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
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Want to fish in Washington? Keep up to date with the latest fishing rules and regulations.
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Shellfish harvesters have an assortment of opportunities in Washington.
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Whether hiking to a remote lake or heading out for a day on the ocean, fishing opportunities abound in Washington.
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Find information about the latest creel and stocking reports in Washington waters.
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Learn about fishing techniques and equipment, along with suggested preparation and cooking methods.
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A guide to how WDFW manages fish and shellfish.
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Learn about how the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works with tribal and federal fishery managers to manage the state's fisheries.
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Learn about upcoming adult and youth fishing contests and events around the state.
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Fish and shellfish harvested in Washington waters make their way to markets around the world.
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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.
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Find out where, when, and how to enjoy fresh, local, Washington seafood.
Fishing news & important dates
The 2025-2026 Washington recreational salmon fishing seasons were tentatively set and are scheduled to be adopted by NOAA Fisheries in mid-June. Several marine and freshwater fisheries are now open.
The Columbia River shad watch has kicked off for this popular recreational fishery where millions are expected to return now through early summer. Single-day fish counts at Bonneville Dam have climbed to 45,000-plus through June 2. In 2024, the shad return was 3.2 million fish.
Conservation starts here
Recreational shrimp fishery now underway in many areas of Puget Sound and Hood Canal. Be sure to avoid deploying shrimp traps near state ferry terminals.
With the recreational bottomfishing season underway on the Washington Coast, anglers are reminded about rockfish rules.
WDFW scientists examined wild winter steelhead in rivers on the western Olympic Peninsula and flowing into Grays Harbor, including the Chehalis, Hoh, Humptulips, Queets, Quillayute, and Quinault.
