Recreational salmon fishing

Fisherman on the prow of a boat holding a very large Chinook salmon

The links below take you to information on some of the basics of salmon fishing for the beginning angler. This is only a starting point, and is not meant to cover every aspect of salmon fishing. After getting your feet wet, a good angler will constantly search for additional information to improve their abilities and skills.

To find current and upcoming salmon seasons near you, visit WDFW's Weekender report, which provides a regional breakdown of fishing and hunting opportunities for the month.

  • Marine areas

    The most popular boat fishing methods can be lumped into two general categories, drift fishing and trolling.

  • Freshwater

    Freshwater salmon fishing can be done from the shore or a boat, and many of the methods can be used either way.

  • Estuaries and tidewater

    Tidewater (or estuary) fisheries offer small boat owners access to ocean bright fish, often in high densities.