10 Monster Fish Pulled From Pacific Northwest Waters

Big fish stories never get old. The second a rod bends, and the line starts screaming off the reel, everything else fades away. Your heart starts racing, your grip tightens, and suddenly you are thinking about drag settings, knots, and whether your gear can handle whatever is pulling from the other end.

Few places deliver that kind of excitement quite like the Pacific Northwest. Anglers can chase massive salmon in coastal rivers, head offshore for tuna, or explore Puget Sound and the region’s inland waters for fish capable of turning an ordinary day on the water into a lifelong memory. Some of these catches became famous because they shattered records. Others stand out because they came from places many Washington and Oregon travelers know well.

This gallery looks at 10 of the biggest fish caught across Washington and Oregon, based on official state records and widely recognized record listings. Each entry includes the species, weight, location, and the story behind the catch. From deep-water giants to enormous freshwater trophies, these are the fish that made Pacific Northwest angling history.

Editorial note: Some photos are representative images of the species and may not show the actual record-setting fish or the angler who caught it.

Pacific halibut (288 lb), Swiftsure Bank, WA, Sep 9, 1989

On September 9, 1989, angler Vic Stevens landed a 288-pound Pacific halibut at Swiftsure Bank off Washington’s outer coast. The catch stands out as one of the largest verified sport-caught fish in Washington waters. Halibut of this size are deep-dwelling flatfish that require heavy tackle and strong boat control to keep pressure on the fish. It remains a benchmark catch for West Coast halibut anglers.

Sixgill shark (220 lb), Gedney Island (Hat Island), WA, Jan 30, 1991

On January 30, 1991, Jim Haines caught a 220-pound sixgill shark near Gedney Island, also known as Hat Island, in Washington waters. Sixgills are deepwater sharks that can move into shallower areas, making occasional trophy encounters possible. This record highlights just how large Puget Sound and nearby marine zones can produce. It also showcases the variety of big-game fishing available within reach of the Seattle area.

Striped marlin (134 lb), Westport, WA, Sep 2, 2005

On September 2, 2005, Phil Wolff landed a 134-pound striped marlin out of Westport, Washington. Marlin are prized for explosive runs and aerial jumps, and they are more commonly associated with warmer waters. Washington’s record reflects the occasional presence of big pelagic fish off the Pacific coast during productive late-summer conditions. For anglers, it is a reminder that offshore Washington can deliver true big-game surprises.

Big skate (130 lb), Double Bluff, WA, May 18, 1986

On May 18, 1986, Dan Cartwright caught a 130-pound big skate at Double Bluff in Washington. Skates are powerful, bottom-oriented rays that can be stubborn to lift from depth. This catch is notable because it came from a location in Puget Sound region waters that many locals recognize. It remains one of the heaviest verified records for Washington’s inshore marine species.

Opah (113.4 lb), Pacific Ocean off Pacific County, WA, Sep 7, 2018

On September 7, 2018, Kyle Tapio caught a 113.4-pound opah in the Pacific Ocean off Washington’s Pacific County. Opah, also called moonfish, are striking, deepwater fish that are uncommon catches for many anglers. Landing one at this size is especially notable and speaks to the offshore opportunities available from Washington ports. The record also highlights how diverse Washington’s saltwater fishery can be beyond the usual salmon and bottomfish.

Pacific bluefin tuna (92.15 lb), Pacific Ocean off Pacific County, WA, Aug 12, 2019

On August 12, 2019, Adam Speer landed a 92.15-pound Pacific bluefin tuna in the Pacific Ocean off Washington’s Pacific County. Bluefin are among the most powerful sportfish, known for long runs and relentless strength. A fish of this size requires serious gear, patience, and often a well-coordinated boat crew. The record is a reminder that tuna seasons can occasionally push into Washington waters with exciting results.

Chinook salmon (83 lb), Umpqua River, OR, 1910

In 1910, Ernie St Claire caught an 83-pound Chinook salmon on Oregon’s Umpqua River. Chinook are the largest Pacific salmon species, and fish of this size are exceptionally rare in modern times. The catch has long been listed among Oregon’s top coldwater record fish. It remains a legendary benchmark for salmon anglers in the Pacific Northwest.

Chinook salmon (70.5 lb), Sekiu, WA, Sep 6, 1964

On September 6, 1964, Chet Gausta caught a 70.5-pound Chinook salmon near Sekiu on Washington’s north coast. Sekiu is a well-known salmon destination near the Strait of Juan de Fuca. A Chinook of this size is a true trophy, requiring strong gear and careful boat handling during the fight. The catch helped cement Sekiu’s reputation as one of Washington’s classic big-salmon areas.

Striped bass (68 lb), Umpqua River, OR, 1973

In 1973, Beryl Bliss landed a 68-pound striped bass in Oregon’s Umpqua River. Stripers are hard-fighting fish that can reach impressive sizes when conditions and forage align. This record stands out because striped bass are not typically the first species people associate with Oregon river fishing. The catch remains one of Oregon’s most eye-catching warmwater record entries.

Chinook salmon (68.26 lb), Elochoman River, WA, Oct 5, 1992

On October 5, 1992, Mark Salmon caught a 68.26-pound Chinook salmon in the Elochoman River in Washington. River-caught Chinook of this size are rare and represent the peak of what the species can achieve. The Elochoman is a smaller tributary in southwest Washington, making the record even more memorable for local anglers. It remains one of Washington’s standout freshwater salmon trophies.