2009 Fishing Prospects
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SPORTFISH OF WASHINGTON

Few states offer the variety and quality of fishing that Washington does. WDFW lists state record catches for more than fifty (50) freshwater species of fish and almost as many in saltwater. In addition to the listing below you can also order for yourself a copy of the CD-rom titled “Sport Fish of Washington,” (to order this multimedia presentation for your computer go to http://wdfw.wa.gov/outreach/cd_rom.htm). Listed below is a limited selection of the more common fish species anglers often pursue in the Evergreen State.

Rainbow Trout
This is the most popular game fish in the state of Washington. Native to the western U.S., this species is widely distributed throughout our state. Like other trout, they need clean, cool water to survive. Rainbows can usually be recognized by the red or pink stripe down both sides from the gill covers to the tail, but the coloration sometimes varies. Two subspecies of rainbow are native to Washington: coastal rainbow trout and redband rainbow trout. Both rainbow subspecies have resident and anadromous (steelhead) forms. In general, coastal rainbows are found west of the Cascade Mountains, redband rainbow are east of the Cascades. However, their ranges may overlap. In addition, the trout most commonly raised in WDFW hatcheries and planted in lowland lakes are a mixture of stocks and subspecies that has been developed over decades of selective breeding. Steelheads are described later in this section. Because of the rainbow’s popularity among anglers, natural populations are supplemented by WDFW stocking programs that provide millions of trout annually to the state’s lakes and streams. The natural diet of rainbows consists primarily of plankton, insects, other invertebrates, and smaller fish, but anglers can take them on a wide range of baits and artificial lures. Favorite baits in Washington lakes include worms, salmon eggs, marshmallows, cheese, artificial baits, and natural insects. Artificial lures such as wobbling spoons, spinners, and small diving plugs work well for rainbows. Fly anglers have good luck on dry and wet flies, nymphs, and streamer patterns.

Beardslee Trout
A unique population of rainbow trout called the Beardslee trout deserves special mention, since it is found in only one place in the world: the Olympia Peninsula’s Lake Crescent. Beardslee trout can grow to impressive proportions, often toping 10 pounds. They are usually caught by anglers’ deep-trolling large spoons or plugs. The national Park Service establishes regulations and seasons for Lake Crescent and other Olympic National Park waters. Because of concern for these unique fish, angling seasons are currently short, with catch and release only fishing.

Brown Trout
Frequently called German Brown trout, as their name implies they are not North American natives, having been imported from Europe. Kettle River, Crab Creek and a few other eastern Washington waters have somewhat self-sustaining populations of browns. However this species is also stocked by WDFW in a number of lakes throughout the state. Browns are more tolerant of warm summer temperatures than our native trout. They can also be harder to catch. Larger brown trout feed extensively on other fish.

Golden Trout
This species of trout is another of the introduced species, found only in a few remote, high-country lakes, where the water is cold and clear. These brilliantly colored trout, native to the high Sierras, feed on plankton and small insects, but are caught on a wide range of artificial flies and lures. Stocking of this unique fishery is limited at this point in time. Information about stocking of Golden Trout may be found by researching the High Mountain Lakes stocking plan at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/reports_plants.html .

Tiger Trout
Washington’s newest and most exotic freshwater sport fish is the tiger trout, a hatchery-produced cross between Brown trout and Eastern Brook trout. So named because of the tiger-like stripes on their back (a little imagination is needed here, but are distinct), these sterile hybrids are stocked in an increasing number of lakes throughout the state. Most tiger trout activity so far has been in Lincoln, Grant and Okanogan counties. More locations each year are being stocked with this species. Information regarding this can be found in the annual stocking plan found on the WDFW website, http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing.

Dolly Varden/Bull Trout
Though generally called trout, these fish are actually char, more closely related to brook trout and lake trout. The Dolly Varden is native to this state and is fairly common in many rivers and some lakes west of the Cascades. WDFW, however, is concerned about the state’s Dolly Varden populations, and they are protected now in many areas by a closed season. Bull trout, once thought to be the same species as Dolly Varden, are now considered a separate species. Like the Dolly Varden, our bull trout populations have declined, and fishing for them is restricted. Unless specifically allowed in the current Fishing in Washington Regulations pamphlet, both of these fish species must be released unharmed.

Eastern Brook Trout
The brook trout, commonly referred to as a brookie, is another char and also an introduced species. They are found mostly in the north-eastern and north-central parts of the state, and along the slopes of the Cascades. Worm shaped markings called vermiculations along their back and upper sides easily identify brookies. Brook trout grow rapidly when conditions are right, reaching six or seven inches in a year and sometimes growing to five pounds. They are also subject to stunting from overpopulation in some lakes. Insect larvae and nymphs make up a large part of their diet, so they are a logical favorite of fly fishers.

Lake Trout
The lake trout is yet another char, and another non-native species that has done well in a few Washington lakes, such as Lake Chelan, Loon, Deer, Cle Elum, Chelan, Bead and Bonaparte. A population of lake trout in St. Helens Lake, just above spirit Lake, managed to survive the 1980 Eruption of Mt. St. Helens. Known by the name “mackinaw” throughout much of the west, lake trout are our largest purely freshwater salmon, which sometimes tops 60 pounds around the country where they are found, however this is not the case in Washington. Lake trout are coldwater fish. They can be caught on large plugs or spoons trolled near the surface early in the spring, but as the water warms you’ll have to use a downrigger or try vertical jigging with large leadhead or metal jig.

Kokanee
Sometimes called referred to as “silvers” or “silver trout,” they are in fact not trout at all. They are sockeye salmon that do not go out to sea, but live out their lives in freshwater lakes. Like all Pacific salmon, they die at sexual maturity regardless of their size. And like all sockeye salmon, kokanee is one of the best eating fish that swims. Although they feed on plankton, kokanee can be caught on small baits as maggots, white corn kernels, or small pieces of worm. These baits are either still-fished on painted hook, or trolled behind a beaded spinner or small flasher.

Cutthroat Trout
There are three subspecies of cutthroat trout present in Washington State. The native species includes the coastal cutthroat (O.clarki clarki), often called the sea-run cutthroat or Harvest trout, and westslope (O. clarki lewisi) cutthroat. It is thought that at the beginning of the Pleistocene Era, about two million years ago, a common western trout ancestral species diverged into two lines, one leading to cutthroat trout and another leading to rainbow trout. About a million years ago, the cutthroat line separated into the coastal and westslope forms and the westslope form gave rise to the Lahontan and Yellowstone forms (Behnke 1997). Not native to Washington State are the Lahontan (O. clarki henshawi) cutthroat trout. While there is some mark variability among the subspecies, all have irregular dark spots and in freshwater have red coloration on the opercles. All three subspecies also have the typical red-orange marks resembling slashes on the undersides of the lower jaw (however these marks may be missing on bright silvery sea-run cutthroat).

Sea-run cutthroat trout are an anadromous cutthroat found throughout Puget Sound, western Washington river basins including coastal rivers and in the Columbia River as far inland as the Klickitat River. In marine waters the fishery is open year round and is exclusively a catch and release fishery. Anglers will need to check the most current “Fishing in Washington” sport fishing rules pamphlet for freshwater regulations of the river or stream they intend to fish. They can be caught in saltwater by trolling small herring or spinners and flies. All wild sea-run cutthroat must be released.

In Washington, the westslope cutthroat were historically native to the lake Chelan and Methow River basins in the Columbia River basin and the headwaters of the Pend Oreille River in the northeastern part of Washington. The first trout hatchery in Washington began in 1903 and cultured westslope cutthroat trout in the Stehekin River at the head of Lake Chelan. Today, the westslope cutthroat trout occurs in virtually all subbasins above 3,000 feet in elevation, in over 1,509 miles of 493 streams and 311 lakes in the Yakima, Wenatchee, Entiat and Methow Rivers, the Lake Chelan drainage, and Pend Oreille River basin. The fish will take a wide variety of baits including spinners, rooster tails and flies.

Lahontan cutthroat was introduced into Washington State in 1968 when Omak Lake was stocked. This is the largest cutthroat trout in Washington with a current state record of 18.04 pounds. This subspecies prefers the more harsher alkaline/saline environments found in several eastern Washington lakes. Today, these fish are routinely stocked into lakes Lenore, Grime, Big Twin (Okanogan County), Affluent, McManaman and Para-Juvenile. These fish behave similar to the other subspecies and will take spinners, rooster tails and flies.

Whitefish
Washington has three species of whitefish, but only two species are commonly fished for. Native to Washington, mountain whitefish are closely related to our trout and salmon. They are common in both eastside and westside streams. Averaging 10 to 13 inches, mountain whitefish are most easily caught on maggots, small grubs, and stonefly nymphs or sparsely tied artificial flies and small lures fished along the bottom of deep pools in winter. A number of streams have special winter “whitefish only” seasons. Lake whitefish, on the other hand are an introduced species. They are generally larger with a bigger mouth than mountain whitefish. Originally introduced in a few Western Washington lakes, they are now distributed throughout the Columbia River Basin irrigation system, including Roosevelt, Banks, Moses and Soda Lakes, and Potholes and Scooteney Reservoirs. Be advised that these fish may be on the Washington State Department of Health’s fish consumption advisory listings, please refer to their website when listed in the regulations for further information as these fish to accumulate mercury and other biohazards. Please review Department of Health Fish Consumption Advisories at www.doh.wa.gov/fish for any considerations concerning this species prior to preparing for consumption.

Largemouth Bass
One of America’s most popular game fish and that popularity certainly extends to the state of Washington, where they were introduced in the late 1800’s. This warm water fish does not achieve huge size here, where the growing season is relatively short. Still, Washington anglers do catch their share of bragging-size largemouth bass. Washington boasts many productive largemouth bass waters, including Cowlitz County’s Silver Lake, the Pend Oreille River, and Spokane County’s Eloika Lake, just to name a few. Largemouth bass are particularly fond of lily pads and weed beds, submerged stumps, logs and other fairly thick cover, and these are good places for anglers to look for them. They are caught on a wide range of lures, including diving plugs, spinner baits, plastic baits and surface lures. A bass “slot limit” is in effect throughout the state (with few exceptions) to protect bass of the most effective spawning size, generally 12 – 17 inches. This rule allows harvest of bass both below and above the “slot” size. Please review Department of Health Fish Consumption Advisories at www.doh.wa.gov/fish for information about a statewide bass consumption advisory.

Smallmouth Bass
Another introduced species; smallmouth bass usually run smaller than their relative largemouth bass. Washington produces some of the west’s biggest smallmouth. Smallmouth bass are especially fond of rocky areas, where they feed on crayfish, insects and smaller fish. Try fishing with plastic grubs, tube or worms on leadhead jigs, diving plugs, or spinners with fur or feather tails. The Snake River, Lake Whatcom, Lake Sammamish, Lake Washington, Potholes Reservoir, much of the Columbia River, Banks Lake and the Okanogan River all are good smallmouth bass waters. In early spring, the Yakima River between Richland and Benton City is a top choice for trophy smallmouth bass. Where they are in effect, bass slot limits apply to smallmouth bass, so be sure to review the Fishing in Washington regulations pamphlet. See the Department of Health Fish Consumption Advisories at www.doh.wa.gov/fish for information about a statewide bass consumption advisory.

Walleye
If any game fish species has taken the state – and the country – by storm, it has to be the walleye. Introduced to our state in the 1950’s, one of the country’s best kept trophy walleye fisheries has developed in the Columbia River system. Although sometimes erroneously called “walleyed pike”, they are actually the big cousins to the yellow perch. Productive fishing methods for walleye include trolling with spinner- nightcrawler rig or plugs that imitate small baitfish. Casting small jigs with plastic grub bodies that mimic leeches or worms can also be effective. Walleye like to feed over submerged weed beds and around rocky structure. Many sections of the main Columbia River, Banks Lake, Moses Lake, and Potholes Reservoir are favorites of Washington walleye anglers. Another good location is Scooteney Reservoir with ample bank access to fish from, in Franklin County. This is a species of fish that when found, can produce exciting results due to its desire to school in groups of like size fish. Check the regulations pamphlet for walleye regulations that vary between the mid and lower Columbia River (below Priest Rapids Dam), Lake Roosevelt and its tributaries, and the remainder of the state. Please contact or review Department of Health Fish Consumption Advisories at www.doh.wa.gov/fish for information about a Lake Roosevelt’s walleye consumption advisory.

Crappie
Pronounced “Craw-pea”; these are one of the prettiest and tastiest of all warm water fish. Although WDFW lists state records for both white and black crappie, black crappies are the most common. Both are introduced species. One of the best places to look for crappie is around submerged trees, stumps and brush, since they seem to love woody cover. If woody cover is not available, fishing around lily pads or aquatic vegetation for these fish may produce some action. Crappie are often found in schools in the spring, but usually scatter and move to deeper water in the summer months. Small leadhead jigs or artificial flies work well for these popular panfish, since small fish are a large part of the mature crappie diet.

Yellow Perch
Introduced in the 1890’s, yellow perch are abundant throughout Washington. They have saved many an otherwise unsuccessful fishing trip. They are very good table fare either filleted or cleaned and skinned. Many of Washington’s year-round lakes and reservoirs are teeming with perch, providing good fishing 12 months a year. All you really need to catch these is a can of worms or grubs, although they will strike small jigs, spinners and other artificial lures as well. Please review Department of Health Fish Consumption Advisories at www.doh.wa.gov/fish for information about Lake Whatcom and Lake Washington perch consumption advisories.

Other Panfish
One of Washington’s most popular introduced sunfish is the bluegill, a hard fighting, and good eating game fish. They are found in many lowland lakes on both sides of the state. Pumpkinseed sunfish are a little small to eat, but fun to catch, especially for kids. They will take almost anything small enough to fit in their tiny mouths. Rock Bass, also a non-native sunfish, their mottled dark bronze body and red eyes assist in the identification of this species. They are common in several Thurston and southern Pierce County Lakes, and average 7 to10 inches in size. A similar species, the warmouth, is also found in a few western Washington lakes. Both rock bass and warmouth are fun to catch and good to eat, although not as prized as crappie or bluegill. Note: the statewide slot limit on bass does not apply to rock bass.

Catfish
The introduced channel catfish is a hard fighting and good eating game fish that requires clean water to survive. Washington’s best channel cat fishing is the Yakima and Snake Rivers, and the top baits are worms and chicken or beef livers. Unlike other catfish, this fish also readily takes artificial lures. A far more common catfish species is the brown bullhead. Although they are considered pests in some lakes, they provide a lot of fun and good eating, when of sufficient size to filet. Other non-native catfish that anglers may encounter include yellow and black bullheads, and rarely blue and flathead catfish. All are good eating and will take worms and other baits. Best fishing times for each of these species is usually at night.

Tiger Muskie
A relatively recent addition to Washington’s freshwater sport fishery is the tiger muskie, a northern pike-muskellunge sterile hybrid cross first introduced in Mayfield Lake to help curb a serious rough fish problem and to provide a trophy fishery. The success of the Mayfield program led to the planting of tiger muskies in Clark County’s Merwin Reservoir, Ferry County’s Curlew Lake, Grant County’s Evergreen Reservoir and Red Rock Lake, King County’s Green Lake, Pierce County’s Lake Tapps, Spokane county’s Newman Lake, and Whatcom county’s Fazon Lake (to date). Tiger muskies can be very big, hungry predators that many grown to 20 pounds or more. Tiger Muskie are aggressive feeders and will take most large jigs and lures or plugs. Bucktail spinners are another good option if fished during the warmer summer months. Recreational anglers may retain only one fish per day and it has to be at least 50 inches in length in order to be retained by anglers.

Northern Pike
Migrating from Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho after being introduced into that body of water, these fish are gradually moving downstream into Washington State. Northern Pike (Esox lucius) like their hybridized relatives, are an aggressive carnivorous species of fish. These fish are currently found in the Box Canyon Reservoir and other areas of the Pend Oreille River and Spokane River systems. It is also likely that an insignificant number may currently reside in Lake Roosevelt. Like the sterile Tiger Muskie, Northern Pike are capable of becoming very big, hungry predators and can potentially reach upwards of 30 pounds or more in some areas. They are normally a solitary species and not found in schools, this said, if one is caught in an area, work the area nearby exploring similar territory. They can be found lying under large logs, hidden in reeds or grassy areas along shores awaiting smaller fish, frogs and other food sources. While they generally like shallow waters 2-8 feet, they can transition to nearby deeper waters if temperatures rise too much, returning in the evenings and early mornings to feed in nearby shallows. Successful anglers often utilize large lures connected to wire leaders hooked by swivel to lighter mono or braided lines to prevent their teeth from cutting the lines during the battle. These fish can also be successfully caught on fly fishing gear. Caution must be given in handling these fish as placement of hands in the mouth or under the gill plate can also provide severe cuts to fingers due to the “rakers” on the gills themselves. These fish provide for good eating once learning the process of fileting a Pike. Their “Y” bones often frustrate even the most skilled. Look for this species to grow in population and popularity as they continue their migration into larger and warmer bodies of water in Washington. Currently there are no catch limits on this species in Washington State. If you practice catch and release, it is best to keep the fish in the water alongside the boat as the fish will be calmer and much easier to release by removing the hooks carefully with long nose pliers or a good hook remover.

Burbot
Perhaps Washington’s most peculiar freshwater fish is the Burbot, commonly called freshwater ling. Found in several central and eastern Washington lakes; they are usually caught through the ice on large baits such as a gob of night crawlers or a strip of sucker meat. Burbot populations are down in some waters, with more restrictive rules implemented to help them recover. .

Sturgeon
This is the largest freshwater species that Washington anglers are likely to encounter. This prehistoric fish is available in the Columbia River and other large northwest streams year round. Washington anglers may catch both the green or white sturgeon, but whites are the most common and certainly the largest, sometimes measuring over eight feet and weighing several hundred pounds. Green Sturgeon must be released unharmed and are not to be retained in Washington State. Sturgeon feed on the bottom, cruising along and picking up tasty morsels with their sucker like mouth. Anglers usually fish for them with smelt, shrimp, cut shad, and other baits anchored on the bottom. Hooked sturgeon, especially the larger ones, may jump completely out of the water, providing a spectacular show for anglers or anyone who happens by at the right time. The popularity of sturgeon fishing as drawn large numbers of anglers to the Columbia and Chehalis rivers in recent years, and more restrictive regulations have gone into effect to help protect this valuable resource from over fishing. Be aware of the process to measure this species of fish for retention. This species is limited to one fish per day and no more than 5 per year. Catch and release fisheries do exist and a catch record card is required to fish for this species. Please check all regulations for the waters where fishing is planned and be sure to know the difference between each of these two species (Green and White Sturgeon).

Halibut
The heavyweight champ of the Pacific Northwest Saltwater fish is the Pacific halibut, which may grow to over 400 pounds. Halibut populations boomed in the early 1980’s, and the fish’s popularity also soared, to the point that halibut fishing has become extremely popular in Washington and throughout the Pacific Northwest. With the popularity of this fish species, follows new regulations on seasons and limits. This species is regulated by an international fishing pact that reviews each year’s catch to determine future catch limits. Halibut like to feed on and around significant underwater structures and plateaus. The state’s most well known halibut grounds are at Swiftsure reef, located on the Canadian border near the entrance of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, about 20 miles north of Neah Bay. Other productive halibut fishing areas are located off the northern Washington coast, and around Neah Bay and Sekiu, Port Angeles and on several underwater humps near the east end of the Straits of Juan de Fuca. Best fishing in these areas is during the spring. Halibut will take herring, squid and other baits, but deep water anglers often prefer to bounce heavy leadhead jigs with large plastic grub bodies, pipe jigs, or baitfish imitating metal jigs along the bottom for their “barn doors.” Be sure to read all the regulations regarding fishing for Halibut as their habitat coincides with several other species that are now protected.

Other Flatfish
Starry Flounders are found in many of Washington’s marine areas, and are most commonly caught from shallow water estuaries such as Grays Harbor, Willapa Bay and some of Puget Sound’s larger river mouths. They occasionally stray into freshwater, and ones have been caught up the Columbia River as far as Bonneville Dam. They are good eating and not too choosey about the baits or lures they will take. Washington also has a wide range of other Flatfish, including the Arrowtooth flounder, sand sole, English sole, and Petrale sole and Pacific sanddab.

Skates and Sharks
The big skate might be considered a sort of halibut look alike, although it is much more closely related to sharks than to halibut. Sometimes growing to well over 100 pounds, their “wings” are highly prized table fare. Blue sharks grow to fairly large size in Washington and are pursued by some anglers, mostly along the coast. Washington anglers commonly catch these when salmon fishing with their bait near the bottom. Their fight is not spectacular, and although they are popular as a food species in Europe, they are not often eaten here. Six Gill sharks are protected and should immediately be released unharmed if caught.

Lingcod
Lingcod are as prized by Washington saltwater anglers as they are feared by smaller fish. Everything from herring, anchovies and crabs to other lingcod are considered fair game when a big ling gets hungry.  Playing on its hearty appetite, anglers often use live bait to catch a big ling, but leadhead jigs, metal jigs and other artificials also will fool them.  The best lingcod habitat is a hard, rocky bottom with lots of steep drops and jagged pinnacles. These areas are easy to find with a chart and depth sounder, but difficult to fish effectively without losing tackle. Lingcod are slow-growing fish, and the largest ones—sometimes over 60 pounds—are all females. To protect lingcod populations in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound, seasons and regulations are quite conservative.

Rockfish
A growing number of these species are now being protected as we learn more about their habitat and growth cycles. Although commonly lumped together under the label of “bottom fish,” many rockfish species may be found well off the bottom, sometimes even right on the surface. Some of these species can become large fish and while they are a delicacy and fairly easy to catch, they are now becoming threatened. Among these are; Yelloweye are the most notable one, often weighing over ten 10 pounds. Yelloweye populations are very fragile by the nature of their species and their growth rate is slow, maturing over a longer period of time than was previously thought. Canary rockfish, is another brightly colored inhabitant of the Washington’s deep-water marine areas of Washington State. Both Yelloweye and Canary Rockfish are now protected and not considered for retention or targeting when fishing in saltwater. See current Washington Fishing Regulations for more information regarding this species.

Black or Blue rockfish are one of our most common and most popular rockfish, providing fast action for coastal charter anglers as well as small boat fishermen in places like Neah Bay and Sekiu. Averaging two to three pounds each, both of these rockfish species are excellent light tackle fighters. They can be found at a virtually any depth, but many anglers search for schools that are feeding in shallow water kelp beds or near the surface in open water. When near the surface, they’ll take anything from herring to small jigs to streamer flies and surface plugs.
Copper rockfish are common in Washington waters, especially near shallow water rock piles and other hard underwater structures. Most are small, weighing less than 2 pounds and are fun to catch on light tackled. Tiger rockfish are perhaps the most brightly colored example. The Bocaccio is one of the bigger rockfish, commonly topping 20 pounds, and is usually caught from fairly deep water. China rockfish, another fairly common species can be identified by their yellow on black coloration and are often caught in similar locations to black or blue rockfish.

Cabezon
The largest member of the sculpin family found in saltwater locations of Washington’s coastline, Cabezon sometimes grow to over 20 pounds. They can be tough fighters, especially when hooked in fairly shallow water or on light tackle. Cabezon feed primarily on marine crustaceans, using their powerful jaws to capture and crush their prey. Small fish, however, are also included in their diet, so herring and baitfish imitating metal jigs bounced along the bottom will take them too. Although the large head, fins and heavy bones are not edible, Cabezon provide a pair of thick, tasty, white meat fillets for seafood gourmets. Cabezon eggs are poisonous, so be very careful when cleaning them. Because of concerns about the long-term health of the species, Cabezon seasons are very restrictive east of Sekiu River.

Other Sculpins
Other sculpin are of moderate interest to Washington saltwater anglers, including the red Irish Lord, great sculpin, staghorn sculpin and buffalo sculpin.

Other Bottomfish

Kelp greenlings are smaller relatives of lingcod, common throughout Washington’s marine waters. Kelp beds and shallow, rocky areas are the best places to look for them, and they are easily caught on small baits and jigs. Greenlings are among the fish commonly used for live lingcod bait. But they are very good table fair in their own right, providing firm, white-meated fillets. Pacific cod is a true codfish, which explains its most common nickname, “true cod.” Cod fillets are excellent on the dinner table, making true cod popular among anglers even though they are not tough fighters. Baits such as whole or plug-cut herring will take cod, as will pipe jigs and other artificial. Whatever you use, fish it close to the bottom. Pollock are another good eating Bottom fish that are closely related to pacific cod, although somewhat smaller. They are often found over the same sand and gravel bottoms where cod are found, and the can be caught with the same baits and lures. It is important to note the Pacific cod and Pollok populations are in trouble in some areas, and fishing for them is restricted or closed. Be sure to check the regulations pamphlet for the marine area in which you are fishing.

Saltwater Perch
Sea perch and surfperch are widely available in our marine waters. The three most popular are pile perch, striped sea perch and red-tailed surfperch. Casting in the breakers along virtually any coastal beach with clam necks, shrimp, sand worms or other bait will take the red-tailed surfperch, an amazingly strong fighter. Redtails are also a very good eating fish, which, like other sea perch species, bear live young rather than laying eggs like most fish. Striped sea perch and pile perch are more common in Puget Sound, where they are often caught around docks, floats and piers on an incoming tide. Small pieces of bait often work best for these species.

Albacore Tuna
An inhabitant of blue-water, the albacore tuna makes its annual migrations during the summer months as the warmer waters of the ocean shift north. These migrations often bring it to within reach of Washington’s coastal anglers. There commercial charter boats operating out of Westport and Ilwaco pursue it. The fishing strategy usually involves trolling surface lures until a school is located, then drifting live anchovies. Recently, fly fishers have found this fish to be a new challenge and groups can be found that charter a boat for only fly-fishing. Heavy fly-fishing equipment is essential and a requirement for this species with 15 wt Fly rods and reels that contain significant fly line and backing materials. Albacore tuna are incredibly strong, fast swimmers, and also are excellent table fare.

It is not uncommon to find other species of fish more related to Tropical waters when fishing for Albacore Tuna. Yellowtail and Striped Marlin are but two of these species caught off of Westport. Other species often go unreported, but may be retained by anglers in these waters.

Anadromous Fish
Some fish spend part of their lives in fresh water and part in saltwater. Fish that hatch in freshwater, spend part of their lives in saltwater, then return to freshwater to spawn are known as “anadromous” species, and Washington has a variety of them.

Steelhead
Steelhead start their lives in freshwater rivers, creeks, and streams; migrate to sea, then spend one to six years in the Pacific before returning to their home streams to repeat the cycle. Unlike other anadromous salmonids, steelhead can migrate to and from freshwater and saltwater to spawn several times in their lives. Most steelhead naturally spawn from mid-winter to late spring, however two different runs – summer and winter - return to freshwater at different times. Adult winter-run steelhead return to over 100 Washington streams from November through April The remaining run of Steelhead is considered Summer run and returns to freshwater from April to October. Some of these streams will have wild steelhead runs that provide good fishing and a self-sustaining population. But a loss of clean spawning gravel and suitable rearing habitat, coupled with other environmental problems, has greatly depleted the wild steelhead runs in many river systems. As a result, wild steelhead retention is now allowed in only a few streams, with very restrictive annual limits.

In terms of sport catch, the state’s top winter steelhead waters include the Cowlitz, Bogachiel/Quillayute, Skykomish, Snoqualmie and East Fork Lewis rivers. Summer-run steelhead return to freshwater from April to October, and anglers catch these summer fish in good numbers from about three dozen rivers and creeks. Summer Steelhead rivers and streams that treat anglers best include the Columbia below the Bonneville, portions of the Snake River, plus the Grande Ronde, Cowlitz, Little White Salmon, and Kalama Rivers. A majority of adult steelhead return from the Pacific Ocean after two or three growing seasons. They generally average about 8 pounds and range between 5-14 pounds. The true trophies are fish that stay at sea four to six years, these 20-, 25-, 30-pounders are fish that an angler may get a shot at only once in a lifetime. WDFW plants hatchery winter steelhead in some 75 streams to enhance recreational angling opportunity and about 45 streams receive plants of summer-run steelhead.

Many fishing methods take steelhead, but drift fishing is the most popular. It involves casting upstream and letting the lure sink to the bottom, there it drifts downstream with the current. Standard baits and lures for steelhead drift fishing include clusters of fresh salmon or steelhead roe, live ghost shrimp, brightly colored steelhead “bobbers” and tufts of florescent nylon yarn. Casting wobbling spoons, spinner and artificial flies also produces steelhead strikes, as does drifting a leadhead jig suspended beneath a bobber. Anglers should be aware of special regulations that require wild steelhead to be released in most streams. It should also be noted that it is illegal to take a wild steelhead out of the water in these fisheries when they are required to be released unharmed.

Chinook Salmon
Like steelhead, Pacific salmon spend part of their lifecycle in freshwater and part in saltwater. Unlike steelhead, though, adult salmon always die after completing their spawning runs. First and foremost among salmon fishing trophies is, of course, the Chinook; also known as the King Salmon, Tyee, or Blackmouth in some areas of the state. Chinook are the largest of the pacific salmon. Today, this species can reach weights of nearly 100 pounds in some locations and truly deserves the nickname King salmon. The name Blackmouth comes from their gum lines that help anglers identify them at younger ages. No other salmon has this coloration and is a sure identifier. Although the biggest saltwater kings are caught in the summer and early fall when mature salmon move toward freshwater spawning grounds, Washington offers various saltwater Chinook-fishing opportunities throughout most of the year.

Productive saltwater fishing techniques for Chinook include trolling or mooching (drifting) with herring, jigging with an of several baitfish imitating metal jigs, or trolling with plugs, spoons, plastic squid or other artificial lures. Fishing near the bottom is often the key to success. Besides the well-known saltwater Chinook fishers that exist on the coast, in Strait of Juan de Fuca, the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound Chinook also provide some great freshwater angling action. Spring Chinook fishing techniques are similar to those used for steelhead, except most anglers prefer heavier tackle for these bruisers. Although uncommon, “resident” Chinook may be found in some lake systems that support runs of the anadromous form. Examples are lakes Sammamish and Washington, where resident Chinook 12-15 inches long make up a small percentage of the catch. Inland fish managers are also experimenting with Chinook as predators on stunted perch or other over abundant species in some lakes. Chinook are also sometimes planted in landlocked lakes to provide a freshwater fishery.

Coho Salmon
Due to their relative abundance and unpredictable fighting style, this member of the salmon family is a favorite of the angling public in Washington. A typical adult Coho weighs four to ten pounds, but specimens up to 20 pounds have been caught in both marine and fresh water locations. Fresh from the ocean it is easy to understand why the Coho’s most common nickname is “Silver” salmon. WDFW hatcheries produce millions of Coho each year to supplement wild coho runs, which have succumbed to a wide range of issues relating habitat loss on many of the state’s river systems.

The same baits, lures and techniques that take Chinook will also take coho from Washington’s marine waters, but remember that these fish are usually found near the surface, in about the top 30 feet of water. Like Chinook, coho are also a favorite of freshwater anglers when the adult salmon return to their home streams to spawn. Flashy spinners, wobbling spoons, diving plugs and well-fished cluster of fresh roe will take them when they hit fresh water. Some lakes may be stocked with landlocked coho salmon. Like kokanee, these fish are sometimes incorrectly called “silver trout.” They grow to 20 inches or so and provide excellent sport and table fare.

Flashy spinners, wobbling spoons, diving plugs and a well-fished cluster of fresh roe will take them when they hit fresh water. Some lakes may be stocked with landlocked Coho salmon. Like kokanee, these fish are sometimes incorrectly called “silver trout.” They grow to 20 inches or so and provide excellent sport and table fare. Excess (more than required for egg-taking) hatchery adult Coho are being planted into several western Washington freshwater lakes to provide additional fishing opportunity. This new program has been very popular, and will be continued for this year. In several lakes the closure date has been extended through November 30 to allow more opportunity for harvest of these fish. See individual county listings.

Pink Salmon
Pink salmon are a common catch for Washington anglers during odd-numbered years. With a two-year life cycle, shorter than any other of the salmonid family, they don’t get as big, averaging three or four pounds at maturity, seldom topping the 10-pound mark. Pink salmon are commonly called “humpies” because of the large hump that develops on the back of the mature males in the spawning stage. Both males and females can be identified by the large oblong or oval spots on both the upper and lower portion of their tail and by their very small scales. Trolling with herring or any other standard salmon offerings will take pinks from saltwater, but hot colors tend to work best. The same general rule seems to apply when fishing for pinks in fresh water.

Chum Salmon
This species of salmon provide for some of the most challenging fishing in the fall as these fish return to their spawning grounds. The chum salmon’s nickname “dog salmon” is due to its large lower and upper teeth that develop as the fish begins the final or spawning stage in its lifecycle. Chum are the second largest of the Pacific salmon, and Washington anglers catch many of them weighing in the high teens and low 20 pound range. They are the last of the salmon to return each fall, usually arriving at their stream of origin from November to January. Both fly-fishing and spinning action can take these fish during this migration period of time. Fly fishers use green or pink colored flies that emulate small shrimp. Bait or spinning anglers use a corky/yarn combo or spinners, casting into areas where these fish congregate. Chum salmon are seldom caught in open marine waters.

Sockeye Salmon
Considered by many to be the best eating of all the salmon species, the name Suk-kegh, meaning red fish, is derived from a poor translation of the British Columbia Coast Salish language. The most notable fishery in Washington happens in Lake Wenatchee and in some years on Lake Washington. These fisheries are sporadic at best and when open provide for a very busy fishing experience due to the number of anglers on the water at one time. Sockeye are one of the smallest of the salmon found in the Pacific Ocean. They range in size from 24 -33 inches in length and weigh between 5 and 15 pounds.

Shad
American shad are a large member of the herring family. Their life cycle is like that of the Pacific Salmon in that they are anadromous; they hatch in freshwater, migrate to sea, then return to freshwater to spawn when they reach their adult stage. Shad are not a Washington native, having been imported to this part of the country from the East Coast in the late 19^th century. Washington’s most important shad run and shad fishery occurs in the Columbia River, extending up into the Snake River. Smaller runs enter a few other streams. In recent years, the Columbia has seen record runs, with annual returns numbering in the millions of fish. The height of the run is from mid-May to mid-June. Adult shad range in size from males averaging about 1½ pounds to females that weight four pounds or more. All are tough fighters and make a strong showing for anglers using light tackle. There is no daily catch limit on shad, and although they are “bony,” the flesh has good flavor, especially when smoked. The roe is considered a delicacy by many shad anglers. Brightly colored mini-gigs, spinners, even a couple of red beads above the bare hook will take shad. There are several good places to fish for them between Bonneville Dam and the town of Camas on the Lower Columbia.

Smelts
This family of schooling fish has members that include both anadromous and freshwater species. Eulachon are an anadromous smelt. Lower Columbia tributaries, most notably the Cowlitz River, historically provided good eulachon-dipping action, using long handled dip nets. Runs there were down in the 1990’s, remaining low to date. Check the regulations pamphlet for specific seasons and catch limit information. Surf and longfin smelt are the most popular marine species, and are one of the most common fish of the near shore community inside Puget Sound, along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Washington coast. Fisheries occur on both spawning and non-spawning congregations of adults and juveniles. Spawning fish are best harvested from shore on early morning or late evening high slack tides using a dip bag or smelt rake. Non-spawning fish are most commonly taken with jig gear in deeper water from piers or boats. Other smelts found in Washington include whitebait, night and capelin. There is a landlocked population of longfin smelt in Lake Washington.

Squid
A new addition to the Fishing Prospect pamphlet and species listing is the squid family. By no means new to anglers, squid are commonly fished for from public piers and often from boats throughout the marine waters of Puget Sound, Hood Canal, the Straits of Juan de Fuca and Washington’s Pacific coast. While charter-boat activities are not the norm in Washington, it is worth mentioning that there are now activities of this sort in along Oregon’s coast line where the Humboldt is caught in waters as deep as 600 feet. Squid fishing is a growing activity and when properly prepared provide fine table fare, so are indeed worth mentioning in this publication.

The primary and currently most popular species found along Washington’s coast, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Hood Canal, and Puget Sound is the Pacific Squid, opalescent, or otherwise knows in the commercial industry as the common-market squid (Loligo opalescens). Adult market squid found in inside waters average about eight inches (mantle plus tentacles) in length. This species is thought to live for one year and is plentiful in many areas of the marine waters.
Humboldt squid (Dosidicus gigas), another species of squid usually found of the coasts of central and South America, are now showing up along Washington’s coastline. This species is a voracious feeder and has been noted as one of the future threats to the salmonid populations in some popular scientific journals due to climate changes effect in water temperatures. These squid can be found mainly during the late summer and early fall months when the water temperatures are at their highest. This species is a large schooling species and like their smaller Pacific cousins. They generally grow to between 4 and 7 feet in length and can weigh up to 100 pounds.Humboldt squid seen off the Washington coast are often encountered by persons fishing for tuna. They are also encountered in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Hood Canal, and sometimes in Puget Sound. While this species of squid can be very good eating, anglers should be very careful when handling one of these animals. They are aggressive and can deliver a nasty, painful bite. In Mexico these squid are known as diablo rojo (red devil) due to their aggressive nature. Biologically, squid belong to the class of mollusks known as cephalopods. Squid are decapods, having ten tentacles, compared to the eight of octopuses. They also are free-swimming creatures and exhibit schooling behavior similar to many species of fish. Some evidence indicates that the Humboldt may live 4 or more years and research is ongoing on this species to better understand their habits and life-spans and habitat requirements.
For more information about squid and fishing opportunities in Washington, please visit the WDFW website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/squid/fishing.htm . A fishing license is required to fish for these species. Additionally a Shellfish/Seaweed license may also be required, check the Fishing in Washington regulations pamphlet for seasons and catch limit. Pier locations and fishing information is found at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/piers .