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Les Davis Pier

4.6
·513 reviews·Tacoma, United States

A popular fishing pier on Tacoma's Ruston Way Waterfront, offering salmon and squid fishing, scenic views, and wildlife encounters.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Nighttime

Prime time for squidding

CrowdMedium
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Les Davis Pier - Image 1

Les Davis Pier

Best Time

Nighttime

Prime time for squidding

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A popular fishing pier on Tacoma's Ruston Way Waterfront, offering salmon and squid fishing, scenic views, and wildlife encounters.

4.6
(513 reviews)

"This pier is wonderful for fishing Pink Salmon! What fantastic views in such a peaceful atmosphere."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎣 Squid Fishing Tips

Squid are most active at night. Bring a crab ring to haul up your catch!

🐟 Salmon Fishing Gear

Use 15-20lb line, pink jigs/spoons. Pinch barbs down for easier release.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 513 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Squid Fishing Frenzy

Squid Fishing Frenzy

Les Davis Pier

Experience the thrill of catching squid, especially popular at night. Seals are often spotted joining the feast!

Salmon Fishing Hotspot

Salmon Fishing Hotspot

Les Davis Pier

Try your luck at catching Pink Salmon, particularly during low tide. Patience and the right lure are key!

Scenic Waterfront Stroll

Scenic Waterfront Stroll

Ruston Way Waterfront

Enjoy picturesque views of Commencement Bay and the Narrows Bridge. Perfect for a peaceful walk, rain or shine.

Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters

Les Davis Pier and surrounding waters

Keep an eye out for seals, great blue herons, and even whales passing by. A true nature lover's paradise.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Squid & Salmon

Squid are most active at night, so plan your visit accordingly. For salmon fishing, early mornings and late afternoons are best. Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends, as this is a popular spot for both anglers and strollers.

Gear Up for a Successful Catch

Bring a medium rod reel combo with 15-20 pound line for salmon. Pink plastic squid jigs or spoons are recommended. Don't forget a crab ring to haul up your catch, and consider pinching barbs down for easier release. Some visitors suggest bringing your own gear as sharing might not always be available.

Best Times

When
Nighttime
Why
Prime time for squidding
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Mornings/Late Afternoons
Why
Best for salmon fishing
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunrise/Sunset
Why
Spectacular views
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Do you think there is a GIANT Octopus living under the Tacoma Narrows Bridge? According to legend, this underwater monster has been terrorizing divers and workers since the 1940s! The largest Giant Pacific Octopus ever recorded was 600lbs and 30ft long, meaning this local legend would need to be almost 1,500lbs and 90ft long! So, do you think there’s a giant in the water or is this a made up tale...
@uncover_exploration
40.5K likes • 510.7K views

🎣 Squid Fishing Tips

Squid are most active at night. Bring a crab ring to haul up your catch! InstagramReddit

🐟 Salmon Fishing Gear

Use 15-20lb line, pink jigs/spoons. Pinch barbs down for easier release. Reddit

A little post work fishing sesh… I’d prefer to be fishing 9-5. #flyfishing #tacoma #pnw #fishinglife
@tommytightlinez
24.2K likes • 200.1K views
Weekend Shift Fit Check 🦀🐚🌊♥️☕️ #barista #wideawakecafe #lesdavispier #boardwalk
michal.jo.irish
0 likes • 1K views

🚗 Parking & Access

Parking and restrooms open until 10 PM. Be mindful of closing times to avoid being locked in. Reddit

☕ Coffee & Community

A coffee shop at the entrance offers great drinks and a chance to meet friendly locals. Reddit

Apparently convincing yourself that you hunting wabits isn’t the secret to catching a dog fish #fishing #fish #dogfish #spinydogfish #washington #lesdavispier #washingtonfishing. #pugetsound.
nikkiperkins
1 likes • 56 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎣 Squid Fishing Tips

Squid are most active at night. Bring a crab ring to haul up your catch! InstagramReddit

🐟 Salmon Fishing Gear

Use 15-20lb line, pink jigs/spoons. Pinch barbs down for easier release. Reddit

🚗 Parking & Access

Parking and restrooms open until 10 PM. Be mindful of closing times to avoid being locked in. Reddit

☕ Coffee & Community

A coffee shop at the entrance offers great drinks and a chance to meet friendly locals. Reddit

🐾 Pet-Friendly Vibes

Service dogs are welcome! Enjoy the salt air and picturesque scenery with your furry friend. InstagramReddit

📸 Photography Opportunities

Capture stunning sunrises, sunsets, and local wildlife. A photographer's dream! Instagram+1

🦭 Wildlife Spotting

Seals are common, often seen catching squid. Keep an eye out for herons and even whales! InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(513 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Les Davis Pier is a beloved spot for fishing, particularly for salmon and squid, and offers stunning waterfront views. Visitors appreciate the community atmosphere and the chance to see local wildlife like seals. While it can get crowded, the peaceful ambiance and picturesque scenery make it a worthwhile destination for anglers and casual visitors alike.

"This pier is wonderful for fishing Pink Salmon! ItIt seems a bit crowded but with a bit of patience, your license and your catch card, there’s no reason you shouldn’t score a pink or two! Use a medium rod reel combo, with 15 to 20 pound line and a $4.00 pink plastic squid twitching jig or pink spoon. Remember to pinch your barbs down and cast close to the pier at low tide. Bring a crab ring to bring your catch up, if you don’t have one I’m sure someone will offer one. Return the favor and help them raise their catch!

Peace and tight lines to you!"

Roger Campanelli

"Many people fishing as well as couples strolling along on this popular pier. What fantastic views in such a peaceful atmosphere. This whole area is one little park next to another - all along the waterway heading towards Point Defiance. Rain or shine it's a beautiful walk."

Wildcraft Rose

"I went fishing at this pier last week. The pier is an old wooden pier. At the entrance is a coffee shop that has the best drinks. Although we didn't catch any fish, we still had a great time. We also met some very nice people. I highly recommend stopping here"

Alfonso Hermosillo

What People Like

Great fishing opportunities
Beautiful waterfront views
Wildlife sightings

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Parking limitations

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Les Davis Pier is located on Ruston Way Waterfront in Tacoma, Washington. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors enjoy walking or biking along Ruston Way to reach the pier. Instagram+1

Yes, there is parking available along Ruston Way. However, it can get crowded, especially on weekends. Some reviews mention parking across the street if you plan to stay overnight or during peak times. Reddit

While specific public transport routes directly to the pier might be limited, you can likely take a bus to the general Ruston Way area and then walk or bike the rest of the way. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.

The pier itself is a wooden structure, and while generally flat, it's advisable to check for any specific accessibility features if needed. The surrounding Ruston Way Waterfront is a paved path, making it very accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Instagram

Many visitors enjoy walking, jogging, or biking along the scenic Ruston Way Waterfront. It's a beautiful stretch with parks and great views, perfect for a leisurely exploration. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Les Davis Pier is a public access pier and does not require an entrance ticket. You can visit and enjoy the views and atmosphere freely. Instagram

The pier itself is generally accessible at all times. However, parking and restroom facilities along Ruston Way are typically open until 10 PM. Reddit

Yes, if you plan to fish for salmon or other species, you will need a valid Washington State fishing license. A catch card may also be required for certain species. Reddit

Dogs are generally welcome on the Ruston Way Waterfront and the pier, but it's always a good idea to keep them on a leash and clean up after them. Service dogs are particularly noted as being welcomed. Reddit

There are no fees to simply walk on and enjoy the pier. If you are fishing, you'll need to adhere to state fishing regulations and licensing requirements. Reddit

🎫 🎣 Fishing & Wildlife

Les Davis Pier is a popular spot for catching Pink Salmon, especially during low tide. Squid are also a common catch, particularly at night. InstagramReddit

Early mornings and late afternoons are generally considered the best times for salmon fishing at Les Davis Pier. Reddit

For Pink Salmon, a $4.00 pink plastic squid twitching jig or a pink spoon is recommended. For squid, specialized jigs are used. Reddit

You might see seals, great blue herons, and various fish. There have even been sightings of juvenile gray whales in the area. InstagramReddit

Yes, crab traps are often seen in use at Les Davis Pier, suggesting it's a viable spot for crabbing. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography & Views

Les Davis Pier offers fantastic opportunities for capturing sunrises and sunsets over Commencement Bay. The views of the Narrows Bridge and the surrounding waterfront are also very photogenic. Instagram+1

Absolutely. The combination of water, bridge, and the pier itself provides diverse elements for landscape photographers. The changing light throughout the day offers unique perspectives. Instagram

Yes, the pier is a great vantage point for observing and photographing local wildlife like seals and birds. Patience is key to capturing these moments. InstagramReddit

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. However, even midday can offer clear views and interesting activity. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always wise to be respectful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially of individuals. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is a coffee shop located at the entrance of the pier that serves drinks. For more extensive dining options, the surrounding Ruston Way Waterfront and nearby Point Ruston offer various eateries. Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the pier or along the waterfront. Some events even encourage grilling. Instagram

The nearby Point Ruston area has a variety of restaurants, cafes, and casual dining spots. You can find everything from quick bites to sit-down meals. Instagram

While not explicitly mentioned at the pier entrance, it's common for bait and tackle shops to be located in areas popular for fishing. It's advisable to check local listings or ask fellow anglers. Reddit

Yes, the Ruston Way Waterfront is lined with parks and open spaces, many of which are suitable for picnics. It's a great way to enjoy the scenery with your own food. Instagram

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