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.

Baker Lake sockeye fishing
Photo by Hermes Adrada

Fishing news & important dates

Fishing for chum with Grandpa
Photo by David Murphy
New fishing regulations in effect at Minter Creek

As part of new regulations for the 2024-25 season, all waters within channels created by exposed tidelands are closed to fishing at Minter Creek in Pierce County. Salmon fishing is open from Sept. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024.

Sunrise photo of people fishing on the beach.
Photo by Blue Haught
The Salmon Fishing Current blog: late-summer and fall 2024 edition

WDFW's The Salmon Fishing Current blog is a way to keep recreational anglers informed this summer and fall of any in-season management developments and a better understanding of why changes could occur in Puget Sound, the coast, Columbia River, and statewide rivers and streams.

Conservation starts here

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Salmon jumping in Whatcom Creek in downtown Bellingham
Photo by Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission
Hatchery Chinook salmon returning to Whatcom Creek in Bellingham

These salmon are raised by Bellingham Technical College students as food for Southern Resident killer whales and to support fisheries.

National Hunting and Fishing Day  -- archery range
Photo by WDFW
WDFW will host National Hunting and Fishing Day event Sept. 28

The NHFD celebration is a great, family-oriented way to introduce youth to target shooting, hunting and fishing.

Campers
Photo by WDFW
Changes coming to Vernita Bridge Access Area in Grant County

Site use rules at the Vernita Bridge Access Area are changing to improve safety and protect the natural environment.

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