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.
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Find out where, when, and how to enjoy fresh, local, Washington seafood.
Fishing news & important dates
Winter crab fishing is open daily through Dec. 31 in Marine Area 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island). Other Puget Sound locations also open daily for crabbing are Marine Areas 4, 5, 6, 7, 8-1, 8-2, 9, and a portion of 12 north of Ayock Point only.
Anglers have additional opportunities to retain coho in three northern Puget Sound rivers and retain chum in sections of Marine Area 13, Kennedy Creek, and Carr Inlet. Hatchery steelhead retention now allowed on the Lower Columbia River, with an expanded fishing area.
Conservation starts here
Plan guides WDFW and partner efforts restoring steelhead and fisheries in the Puget Sound Region.
Steelhead fishing opened in select areas of the Upper Columbia in mid-October. This marks the first time in nine years that anglers can enjoy fishing for hatchery steelhead.
New plan coincides with milestone of more than 1 million green crabs caught and removed since Gov. Inslee’s emergency order in January 2022.
