What Budd Inlet Offers and When to Fish It

Budd Inlet is a saltwater arm of Puget Sound near Olympia, Washington, roughly 60 miles south of Seattle. It holds bottomfish year-round, seasonal salmon runs in summer and fall, and strong populations of Dungeness crab in winter. The inlet is accessible from multiple public boat launches and shoreline access points, making it manageable for both small-boat anglers and those fishing from shore or kayak.

The inlet's character changes with the season. Summer brings chinook and coho salmon, though runs vary by year. Fall offers chum salmon and lingcod. Winter is prime time for Dungeness crab and bottomfish like rockfish and cabezon. Spring can be slow for salmon but remains decent for resident bottomfish. Water temperature ranges from the low 40s in winter to the mid-50s in summer, so dress accordingly.

Key Takeaways

  • Budd Inlet has public boat launches at Priest Point and Burfoot Park, plus shoreline access at several county parks, making it accessible without private property.
  • Salmon seasons run roughly June through October, with chinook and coho in summer and chum in fall, though exact dates and catch limits change yearly.
  • Dungeness crab season typically opens in December and runs through winter, with pots and rings available for rent at nearby tackle shops.
  • A Washington saltwater fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older, and separate endorsements are needed for salmon and crab.
  • Tidal current in the inlet can be strong, especially near the narrows, so check tide tables before launching and plan your fishing around slack water.

Public Boat Launches and Shore Access

Priest Point Boat Launch, located on the west side of the inlet near Olympia, is the most-used public ramp. It has two lanes, parking for trailers, and a gravel beach suitable for small boats and kayaks. The launch is maintained by Thurston County and is open year-round. Burfoot Park, on the east side near Lacey, offers a single-lane launch with parking and picnic facilities. Both ramps charge a modest day-use fee.

Shore anglers and kayakers have several options. Priest Point Park itself has beach access and is good for crabbing from shore or kayak. Garfield Nature Trail, also on the west side, offers limited shoreline access. Tolmie State Park, at the southern tip of the inlet, has a boat launch and beach access but is smaller and less crowded than Priest Point. Parking fills quickly on weekends during crab season, so arrive early.

Kayak fishing is popular in Budd Inlet because the water is relatively protected and launch points are close to productive fishing grounds. Crabbing from a kayak is common in winter. If you launch a kayak, stay aware of boat traffic near the launches and keep an eye on tidal current, which can push you away from your intended area.

Salmon Seasons and Techniques

Chinook salmon enter Budd Inlet in June and July, with peak fishing typically in July. Coho follow in August and September. Chum salmon arrive in September and October. Exact opening dates, daily catch limits, and size restrictions change each year and are set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Check the current saltwater fishing rules pamphlet before you fish—it is free and available online or at tackle shops.

Chinook and coho respond to jigging with metal spoons and shads in 60 to 120 feet of water, typically near the deeper channels and narrows. Mooching—drifting with live or dead herring—is also effective. Chum salmon are less selective and will take spoons and plugs in shallower water. Most anglers fish from boats, but shore anglers occasionally connect during peak runs, especially near Priest Point and Tolmie.

Salmon fishing in Budd Inlet is not as consistent as in some other Puget Sound locations, and runs can be weak in some years. Success depends on recent ocean conditions and hatchery returns. Talk to local tackle shops before you go—they track recent catches and can tell you whether the run is strong that week.

Bottomfish and Lingcod Year-Round

Rockfish, cabezon, and lingcod live in Budd Inlet throughout the year. Rockfish are the most abundant and are caught in 40 to 100 feet of water on jigging spoons, shads, and small live baitfish. Cabezon prefer rocky areas and respond to the same techniques. Lingcod are larger and more aggressive, often taking larger shads and spoons in 80 to 150 feet of water.

Bottomfish fishing is most productive in fall and winter when salmon seasons are closed or slow. Spring and early summer can be decent as well. Summer water temperatures and lower oxygen levels in deeper water can slow the bite. Fishing near structure—rocky outcrops, old pilings, and drop-offs—increases your chances. The narrows between the main inlet and the southern arm hold good populations of all three species.

Daily catch limits for rockfish and cabezon vary by species and are listed in the WDFW rules. Lingcod have their own season and size restrictions. Keep current with the regulations before you fish, as they change annually.

Dungeness Crab Season and Methods

Dungeness crab season in Budd Inlet typically opens in mid-December and runs through March, though the exact dates are set by WDFW based on meat quality testing. This is the busiest time on the inlet, with dozens of recreational crabbers working pots and rings. Crabbing is allowed from boats, kayaks, and shore.

Crab pots are the most effective method. A standard recreational pot holds four to six crabs and is baited with chicken, herring, or squid. Pots are dropped in 30 to 60 feet of water and checked every 20 to 30 minutes. Crab rings—collapsible nets on a frame—are lighter and easier to handle from a kayak or small boat, though they hold fewer crabs. Both methods require a crab endorsement on your saltwater license.

Crab quality varies through the season. Early December crabs are often soft-shelled and watery. Mid-January through February typically offers the best meat. By March, some crabs begin to soften again as they prepare to molt. Check local reports before you go—tackle shops and the WDFW website post recent catch reports and meat quality updates.

Crab pots and rings can be rented at several tackle shops near Olympia and Lacey, so you do not need to own equipment to try it. Rental typically costs $10 to $20 per day per pot.

Tides, Currents, and Safety Considerations

Budd Inlet is a tidal system, and current strength varies with the tide cycle. The narrows between the main inlet and the southern arm can develop strong currents, especially during flood and ebb tides. Slack water—the period of minimal current between tides—is the safest and often most productive time to fish. Check tide tables for your launch point before you go. NOAA tide predictions for Olympia are a reliable reference.

Wind can build quickly in the afternoon, particularly in summer. Morning fishing is usually calmer. If you are launching a small boat or kayak, check the marine forecast and plan to be off the water by early afternoon if wind is predicted. The inlet is relatively protected compared to open Puget Sound, but conditions can change fast.

Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times on the water. Saltwater temperatures in winter are cold enough to cause hypothermia quickly if you go overboard. Let someone know where you are fishing and when you expect to return.

Licenses, Endorsements, and Regulations

A Washington saltwater fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older. Licenses are sold online through the WDFW website, at tackle shops, and at some sporting goods stores. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you fish only occasionally.

Salmon fishing requires a separate salmon endorsement. Crabbing requires a crab endorsement. Both are added to your license at purchase. Bottomfish (rockfish, cabezon, lingcod) do not require a separate endorsement—they are covered under the base saltwater license.

Catch limits, size restrictions, and season dates change annually and sometimes mid-season. The WDFW publishes a free saltwater fishing rules pamphlet each year that lists all current restrictions by species and area. Read it before you fish. Violations can result in fines and loss of fishing privileges.

Tackle Shops and Local Information

Several tackle shops near Olympia and Lacey stock saltwater gear, rent crab pots, and sell licenses. They also track recent catches and can tell you which species are biting that week and where other anglers are having success. Calling ahead to ask about current conditions is worth the time—a shop that knows the inlet well can save you a frustrating day.

The WDFW website publishes weekly catch reports for Puget Sound areas, including Budd Inlet. These reports show what species are being caught, where, and in what numbers. They are updated regularly during active seasons and are free to view.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Budd Inlet?

No. Shore anglers fish from Priest Point Park and Tolmie State Park, especially during salmon season. Kayak fishing is also popular and requires only a kayak and a saltwater license. Bottomfish and crab can be caught from shore or kayak, though a boat gives you access to deeper water and more productive areas.

What is the best time of year to fish Budd Inlet?

Winter (December through February) is best for Dungeness crab. Summer (June through September) is best for salmon, though runs vary by year. Bottomfish are available year-round but bite best in fall and winter. Spring can be slow for all species. Check recent catch reports before planning a trip.

How much does it cost to fish Budd Inlet?

A one-day saltwater license costs around $15 to $20. Salmon and crab endorsements add a few dollars each. Boat launch fees are typically $5 to $10 per day. Crab pot rentals run $10 to $20 per day. A full-year license is cheaper if you fish multiple times.

Can I keep salmon I catch in Budd Inlet?

Yes, but only during open seasons and within daily catch limits set by WDFW. Limits vary by species and year. Check the current rules pamphlet before you fish. Some years the inlet is closed to salmon fishing if the run is weak.

What should I bring for a day of crabbing?

Bring a crab pot or ring, bait (chicken, herring, or squid), a measuring device to check crab size, a net or basket to hold your catch, and a cooler with ice. Wear a PFD and check the tide table before you launch. Crab pots can be rented if you do not own one.