip cancellation. Arriving the night before allows you to avoid early morning travel and begin your trip rested and ready.

Planning tip: Book accommodations early - April and May are busy months in Westport.

Pricing and Booking

Halibut charters are priced differently from Puget Sound trips due to:

  • Longer trip duration (full day)
  • Fuel costs for offshore runs
  • Specialized heavy tackle
  • Higher operating costs

We also offer trips for only Lingcod and Rockfish days when Halibut is not open for fishing. These trips typically are more inland. Check out the Trips & Rates page for more information.

Contact me directly for available dates. Early booking is strongly recommended - popular dates fill months in advance.

Making the Most of Your Westport Trip

The day before:

  1. Drive to Westport and check into lodging
  2. Pick up any supplies you need including food and drinks for on the boat
  3. Get a good dinner and early sleep
  4. Take motion sickness medication as directed

Morning of:

  1. Light breakfast (avoid heavy/greasy food)
  2. Arrive at marina 30 minutes before departure
  3. Dress in layers - it's cold on the ocean at dawn
  4. Bring all your gear in a waterproof bag

After fishing:

  1. Fish are cleaned at the dock
  2. Pack your cooler with ice
  3. Many anglers grab a meal in Westport before the drive home Popular places to eat:

Who This Trip Is Best For

Westport halibut fishing is best suited for:

  • Anglers comfortable on open water
  • Small private groups of up to six
  • Those seeking a full-day deep sea fishing experience
  • Clients looking to target halibut in Washington’s Pacific waters

For offshore experience, Westport delivers it.

Fish Cleaning & Processing

At the end of the day, your catch is cleaned and filleted dockside at Westport Marina. Local vacuum-packing services (Merino's Seafood) are available so you can transport halibut, lingcod and rockfish home securely and preserve quality for long-term storage.

Puget Sound Fishing in Summer

After spring halibut season concludes, CNH Guide Service runs Puget Sound salmon charters from June through September. These trips operate in more protected inland waters and target seasonal salmon runs closer to Seattle. Many anglers choose to experience offshore halibut fishing in spring and return for Puget Sound salmon during summer months.

Book Your Westport Adventure

Halibut season is limited and spots fill quickly. If you're interested in experiencing world-class deep sea fishing off the Washington coast, reach out early to secure your preferred dates.

This is fishing at its most raw and rewarding. There's nothing quite like the feeling of a Pacific halibut on the end of your line, 30 miles offshore, with nothing but open ocean around you.