Seattle Fishing Opportunities in December: Cold Weather, Hot Crabbing & Winter Blackmouth
As the year wraps up, December brings a slower pace to the waters of the Pacific Northwest and an exciting opportunity to put some incredible seafood on the table for Christmas and New Year's. With winter crabbing in full swing and Blackmouth salmon still biting when the weather is right, December offers a unique blend of challenge, reward, and restful time on the water before another busy year begins.
Winter Crabbing in Seattle: Some of the Best of the Year
Humans aren't the only ones who like to feast around the holidays—Dungeness crabs really start to hit the baits in our crab pots during December. The anticipation of pulling up a crab pot at this time of year creates an exciting buzz on the boat, because you know the chances of a good haul are high! The cold water temperatures in December also improve the meat quality of Dungeness crab, often producing the best crab meat of the year.
Whether you're looking to fill a holiday table or simply enjoy a Northwest delicacy straight from the Puget Sound, winter crabbing always delivers. We recommend pairing crabbing with a flounder fishing charter.
December Blackmouth Salmon Fishing
Winter blackmouth (resident Chinook) fishing is known for being a bit unpredictable this time of year. Bites can be hit or miss, especially when weather fronts roll through. But when the seas line up, and the rods bend, the reward is always worth it.
December’s slower action can actually be a benefit for anglers wanting to learn new techniques. Unlike fast-paced days where we stick to whatever is producing the most fish, winter outings give us time to experiment with:
- Different trolling setups
- Jigging techniques
- Varying depths and gear
- Changing bait presentations
For guests looking to sharpen their skills, winter is a relaxed but hands-on opportunity to learn new fishing techniques.
The Reward For Braving the Cold
The true reward of cold-weather salmon fishing is the beautiful, tasty, and nutrient-dense meat that it produces. In December, Blackmouth salmon are in feeding mode rather than spawning, which means they are continually building up fat to store for the migration season. What does that mean for us? Some of the best salmon meat you can find!
Salmon meat in December has:
- Higher fat content
- Richer flavor
- Excellent omega-3 levels
- Enough natural oil to pan-fry without adding any
These fish make some of the best fillets we see all year. Add some fresh-caught crab to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect holiday feast—and a great fishing story to share around the table.
Wildlife Viewing & Sightseeing on Puget Sound in December
When the fishing is slow, December offers excellent wildlife viewing. On our winter fishing charters, we often see:
- Seals and sea lions
- Harbor porpoises
- Bald eagles and winter birdlife
- Occasional orcas
- Even migrating humpback whales
If you're looking for an outdoor adventure but want to avoid the mountain crowds and long drives, Puget Sound is a peaceful, easy-access alternative right in our backyard. If you aren't interested in fishing at all, we even offer designated Puget Sound sightseeing boat tours.
December Charters & Departure Locations
We offer several winter charter options from two departure locations:
December Salmon Fishing Charters
- Departing from Tacoma, WA, just south of Seattle
Crabbing & Flounder Combo Trips
- Departing from Seattle, WA, at Shilshole Bay Marina
Trips run 4–6 hours—perfect for a half-day winter adventure.
Join Us on the Sound This December
Whether you're chasing winter Chinook, pulling up delicious Dungeness crab, or simply wanting a peaceful day on the water, December, like all months, is a great time to go fishing in or near Seattle if you can tough it out in the cold.
Posted in: Seattle Fishing Reports
