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.

Anglers fish for Chinook salmon the western Strait of Juan de Fuca.

In this section

Want to fish in Washington? Keep up to date with the latest fishing rules and regulations.
Shellfish harvesters have an assortment of opportunities in Washington.
Whether hiking to a remote lake or heading out for a day on the ocean, fishing opportunities abound in Washington.
Find information about the latest creel and stocking reports in Washington waters.
Learn about fishing techniques and equipment, along with suggested preparation and cooking methods.
A guide to how WDFW manages fish and shellfish.
Learn about how the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works with tribal and federal fishery managers to manage the state's fisheries.
Learn about upcoming adult and youth fishing contests and events around the state
Fish and shellfish harvested in Washington waters make their way to markets around the world.
Monofilament line can cause problems throughout the environment when it is lost during fishing or improperly discarded overboard. Learn where you can discard used fishing line.

Fishing news & important dates

Anglers on Skagit River
Steelhead fishery to open on Skagit, Sauk rivers under updated management plan

New 10-year plan for Skagit steelhead will guide future fisheries, population monitoring.

A man with a sturgeon
Changes to Lake Roosevelt white sturgeon fishing season

For the conservation of the white sturgeon species, WDFW will change the fishing season for them on Lake Roosevelt in 2023.

Conservation starts here

Fisherman with rod
Sound Management: Conserving Pacific Northwest salmon through cooperation

Learn more about how salmon seasons are set in Washington amid a complex web of returning stocks that travel throughout the north Pacific Ocean.

A Coho in amongst other salmon
Annual spawning process at Ringold Springs Hatchery benefits community

WDFW and area Tribes team up to complete spawning, for the benefit of all.

Salmon anglers on Puget Sound
Salmon season setting underway

WDFW wants your help determining the salmon fishing seasons for 2023; learn how you can participate.

Share your outdoor adventures