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.

In this section

Fishing regulations

Want to fish in Washington? Keep up to date with the latest fishing rules and regulations.

Shellfishing regulations

Shellfish harvesters have an assortment of opportunities in Washington.

Fishing and stocking reports

Find information about the latest creel and stocking reports in Washington waters.

Places to go fishing

Whether hiking to a remote lake or heading out for a day on the ocean, fishing opportunities abound in Washington.

Fishing and shellfishing basics

Learn about fishing techniques and equipment, along with suggested preparation and cooking methods.

Managing fish populations

A guide to how WDFW manages fish and shellfish.

Tribal fishing

Learn how the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works with tribes to co-manage the state's fisheries.

Fishing events

Learn about upcoming adult and youth fishing contests and events around the state

Commercial fishing

Fish and shellfish harvested in Washington waters make their way to markets around the world.

Buy a license

See rule changes

Catch reporting

Fishing news & important dates

Recreational fishing and shellfishing closed in response to COVID-19

For at least two weeks starting March 26, WDFW is closing recreational fishing and shellfishing statewide in response to the governor’s order to ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ and limit the spread of coronavirus.

Learn more

North of Falcon salmon season-setting process updates

Find more information about state, federal and tribal fishery managers' efforts to plan the Northwest's recreational and commercial salmon fisheries.

Learn more

More news

April 06

Fishing, shellfish harvesting, and some hunting postponed

April 03

Commission to consider 2020-2021 hunting season setting, cougar harvest guidelines during April meeting

March 25

WDFW closes recreational fishing statewide in wake of governor’s order to ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ in response to COVID-19

March 24

Washington state parks and wildlife areas to close following governor’s order

Conservation starts here

WDFW biologists monitor crab in Puget Sound

WDFW biologists monitor crab populations to meet conservation goals

Marine beach spawning fish ecology

WDFW protects surf smelt and Pacific sand dab on beaches where spawning has been documented.