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.

A fishing boat on the water in a foggy sunrise.
Photo by Chase Gunnell

Fishing news & important dates

Sunrise photo of people fishing on the beach.
Photo by Blue Haught
The Salmon Fishing Current blog: summer and fall 2025 edition

The 2025-2026 Washington recreational salmon seasons were finalized, and several Puget Sound-region marine and freshwater fisheries are open. Marine Areas 4, 3, and 2 are now open; and Marine Area 1 opens June 25 for salmon fishing.

Bonneville shad fishing
Photo by WDFW
Columbia River shad migration underway

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 shad counts at Bonneville Dam have climbed to as high as 191,000-plus through June 22 and more than 2.7 million to date.

Conservation starts here

Crabs
Photo by Mike Giambattista
Recreational crabbing to open July 3 in many Puget Sound marine areas

The recreational summer crab fishery gets underway soon in most areas of Puget Sound. Avoid setting crab traps near state ferry terminals and make sure they're properly weighted down to avoid traps from moving and becoming lost.

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Rockfish identification 2025 version
Photo by WDFW
Reminder about rockfish identification and retention

With the recreational bottomfishing season underway on the Washington Coast, anglers are reminded about rockfish rules.

A wild steelhead held in the water before release.
Photo by Chase Gunnell
New WDFW research finds link between coastal steelhead survival, changing ocean conditions

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.

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