Outdoor Adventures

Union Wharf gives shore anglers a specific public fishing destination at the foot of Taylor Street on Port Townsend’s downtown waterfront. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife lists parking, ADA access, restrooms, lights and railings here—and identifies the pier as a good place for squid jigging. This guide covers exact access, the facilities you can verify before leaving home, Marine Area 9 rule checks, night-session planning and cold-water safety.

Union Wharf fishing pier quick facts

• Official destination: Port Townsend Union Wharf
• Address: 100 Taylor Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368
• Water: Port Townsend Bay, within Washington’s Marine Area 9
• Verified pier features: Parking, ADA access, restrooms, lights and railings
• Signature activity: Squid jigging
• Ownership: Port of Port Townsend; the City transferred Union Wharf and City Dock to the Port in 2012 with continued free pedestrian public access
• Planning caution: Confirm posted hours, parking limits and current fishing rules onsite before settling in

Start with the official WDFW Union Wharf record. It is the clearest current destination page for the pier’s fishing amenities and squid-jigging designation.

Find the pier at the foot of Taylor Street

Use 100 Taylor Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 for navigation. Union Wharf extends from the downtown waterfront at Taylor Street, near Water Street. The address is confirmed in the City of Port Townsend’s public-art directory, while the Port of Port Townsend’s current planning documents identify Union Wharf as a public waterfront facility.

WDFW lists parking at the pier, but that does not promise a particular stall, price or time limit. Downtown curb rules and event conditions can change, so read every sign before unloading. Keep the pier approach, walking route and working waterfront clear.

What anglers can expect on the wharf

The official fishing-pier directory confirms railings, lights, restrooms and ADA access. Those basics make Union Wharf more practical than an unprotected shoreline pull-off, especially for a short urban fishing session. Actual route surfaces, restroom availability and temporary obstructions can still vary, so visitors who need a specific accommodation should confirm local conditions before the trip.

Bring only what can be carried safely from parking to the fishing position. Keep rods, coolers and buckets out of the pedestrian path, never block ladders or vessel-access areas, and yield space to other waterfront users. Do not assume that pier lighting guarantees unrestricted overnight access; check posted rules and local hours before planning a late session.

Squid jigging from Union Wharf

WDFW specifically includes Union Wharf among Washington’s public piers that are good for squid jigging. Squid often feed after dark and can be drawn toward lighted water, which is why the wharf’s lights matter. A high tide, cloudy weather or light rain may improve conditions, but squid movement is never guaranteed.

• Use a squid jig or another legal setup listed in the current state rules.
• Carry a light that does not blind other anglers, plus warm waterproof layers.
• Use a separate container for each harvester’s catch.
• Keep wet decks, ink, loose line and hooks from creating hazards for pedestrians.
• Check current limits and gear rules immediately before fishing; do not rely on an older screenshot or saved pamphlet.

The WDFW squid-fishing guide explains licenses, legal gear and handling. Anglers age 16 and older generally need a Washington fishing license, but always verify the current rule for the exact activity and date.

Check Marine Area 9 seasons before fishing

Port Townsend Bay belongs to Marine Area 9, which covers Admiralty Inlet and nearby waters. Salmon, bottomfish and shellfish opportunities can open or close by species, subarea, quota and date. Public access to the pier does not mean a particular fishery is open.

Before tying a lure, review the current WDFW Marine Area 9 page, the regulation pamphlet and emergency rules. Carry the required license and catch record card when applicable, identify the species before retaining it, and measure or record fish exactly as the current rules require.

A 2026 spot-shrimp closure to know

WDFW closed Marine Area 9 to recreational spot-shrimp harvest in 2026 because of low abundance. That closure is a useful reminder that a familiar pier or an otherwise open marine area does not override species-specific restrictions. Check the current shellfish pages for any non-spot shrimp opportunity instead of assuming the rules are the same.

Tides, weather and waterfront safety

• Check the Port Townsend marine forecast and tide table before leaving home.
• Dress for wind and cold spray even when downtown streets feel mild.
• Stay behind railings and supervise children closely near every opening and vessel area.
• Use non-slip footwear; algae, rain, fish slime and squid ink can make surfaces slick.
• Never climb down pilings or improvise shoreline access from the wharf.
• Secure loose line and packaging so it cannot enter the bay.
• Leave immediately if lightning, unsafe wind, poor visibility or waterfront operations make the session unsuitable.

Puget Sound water remains cold enough to make an unexpected fall dangerous in any season. Fish with a partner when possible, know the location of rescue equipment, and keep a charged phone protected from rain.

Nearby fishing and launch alternatives

Port Townsend City Dock is a distinct public pier nearby. WDFW lists parking, ADA access, restrooms and railings there, but its directory does not give City Dock the same lights-and-squid designation as Union Wharf. Treat the two facilities as separate destinations and follow the posted rules at each.

For a trailerable-boat trip, the Fort Flagler State Park guide covers a Marine Area 9 launch, seasonal moorage and shore access on Marrowstone Island. The Gardiner Boat Launch guide explains a compact no-dock ramp on Discovery Bay. Neither is a substitute for Union Wharf’s walk-on downtown pier access, but both help build a weather-dependent backup plan.

Pack for a simple pier session

• Current license and catch record card when required
• Phone access to live WDFW regulations and emergency rules
• Legal tackle matched to the species and season
• Warm waterproof layers, gloves and non-slip footwear
• Headlamp or flashlight for a permitted evening session
• Separate catch container for each squid harvester
• Small cleanup kit for line, hooks and squid ink

Union Wharf works best as a precise, low-logistics waterfront destination: verify the rules, park legally, carry a compact kit and leave the pedestrian route cleaner than you found it. For squid, confirm local access hours first and treat the wharf’s lights as a useful feature—not a promise of an unrestricted all-night fishery.