Admiralty Bay is one of the more popular halibut fishing areas for anglers who launch in Seattle, Edmonds, Mukeltio and Everett. It’s a long run from either of those ports, but not as long as going all the way to Dallas Bank or other halibut fishing grounds in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This large bay sits between Admiralty Head and Lagoon Point and offers a massive area for lots of boats to fish. However, in my opinion the best halibut fishing can be found closer to Admiralty Head.

Five years ago I fish in deep water, not far from Admiralty Head without success. Before leaving my fishing partner for the day, Roy from Whidbey Island, motored closer to shore. As we got closer Roy pointed out some small 14 to 16 foot boats near shore, all with their rods bent hard on halibut. These boats were locals and knew when and where to fish halibut in shallow water. That day the tide had a big swing and currents wrapped around the point, causing the inside of Admiralty Head to have lots of concentrations of bait, which in turn attracted some halibut. I’m not saying to always fish shallow, from 70 to 100 feet here, but it is worth a try.

The halibut map shows a few of the best places to anchor, that’s right, anchor. This area produces the best results while sitting on anchor. You could drift it, but lots of boats anchor here, making it more difficult to drift without interfering with anchored boats. If you plan to halibut fish here, arrive early enough to put your boat in the best spot and try to keep safe distances from other boats on anchor.

Admiralty Bay fishes well on high and low tide, but given a choice high is the best of the two tides.

Best baits include herring, sardines, squid, mackerel, and salmon bellies. If you have some octopus add a small piece to your hook and then add your second bait choice. If bait thieves get your second choice, the octopus will likely still be on the hook to attract a halibut.

Best lures include Brite Bite Leaders, 7.5 inch or 10 inch FAT Squids, leadhead jigs, and 10 ounce Deep Stinger jigs.

Good luck,

John