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.
-
Find out where, when, and how to enjoy fresh, local, Washington seafood.
Fishing news & important dates
Stay informed throughout the salmon season-setting process. Follow The Salmon Fishing Current blog for the latest updates on forecasts, meetings, and in-season changes. WDFW seeks public input on ocean salmon fishery proposals, and the first North of Falcon hybrid meeting is March 19.
Smelt dipping will return to the banks of the Cowlitz River as Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved recreational fisheries for Wednesday, March 12 and Saturday, March 15. Dip-netting will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day.
Conservation starts here
The state’s coastal commercial Dungeness crab season is underway, following months of test fishing and data gathering by WDFW.
With coastal steelhead rivers closing in March, anglers have additional opportunities to catch these prized game fish in several lakes throughout coastal and southwestern Washington.
Fishery managers remind anglers that a descending device must be on board vessels and rigged for immediate use when fishing for or possessing bottomfish and halibut
