Elliott Bay / Seattle
About Marine Area 10
Marine Area 10 is the heart of urban Puget Sound fishing, covering the waters from Seattle's Elliott Bay south to Vashon Island. Despite being the most heavily populated area, it produces remarkable fishing thanks to the deep channels, abundant structure, and consistent salmon runs.
Shilshole and Mid-Channel Bank are the workhorses of Area 10 salmon fishing, with downrigger trolling being the primary technique. This area has one of the longest salmon seasons in Puget Sound, with fishing available from April through November. The extensive shore access at parks and piers makes it the most accessible fishing area in the region.
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 Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Base seasons are a static quick reference — see source and last-verified date below.
Fishing Hotspots
Possession Bar
The south end of Possession Bar falls into Area 10 — same productive structure
Elliott Bay
Deep urban bay with structure from piers and the Duwamish River outflow
Shilshole
The workhorse of Area 10 — consistent bait concentrations and moderate depths
Mid-Channel Bank
Submerged bank in the center of Puget Sound concentrates bait and fish
Vashon Island
Multiple productive points and banks around the island edges
Crab Spots
Redondo Beach · Des Moines Pier · Saltwater State Park · Seacrest Park · Alki Point
Recent Catches (14 days)
Access Points
- Shilshole Bay Marina
- Don Armeni boat launch
- Des Moines Marina
- Redondo Beach pier
- Seacrest Park
Other Marine Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is biting in Marine Area 10 right now?
Area 10 has one of the longest salmon seasons in Puget Sound, with fishing as early as April and running through November. Check our daily predictions for today's species ratings, conditions, and best techniques.
Best spots to fish in Marine Area 10?
Shilshole and Mid-Channel Bank are top trolling spots. Elliott Bay produces well early season. Possession Bar (north edge) is a consistent Chinook producer. For shore fishing, Seacrest Park and Redondo Beach.
Where should I crab in Area 10?
Redondo Beach, Des Moines Pier, Saltwater State Park, Seacrest Park, and Alki Point are the top crab spots. Crab seasons are set annually by WDFW emergency rule (typically a summer and a winter opening) — verify the current dates at wdfw.wa.gov before setting pots.
Can I fish from shore in Area 10?
Yes — Area 10 has the best shore access in Puget Sound. Seacrest Park, Redondo Beach pier, and Des Moines pier all produce salmon and bottomfish from shore. No boat required.
What bait works best in Area 10?
Cut-plug herring is king for trolling salmon in Area 10. Use green-label herring behind a flasher at 60-100 feet. For jigging, 2oz Puget Pounders in green/white work well around structure.