The Night Shift on Puget Sound
Not every good fishing trip in Washington starts with a boat, a long drive, or an early alarm.
Sometimes all you need is a public pier, a little patience, and a squid jig.
October is a good time to think about squid jigging around Edmonds and Seattle. Adult squid move through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound from late May through February, with market squid being the most common.
Their movement through the Sound follows a general seasonal pattern, which helps narrow down where to start looking.
And the best part? You can get involved without spending a fortune on gear.
Where the Squid Are Moving
Squid generally work their way farther into Puget Sound as the season progresses.
Here’s the broad pattern to keep in mind:
- Edmonds waterfront: Squid commonly begin showing up around September, making this a logical October starting point.
- Elliott Bay and Seattle shoreline: Activity follows as squid move farther into the Sound.
- Des Moines and Tacoma: These areas typically become more relevant in late November and December.
- South Sound: December and January are the months to keep in mind farther south.
These are seasonal tendencies, not guarantees for any particular night.
For an October outing, I’d concentrate first on accessible Edmonds and Seattle-area piers rather than automatically heading far south.
Fish the Edge of the Light
Here’s one of the most useful things to know about squid: they feed mainly at night, and light plays a big role in where you’ll find them.
Squid are attracted to illuminated areas, where they pursue young herring and other small fish. But the brightest patch of water isn’t necessarily the only place to concentrate.
Pay attention to the shadow line—the darker water just beyond the reach of a pier light.
That’s often where squid lurk while hunting.
A few practical tips:
- Start near the light-dark boundary. Explore different depths rather than staying at one level.
- Work the jig gently. Controlled lifts and pauses are a good starting point.
- Stay observant. Watch the water and how other anglers are working their gear.
- Bring your own light. A lantern or flashlight helps at unlit locations and makes handling gear easier.
Squid jigging is straightforward to learn, and there’s something satisfying about figuring out the rhythm of a productive night.
Keep the Setup Simple
One reason I like recommending squid jigging to newcomers is the low barrier to entry.
You don’t need a boat or a complicated collection of tackle. A basic rod-and-line setup with squid jigs can get you started.
Bring an extra jig or two, something to hold your catch, warm layers, and footwear suited to wet pier surfaces. A small light is useful even when the pier itself is illuminated.
One important detail: license and limit rules apply to squid jigging. Before you go, check WDFW regulations and emergency rules for the license you need.
Try a Different Kind of Fishing Night
If you’re curious about squid but haven’t tried it, start with our squid species guide. You can also find a local guide for help exploring Washington fishing opportunities.
For October, Edmonds and Seattle are sensible places to begin.
A cool evening, pier lights reflecting off the water, and a simple squid jig make for a distinctly Puget Sound experience. You might discover that some of the most enjoyable fishing happens after sunset.