Fishing & Shellfishing
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
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 how the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works with tribes to co-manage the state's fisheries.
Fish and shellfish harvested in Washington waters make their way to markets around the world.
Learn about upcoming adult and youth fishing contests and events around the state
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
Summer crab fishing!
Puget Sound summer crab fishing seasons get underway July 1 in most marine areas.
Halibut season under way
Halibut fishing dates extended in June with proposed dates for August and September.
Conservation starts here
Coastal steelhead conservation
WDFW fishery biologists are leading a research project to better understand coastal steelhead migration and marine survival.
The secret lives of triploid trout
Anglers this spring have a unique opportunity to help us study the growth and behavior of triploid trout in Western Washington lakes.
A volunteer's perspective on stocking tiger muskie
WDFW stocks tiger muskie in a handful of Washington lakes to give people the opportunity to catch some big trophy fish.
