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.

Anglers fish for Chinook salmon the western Strait of Juan de Fuca.

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.

Fishing news & important dates

Steelhead fishing at Reiter Ponds Hatchery on the Skykomish River
Snohomish Basin salmon, steelhead fisheries limited to protect wild Chinook

See emergency fishing rule changes for the latest regulations.

Spot shrimp
Recreational spot shrimp fishery opening May 25 in much of Puget Sound

It’s that time of year: Many Puget Sound marine areas open for recreational spot shrimp fishing beginning in late May.

Conservation starts here

Fisherman with rod
Sound Management: Conserving Pacific Northwest salmon through cooperation

Learn more about how salmon seasons are set in Washington amid a complex web of returning stocks that travel throughout the north Pacific Ocean.

Logo with trout and mountains for 2023 Trout Derby
Catch a tagged fish - win a prize!

Hundreds of lakes are stocked with tagged trout. Catch one of these fish and win a prize.

Anglers on Puget Sound
Washington salmon fishing seasons tentatively set for 2023-24

State and tribal co-managers have agreed to a tentative plan to guide salmon fishing across Washington for the coming year.

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