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.

Winter salmon fishing on Puget Sound with Mount Rainier in the background.

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.

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 stocking reports

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

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 about how the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works with tribal and federal fishery managers to manage the state's fisheries.

Commercial fishing

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

Fishing events

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

Monofilament recovery and recycling program

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.

Buy a license

Emergency fishing rules

Catch reporting

Fishing news & important dates

Ice fishing safety

Eastern Washington lakes are freezing over, meaning it's time for ice fishing! Here's some information on getting started and staying safe on the ice.

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Coastal steelhead fishing seasons announced

Fishery managers with WDFW announced their final approach for the 2022-2023 coastal steelhead season, following another year of low coastal steelhead returns to Washington’s coast.

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