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 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
Get regular updates on the 2024-25 salmon fishing season setting process. WDFW fishery managers will share management objectives and proposed fishery plans for sport and commercial fisheries in Puget Sound at the first North of Falcon public meeting on Wednesday, March 13, in Olympia.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced the recreational coastal bottomfishing season at Neah Bay, La Push, Westport-Ocean Shores and Ilwaco opens March 9.
Conservation starts here
Within the Columbia River basin, there are commercial and recreational non-treaty fisheries, as well as treaty fisheries.
Persistent toxic pollutants have broad, long-lasting effects on aquatic life.
Initial observations in water temperatures across coastal rivers being monitored have seen a slight increase since the study began in 2014.