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
Washington’s commercial Dungeness crab season will open Jan. 15 from Klipsan Beach on the Long Beach Peninsula south to Cape Falcon, Ore., including the Columbia River and Willapa Bay. An opening date is still pending for the rest of the state’s Pacific Coast.
The RCSAC is a volunteer committee that advises the Department on Puget Sound recreational crab and shrimp fishing issues. The application period is open through Feb. 3, 2025.
Conservation starts here
This approach, which aligns with the new license requirement, is designed to provide advance notice of potential fishing days, while balancing increasing fishing effort with sustainable management practices.
Data collection is essential to maintaining sustainable fisheries in such a complex and dynamic environment.
The forecasts reveal a mix of both promising and concerning early indicators for spring and early summer salmon in the river’s mainstem and tributaries.
