Fishing on the Point Defiance Pier
Tucked beneath the Point Defiance Boathouse boat storage, this smaller, sheltered pier offers a quieter alternative to Tacoma's busier waterfront spots. Backed by a marina that's been putting people on the water since 1903, it's a favorite for Chinook, coho, pink salmon, and squid, with the option to rent a boat if the pier action slows down. With panoramic South Sound views, a nearby waterfront restaurant, and a scenic promenade leading to Owen Beach, it's easy to turn a quiet morning of fishing into a full day exploring the park.
Where is Point Defiance Pier?
Point Defiance Pier is part of the Point Defiance Marina, located within Point Defiance Park on Tacoma's Ruston Way waterfront, not far from Les Davis Pier. Reaching the pier means walking beneath the Boathouse boat storage building, which gives it a more tucked-away, sheltered feel compared to more exposed piers nearby, and it tends to draw a smaller crowd as a result. The marina offers boat rentals, a public boat launch, a tackle and gift shop, and a scenic waterfront promenade leading to Owen Beach, along with panoramic views of the South Sound, and Anthony's At Point Defiance restaurant sits just up the bluff for anglers looking to make a day of it.
From Seattle, Point Defiance is roughly 40 minutes to an hour south via I-5, similar to the drive for Les Davis Pier just up the waterfront. Parking is available at the marina, including designated ADA spaces, and fishing on the public pier is allowed from sunrise to sunset, 363 days a year, tied to the marina store's business hours.
Point Defiance Pier Map
What You Can Catch at Point Defiance Pier
Point Defiance is well known for its Chinook salmon fishery, including both migratory kings, which return in sizes from 10 to nearly 30 pounds, and resident "blackmouth" that stick around Puget Sound year-round rather than heading out to the ocean. Pink and coho salmon are also popular targets, with pink buzz bombs and hoochies a favorite choice during odd-numbered years. Squid jigging draws steady interest from the pier and from boats working the water just in front of the marina, and bottom fishing for flounder is a reliable option throughout much of the year. Crabbing is available seasonally as well, with both red rock and Dungeness crab caught from the pier and by boat anglers working nearby waters, check WDFW Crab Page for season information. Because Point Defiance sits within Marine Area 11, the same regulations governing Les Davis and other South Sound piers apply here, and rules can shift in-season, so checking current WDFW regulations before keeping anything is essential.
Point Defiance Pier Fishing Seasons
Salmon: Chinook salmon are the pier's signature catch, with the majority of migratory kings arriving in late July and August, though resident blackmouth offer a shot at Chinook throughout the year; pink and coho salmon add to the action as well, especially during odd-numbered pink years. For Chinook, use a Puget Pounder Jig in 1.5 to 2 ounce. For Coho and Pink Salmon, switch to a Buzz Bomb or P-Line Laser Minnows for the best action.
Squid: Squid fishing is typically best in the cooler months, with good action reported both from the pier and from boats working the deeper water just offshore, particularly around high tide in the late afternoon and evening. Pick up a variety of colors and sizes of squid jigs for your next trip to the pier.
Crab: Crabbing at Point Defiance is open seasonally within Marine Area 11, producing both red rock and Dungeness crab; because rules and open dates shift from year to year, and the season can close entirely for stretches of the winter, confirming current WDFW dates before dropping a pot is essential. When the season opens, cast your favorite crab snare with our Okuma Crab Snare Spinning Combo.
Flounder: Flounder fishing from the pier and marina area is consistently good much of the year, offering a dependable option for anglers looking for action outside the marquee salmon and squid seasons. Use a sliding egg sinker setup with a small chunk of bait or a Berkley Gulp! 2” Sand Worm.
Fishing on Point Defiance Pier
Because Point Defiance Pier is more sheltered and less trafficked than some of its Tacoma neighbors, it's a good option for anglers who prefer a quieter session, though the sheltered walk beneath the Boathouse means checking pier hours before heading out, since access follows the marina store's sunrise-to-sunset schedule rather than being open around the clock. For Chinook and blackmouth, trolling flashers with spoons or artificial squid in deeper water tends to be productive for boat anglers, while pier anglers do well with pink buzz bombs and hoochies during salmon season. If the pier bite is slow, renting one of the marina's small boats is an easy, affordable way to reach better water nearby, including the short run to Quartermaster Harbor between Vashon and Maury Islands. Local squidding classes are occasionally offered right at the marina for anglers wanting to learn the ropes. With its sheltered setting, strong Chinook fishery, and the option to rent a boat when the pier isn't producing, Point Defiance offers a well-rounded and slightly more laid-back alternative to Tacoma's other waterfront piers.
