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
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Want to fish in Washington? Keep up to date with the latest fishing rules and regulations.
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Shellfish harvesters have an assortment of opportunities in Washington.
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Whether hiking to a remote lake or heading out for a day on the ocean, fishing opportunities abound in Washington.
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Find information about the latest creel and stocking reports in Washington waters.
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Learn about fishing techniques and equipment, along with suggested preparation and cooking methods.
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A guide to how WDFW manages fish and shellfish.
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Learn about how the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works with tribal and federal fishery managers to manage the state's fisheries.
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Learn about upcoming adult and youth fishing contests and events around the state.
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Fish and shellfish harvested in Washington waters make their way to markets around the world.
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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
If you’re itching to go fishing, then spring and early-summer is one of the best times to take advantage of the many lakes, ponds and other waterways filled with trout and other warmwater fish species.
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
In 2024, several factors necessitate the careful conservation and management of the vulnerable Snohomish wild Chinook stock.
Rockfish are often incorrectly called “sea bass”, but are in fact a family of fish from the genus Sebastes separate from sea bass and perch.
Site use rules at the Vernita Bridge Access Area are changing to improve safety and protect the natural environment.
