Fishing & Shellfishing

Some of the best fishing opportunities in the nation are available in Washington. From fly-fishing for bass and trout on freshwater lakes and streams east of the Cascades to trolling for salmon along the coast to crabbing in Puget Sound, Washington offers a diverse and unique outdoors experience. Find the experience that's right for you, whether you're a long-time angler or a first-time fisher.

A fishing boat on the water in a foggy sunrise.
Photo by Chase Gunnell

Fishing news & important dates

Sunrise photo of people fishing on the beach.
Photo by Blue Haught
The Salmon Fishing Current blog: North of Falcon 2025 edition

The 2025-2026 Washington recreational salmon fishing seasons were tentatively set and are scheduled to be adopted by NOAA Fisheries in early June. You can read the North of Falcon reflections by Kelly Cunningham, WDFW Fish Program Director.

Manila Clam Limit
Photo by WDFW
Two Hood Canal beaches closing May 3 for recreational shellfish gathering

Shine Tidelands State Park and Wolfe Property State Park will close for clam, mussel, and oyster gathering Saturday, May 3, due to unexpectedly high harvest pressure and poor compliance with shellfishing regulations.

Conservation starts here

Image
Rockfish identification 2025 version
Photo by WDFW
Reminder about rockfish identification and retention

With the recreational bottomfishing season underway on the Washington Coast, anglers are reminded about rockfish rules.

Side view of a spot shrimp on boat railing.
Photo by WDFW
Recreational spot shrimp fishery to open May 21 in many Puget Sound marine areas

Marine areas 10 outside Elliott Bay, 11, and 13 will remain closed due to low estimated spot shrimp abundance. Additional dates may be announced if quota remains after the initial shrimp fishing days.

An angler holds a fish on a fishing line.
Photo by WDFW
2025 Northern Pikeminnow Sport-Reward Fishery begins May 1

The 2025 Northern Pikeminnow Sport-Reward Fishery will open May 1, offering anglers the chance to earn cash while helping protect vulnerable salmon and steelhead in the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Share your outdoor adventures