Types of Sharks in Washington: Identification Guide and Where to Start Looking
Yes, several shark species inhabit Washington waters, from the common spiny dogfish to the occasional sixgill. Most sightings occur in Puget Sound and along the outer coast. This guide covers the main species, key identification markers, and the best times to spot them.
Yes, several shark species inhabit Washington waters, from the common spiny dogfish to the occasional sixgill. Most sightings occur in Puget Sound and along the outer coast. This guide covers the main species, key identification markers, and the best times to spot them.
1. What are the main types of sharks found in Washington waters?
Washington's cold, productive waters host at least a dozen shark species. The most frequently encountered are the **spiny dogfish** (small, slender, with a mild venomous spine), **salmon shark** (stout body, warm-blooded, similar to a small great white), **sixgill shark** (distinctive six gill slits, large but deep), **brown cat shark** (small, patterned), and **Pacific sleeper shark** (blunt head, sluggish). Others include the **blue shark** (pelagic, rare inshore) and **thresher shark** (long tail). For a full species list, visit ourshark hub.
2. How can I tell a salmon shark from a great white shark?
Salmon sharks are often mistaken for juvenile great whites, but key differences exist. A salmon shark has a **stubby, rounded snout** and a **deep notch on the tail fin**; its teeth are **smooth-edged** and smaller. Great whites have a **pointed conical snout** and **serrated triangular teeth**. Also, salmon sharks have a **second dorsal fin** nearly as large as the first, whereas great whites have a tiny second dorsal. Salmon sharks rarely exceed 10 feet, while great whites can reach 20 feet. For side-by-side ID tips, check ourWashington shark identification page.
3. Where in Washington do people usually spot sharks first?
Most shark sightings in Washington occur in **Puget Sound** and the **San Juan Islands**, especially around salmon runs. Popular fishing spots like **Neah Bay**, **Westport**, and **the Strait of Juan de Fuca** see regular spiny dogfish and salmon shark catches. **Sixgill sharks** are occasionally seen in deeper channels of Puget Sound, while **brown cat sharks** are more common on the continental shelf. If you're kayaking or paddleboarding, you have the best odds in **Hood Canal** or **around Whidbey Island**. Learn more about Washington's coastal wildlife at ourWashington wildlife overview.
4. What is the best season for shark sightings in Washington?
Shark presence peaks from **late spring to early fall** (May through September) when water temperatures rise and salmon are abundant. **Spiny dogfish** are present year-round but most active in summer. **Salmon sharks** follow salmon runs, so June through August is prime. **Sixgill sharks** are more common in deeper water, but sightings increase in July and August when they move shallower at night. For confident sightings, plan your trip around a salmon run. Winter sightings are rare except for dogfish and sleeper sharks.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. Are there any lookalike species I need to be aware of?
Yes, several fish are commonly mistaken for sharks. **Skates and rays** have flattened bodies and whip-like tails, unlike the torpedo-shaped sharks. **Lampreys** are eel-like and parasitic but lack fins. **Lingcod** and **cabezon** have large mouths but are bony fish. The safest ID trick: sharks have **placoid scales** (rough like sandpaper), **cartilaginous skeletons**, and **multiple gill slits** (usually 5-7). The spiny dogfish is often confused with the smaller **brown cat shark**, but cat sharks have a cat-like eye and more distinct spots. For more on separating lookalikes, see ourshark identification resources.
6. What should I do if I see a shark while in the water?
If you see a shark while swimming, kayaking, or fishing, stay calm. Do not splash or make sudden movements. Maintain eye contact and slowly back away. Most Washington sharks are not aggressive to humans; spiny dogfish are harmless and sixgill sharks are deep dwellers. If you are fishing and catch a shark, minimize stress by using a dehooking tool and releasing it quickly. Always respect local marine life. For a responsible wildlife viewing checklist, browse ourwildlife tote bagson the go.
7. Where can I find shark-themed art and decor?
After a day of shark spotting, bring the ocean home with artistic prints. Here are a few favorites:
### Whale Shark Wall Art | Black and White Minimal Ocean Canvas Print
A sleek, monochrome piece that captures the gentle giant. Perfect for modern coastal decor.Check Price and Availability
### Hammerhead Shark Giclée Print: Minimalist Black and White Underwater Ocean Art
Clean, minimalist style that highlights the hammerhead's unique silhouette.Check Price and Availability
### Black and White Shark Ocean Depth Modern Coastal Decor
A dramatic framed canvas showing a shark in deep water, offered in multiple sizes.Check Price and Availability
These prints make excellent keepsakes for any shark fan. For more wildlife-themed items, explore ourtote bags.
8. Frequently asked questions about sharks in Washington
**Are there great white sharks in Washington?** Very rarely. Juvenile great whites have been sighted off the coast, but they are not common. Most reports turn out to be salmon sharks. **Is it safe to swim in Puget Sound?** Yes. Shark attacks are extremely rare; spiny dogfish are harmless to humans. **What is the largest shark in Washington?** The Pacific sleeper shark can reach 15 feet, but it lives in deep water. The sixgill shark can also exceed 15 feet. **Do I need a license to catch sharks?** Yes, a Washington fishing license is required. Some species have bag limits.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.