Fishing times todaySolunar periods, sunrise and moonrise for Jefferson County, today and the next 7 days.Best fishing times today
Jefferson County, Washington
Sizing up Jefferson County before the drive out
Jefferson County numbered 32,977 residents in 2020; its commissioners meet in Port Townsend. The 2026 WDFW trout plants report files its plantings here under WDFW Region 6. The WDFW high lakes program lists 4 lakes here.
Leland Lake leads the 12 paged lakes inside the county, which add up to 444 acres. The county shoreline opens onto Admiralty Inlet, East Juan de Fuca Strait, Hood Canal and La Push. Runs of salmon or steelhead show on WDFW maps for Wynoochee River, Hoh River, Bogachiel River and Quinault River. Count 14 boat launches across the county, split as 6 WDFW, 5 State Parks and 3 other agencies. Without a boat there are 11 shore or access sites on the WDFW map, and 6 include a pier.
12lake pages
14boat launches
19river pages
5shops listed
Census 2020 population; WDFW Fish Washington lake layers, WDFW facilities and State Parks launch layers (WDFW GIS); WDFW marine areas; retrieved October 31, 2026.
WDFW and State Parks launch layers, WDFW facilities, WDFW lake points, NHD river midpoints and WDFW marine area points. Checked November 2026.
Lakes
Lowland and alpine lakes spread over Jefferson County
Lake
Acres
Launches
WDFW program
Fish WDFW maps
Leland Lake
108
1
Warmwater emphasis
rainbow trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch
Crocker Lake
75
1
NHD-mapped lake
Anderson Lake
57
0
Trout emphasis
rainbow trout, largemouth bass
Lower Lena Lake
51
0
WDFW high lake, fish stocking
coastal cutthroat trout
Gibbs Lake
36
0
Trout emphasis
rainbow trout
Sandy Shore Lake
35
0
Mixed species – Trout emphasis
rainbow trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead
Tarboo Lake
20
1
Mixed species – Trout emphasis
rainbow trout
Ludlow Lake
15
0
Mixed species – Trout emphasis
rainbow trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead
Teal Lake
15
0
Mixed species – Trout emphasis
rainbow trout, coastal cutthroat trout
Horseshoe Lake (Jefferson County)
11
0
Mixed species – Trout emphasis
rainbow trout, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed
Silent Lake
11
0
Mixed species – Trout emphasis
rainbow trout, coastal cutthroat trout
Yahoo Lake
9
0
Trout emphasis
coastal cutthroat trout, rainbow trout
WDFW Fish Washington lowland and high lake layers (surface acres as published, management emphasis, mapped species); WDFW publishes no lake depths in these layers. Retrieved October 31, 2026.
Marine water
Marine water along the edge of Jefferson County
Salt water off Jefferson County is split among 7 marine pages.
8.05 ftPort Townsend, MLLW water level, October 31, 2026
NOAA CO-OPS water level, preliminary reading at retrieval (October 31, 2026); station page for live data.
7 marina sites appear in the NOAA ESI record of 2003 to 2006.
WDFW Recreational Marine Areas (WAC 220-300-160 boundaries), WDFW and State Parks marine launches, WDFW piers and USGS GNIS bay names; retrieved October 31, 2026.
Species
The species tally for water around Jefferson County
Each bar is a tally of waters inside 50 miles of Port Townsend naming the fish, with rainbow trout first.
Rainbow trout92 waters
Largemouth bass76 waters
Coastal cutthroat trout56 waters
Yellow perch41 waters
Brown bullhead28 waters
Black crappie25 waters
Pumpkinseed22 waters
Kokanee13 waters
Bluegill9 waters
Brook trout7 waters
Species mapped in the WDFW Fish Washington layers, WDFW state records and the 2026 WDFW trout plants, counted per water page within 50 miles; not a survey.
More water
The remaining named lakes in Jefferson County
Jefferson County carries 3 more named lakes, largest first.
Water
Acres
WDFW program
Nearest town
Lake Constance
11
WDFW high lake, overabundant lakes
Seabeck
Goat Lake
7
WDFW high lake, fish stocking
Sequim
Buckhorn Lake
1
WDFW high lake, overabundant lakes
Sequim
WDFW Fish Washington lowland and high lake layers and USGS NHD lake outlines, retrieved October 31, 2026.
Rivers
Current-bearing water through Jefferson County
Wynoochee RiverSWIFD lists chinook, chum and coho, 2 mapped launches, 3 USGS gauges, 67 mi in Washington
Hoh RiverSWIFD lists chinook, chum and coho, 1 mapped launch, 1 USGS gauge, 57 mi in Washington
Bogachiel RiverSWIFD lists chinook, chum and coho, 3 mapped launches, 2 WDFW shore or access sites, 2 USGS gauges, 49 mi in Washington
Quinault RiverSWIFD lists chinook, chum and coho, 2 USGS gauges, 70 mi in Washington
Queets RiverSWIFD lists chinook, chum and coho, 1 USGS gauge, 55 mi in Washington
Elwha RiverSWIFD lists chinook, chum and coho, 2 WDFW shore or access sites, 1 USGS gauge, 44 mi in Washington
Clearwater River (Jefferson County)SWIFD lists chinook, chum and coho, 40 mi in Washington
North Fork Skokomish RiverSWIFD lists chinook, chum and coho, 3 USGS gauges, 35 mi in Washington
Dungeness RiverSWIFD lists chinook, chum and coho, 1 USGS gauge, 32 mi in Washington
South Fork Skokomish RiverSWIFD lists chinook, chum and coho, 1 USGS gauge, 30 mi in Washington
Dosewallips RiverSWIFD lists chinook, chum and coho, 30 mi in Washington
Duckabush RiverSWIFD lists chinook, chum and coho, 1 USGS gauge, 26 mi in Washington
South Fork Hoh RiverSWIFD lists chinook, chum and coho, 21 mi in Washington
Big Quilcene RiverSWIFD lists chinook, chum and coho, 1 WDFW shore or access site, 1 USGS gauge, 20 mi in Washington
Gray Wolf RiverSWIFD lists chinook, chum and coho, 18 mi in Washington
Salmon RiverSWIFD lists chinook, chum and coho, 15 mi in Washington
Snahapish RiverSWIFD lists chinook, coho and steelhead trout, 14 mi in Washington
Little Quilcene RiverSWIFD lists chinook, chum and coho, 13 mi in Washington
Solleks RiverSWIFD lists chinook, coho and steelhead trout, 12 mi in Washington
Other named streams in Jefferson County (12)
Goldie River9 mi in Washington
Hayes River8 mi in Washington
Hemp Hill Creek1 WDFW shore or access site, 2 mi in Washington
Indian George Creek2 WDFW shore or access sites, 2 mi in Washington
Lillian River12 mi in Washington
Lost River7 mi in Washington
Middle Fork Salmon RiverSWIFD lists coho and steelhead trout, 6 mi in Washington
North Fork Quinault RiverSWIFD lists chinook, coho and steelhead trout, 18 mi in Washington
North Fork Salmon RiverSWIFD lists coho and steelhead trout, 6 mi in Washington
Sams RiverSWIFD lists chinook, coho and steelhead trout, 17 mi in Washington
South Fork Salmon RiverSWIFD lists coho and steelhead trout, 4 mi in Washington
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 12, 2026 7:33 pm ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
USGS NHD flowlines and Washington lengths, WDFW SWIFD salmon and steelhead distribution, WDFW and State Parks launches, USGS gauges; retrieved October 31, 2026.
Stocking
Hatchery rainbows and cutthroat in Jefferson County
WDFW logged 12 trout plants in Jefferson County so far in 2026, 9,331 fish across 5 waters.
Leland LakeCutthroat, 450 fish at 1.62 per pound, October 16, 2026, Eells Springs
Teal LakeRainbow, 150 fish at 1 per pound, September 29, 2026, George Adams Hatchery
Leland LakeRainbow, 1,510 fish at 1 per pound, September 29, 2026, George Adams Hatchery
Gibbs LakeRainbow, 350 fish at 1 per pound, September 29, 2026, George Adams Hatchery
Leland LakeRainbow, 2,707 fish at 1.8 per pound, May 21, 2026, Eells Springs
Leland LakeRainbow, 1,560 fish at 1.7 per pound, May 5, 2026, Solduc Hatchery
Tarboo LakeRainbow, 960 fish at 1.7 per pound, April 22, 2026, Solduc Hatchery
Silent LakeRainbow, 480 fish at 1.7 per pound, April 22, 2026, Solduc Hatchery
Teal LakeRainbow, 301 fish at 1.38 per pound, March 16, 2026, Lakewood Hatchery
Gibbs LakeRainbow, 773 fish at 1.38 per pound, March 16, 2026, Lakewood Hatchery
Teal LakeRainbow, 40 fish at 0.23 per pound, January 29, 2026, Eells Springs
Gibbs LakeRainbow, 50 fish at 0.23 per pound, January 29, 2026, Eells Springs
WDFW Trout Plants report (rows January 2 to October 27, 2026), read October 31, 2026; newest plants first.
Access
WDFW and State Parks ramps in Jefferson County
Crocker Lake boat launchCrocker Lake, WDFW, 1 ramp, concrete surface, Discover Pass
Gardiner boat launchMarine Area 6, Port of Port Townsend, 1 ramp, concrete surface, Discover Pass
Indian George Creek boat launch on Dabob BayDabob Bay, WDFW, n/a surface, Discover Pass
Leland Lake boat launchLeland Lake, Jefferson County Parks & Rec, 1 ramp, gravel surface
Mystery Bay, pier and floatsMarine Area 9, State Parks, Discover Pass
Pleasant HarborMarine Area 12, WDFW, 1 ramp, concrete surface, Discover Pass
Point Whitney boat launch on Dabob BayDabob Bay, WDFW, 1 ramp, concrete surface, Discover Pass
Tarboo Lake boat launchTarboo Lake, WDFW, 1 ramp, gravel surface, Discover Pass
Triton Cove boat launchMarine Area 12, WDFW, n/a surface, 1 hand launch, Discover Pass
WDFW Facilities layer (boat launches, piers, shore sites) and the State Parks boat launch layer; retrieved October 31, 2026. Lanes and per-launch fees are not published in these layers.
Regulations
Washington statewide limits that apply in Jefferson County
Every Jefferson County lake or creek without a Special Rule uses these statewide rows. At 2026-27 WDFW prices, freshwater fishing runs $39.95 for a resident and $115.85 for an out-of-state angler 16 or older. For the sound and the coast, WDFW prices the Saltwater license at $40.71 resident and $81.70 nonresident. Retained salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and halibut go on a catch record card issued with the license.
Min. size 12" in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Daily limit 8. Only 1 over 22" may be retained. May be caught, retained, and released alive from a livewell until daily limit is in possession.
Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: year-round; rivers, streams and beaver ponds: Sat. before Memorial Day through Oct. 31
No min. size. Daily limit 10. When fishing with bait, all kokanee that are lawful to possess and are equal to or greater than the minimum size are counted as part of the daily limit whether kept or released.
Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: year-round; rivers, streams and beaver ponds: Sat. before Memorial Day through Oct. 31 (p.23 general rule for
Tiger Muskellunge (Tiger Muskie)
Min. size 50". Daily limit 1.
Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: year-round; rivers, streams and beaver ponds: Sat. before Memorial Day through Oct. 31 (p.23 general rule for
Limits and seasons as printed in the 2026-2027 Washington Sport Fishing Rules (WDFW pamphlet, in effect July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027), PDF page 27 (pamphlet PDF; eRegulations statewide freshwater page), read October 31, 2026. Special Rules as printed in the 2026-2027 Washington Sport Fishing Rules (WDFW pamphlet, in effect July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027), pamphlet page 26 (pamphlet PDF), read on eRegulations October 31, 2026.
Records
WDFW record entries for Jefferson County
Species
Weight
Angler
Water
Date
Brown Bullhead
3.90 lbs
Joe Ochota
Ludlow Lake
June 26, 1997
Atlantic Salmon, resident
8.96 lbs
Gregory Lepping
Goat Lake, Jefferson County
Sept. 13, 1992
Coho Salmon
25.27 lbs
Brad Wilson
Quinault River
Nov. 11, 2001
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) sport fish records list, as of October 31, 2026.
Local help
Gear and guided trips around Jefferson County
Jefferson County counters for tackle and bait
Northwest Fishing Newsbait and tackle shop, Port Ludlow
Fish N Holemarina, Port Townsend
Port Ludlow Marinamarina, Port Ludlow
Port of Port Townsendmarina, Port Townsend
Port of Port Townsend Moorage & Yardmarina, Port Townsend
Can I launch a drift boat or sled in Jefferson County?
Count 14 launches, run by 6 WDFW, 5 State Parks and 3 other agencies.
Which Jefferson County lake comes first on surface acres?
Leland Lake, at 108 surface acres in the WDFW layer.
What ends up in the cooler around Jefferson County?
Rainbow trout lead the count of water pages within 50 miles, followed by largemouth bass, coastal cutthroat trout and yellow perch.
Where do Jefferson County anglers buy bait and tackle?
Try Northwest Fishing News; the list holds 5.
Are any charter skippers based in Jefferson County?
The file holds 1 guide or charter.
Which Washington town runs the business of Jefferson County?
Port Townsend hosts the county offices.
Which WDFW license does a Jefferson County trip call for?
At 2026-27 WDFW prices, freshwater fishing runs $39.95 for a resident and $115.85 for an out-of-state angler 16 or older. For the sound and the coast, WDFW prices the Saltwater license at $40.71 resident and $81.70 nonresident.
Which neighbouring county page should Jefferson County anglers open next?
Closest by centre point: Clallam County, Mason County and Kitsap County.
Which Special Rules apply in Jefferson County?
The 2026-27 pamphlet prints 217 Special Rule entries touching this county, starting with Big Quilcene River; the table above shows the first ones.
Which marine areas touch Jefferson County?
Admiralty Inlet, East Juan de Fuca Strait, Hood Canal and La Push; the marine table above links each page.
What record weights trace to Jefferson County?
Brown Bullhead, 3.90 lbs, from Ludlow Lake, Jefferson County (June 26, 1997).
Is there stocked trout water in Jefferson County?
12 WDFW plants so far in 2026, 9,331 fish; the latest went into Leland Lake on Oct. 16, 2026.
Plan two days of fishing in Jefferson County
Lake pages list ramps, trout plants and WDFW species.
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