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.

Boats fishing for winter blackmouth Chinook in central Puget Sound Marine Area 10 March 2024

Fishing news & important dates

North of Falcon meeting 2024
Salmon Daily Digest blog series on North of Falcon

Get regular updates on the 2024-25 salmon fishing season setting process. WDFW hosted a second public hybrid North of Falcon meeting on Wednesday, March 27 at the Lynnwood Embassy Suites. The Willapa Bay/Grays Harbor fisheries virtual public discussion is Thursday, March 28 at 6 p.m.

Angler poses by 140-pound halibut he caught from Puget Sound
Halibut fishing starts April 4 in some Puget Sound marine areas and May 2 in coastal marine areas

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced plans for the 2024 halibut fishing season, which will kick off April 4 in some Puget Sound areas with the 2024 season structured similarly to last season.

Conservation starts here

Spring Chinook fishing
Science, sharing, and sustainability: demystifying the Columbia River salmon management cycle

This video dives into the complex world of managing salmon fisheries in the Columbia River.

Boats fishing for winter blackmouth Chinook in central Puget Sound Marine Area 10 March 2024
Reduce toxic contaminants to help preserve Puget Sound wildlife

Persistent toxic pollutants have broad, long-lasting effects on aquatic life.

Bull trout
Proposal to introduce bull trout to Sullivan Lake

WDFW is looking for public feedback on introducing bull trout to Sullivan Lake in northeast Washington

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