Marine Area 4 - Neah Bay

Marine Area 4 includes the Pacific Ocean from Cape Alava north to Cape Flattery, and east in the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Sekiu River. Cape Flattery is the northwest most point in the lower 48 states.

Marine Area 4 is the premier small boat fishery along the Washington coast. Cape Flattery is renowned for its exceptional beauty and salmon fishing during the summer. Neah Bay is the primary access point for Area 4, although some anglers launch at Snow Creek or travel from Sekiu. The coastline here is rugged and beautiful. The submerged and exposed rocks and pillars provide wonderful habitat for lingcod and rockfish. Keep an eye out for the elusive sea otter. These wonderful and quite rare mammals have been reintroduced and live among the kelp beds along the shore.

Neah Bay is much more protected than any of the other ocean ports. There isn't a dangerous bar to cross in order to access very good salmon fishing, making this a popular destination for boats from 14 to 20 feet in length, including for pink salmon on odd years. However, like all ocean fisheries, be sure to pay attention to the forecast. Boaters should check their charts before leaving port and ensure their route is free of submerged rocks.

Anglers who plan to fish for salmon in Canadian marine waters and return in their boats with their catch to Washington are required to notify WDFW before leaving state waters.