Washington State Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2024

If you’ve ever wondered whether paradise exists, we’re here to tell you it’s real and Washington State is its home. And no, this isn’t an overstatement – we’re actually selling it short! With stunning scenery, vibrant wildlife, over 40,000 miles of rivers, and more than 8,000 lakes, this Pacific Northwest state is an outdoor paradise. If you already see yourself fishing in Washington State, read our guide and get ready for your trip!

“The Evergreen State” offers endless recreational opportunities, with fishing at the top of the list. Washington has access to both freshwater and saltwater angling sites. Moving from east to west, you’ll find yourself surrounded by some of the most sought-after fish species on the planet.

We’ll tell you all about them in the following sections. Read on and find out about the top catches, where they hide, and how you can land them.

What are you interested in?

Best Fish to Catch in Washington

Casting a line has never been more exciting! You can reel in anything from inland monsters such as Sturgeon to offshore royals like Tuna. But before we dive in and tell you more about each celebrity, here’s a quick overview of Washington’s headliners.

Top Catches in Washington

Best Saltwater Catches in Washington

With the ocean, along with bays and sound waters at its disposal, Washington State is a saltwater fishing heaven. The majority of saltwater angling action happens closer to shore, but deep blue pursuits aren’t to be missed out on either. So, let’s see what awaits you both inshore and offshore.

• Salmon. Salmon fishing in Washington State gives you a unique opportunity at catching not one, not two, but five Salmon species! This means that you’ll have a legitimate shot at targeting Chinook, Coho, Pink, Sockeye, and Chum Salmon here. Most saltwater anglers, however, focus their attention on Chinook and Coho in Puget Sound during summer.
• Lingcod. Puget Sound is also home to Lingcod. These bottom dwellers aren’t easy to land, as they love to disappear in the rocky structures. Plus, they aren’t always up for grabs. Their season in Puget Sound is short and runs between May and June, so if you want your trophy fish, make sure you align your trip with their availability.
• Flounder. Speaking of seafloor lovers, you can also catch Flounder on Washington’s Coast. While not the prettiest of fish, they’re among the tastiest here for sure. And that’s more than a good reason to go Flounder fishing in Washington. You can target them year-round but warmer months agree better with these Flatfish.
• Dungeness Crab. If you’re traveling with kids, you simply must engage in the crabbing frenzy. They’re easy and fun to catch. Those keen on hunting them down with their bare hands can always wade instead of crabbing from a boat. While off the coast, Dungeness crabbing is a year-round recreation, in Puget Sound it’s usually either a summer or winter activity.
• Albacore Tuna. Washington State will give you an iconic Albacore Tuna experience! The anticipation of catching a 50-pounder here is real, especially when you head offshore from Westport. Albacore Tuna are present in these waters during summer and early fall, so the best time to target them is in August and September.

Best Freshwater Catches in Washington

If you prefer lakes, rivers, and streams to the ocean and bays, you’ll be thrilled to hear that Washington boasts prime freshwater fisheries and fish species. You’re familiar with the saltwater celebrities, now meet the freshwater stars.

• Salmon. These guys dominate both the saltwater and freshwater angling scene. But how’s that possible? Well, when their spawning season begins, Salmon start their journey inland. Chinook spawn in large rivers such as the Columbia, while Coho and Chum prefer small streams. Some species like Kokanee are non-migrating and you can find them in numerous lakes across the state.
• Sturgeon. White Sturgeon is the largest freshwater species you’ll battle in Washington. Believe it or not, they can reach up to 1,500 pounds! These giant creatures are muscular and strong. They’ll fight their way out of the water, so gear up with proper equipment and hit the Columbia River for some of the biggest specimens around.
• Largemouth Bass. When it comes to lake and pond residents, you have to check out Largemouth Bass. Almost every region in the state has a Bass fishery to brag about. Be it Lake Roosevelt in the east or Lake Washington in the west, Washington State will welcome you with its impressive Largemouth Bass population.
• Walleye. Challenging and tasty, Walleye rank high on every freshwater angler’s list. And Washington State is the proud owner of numerous prime Walleye fishing spots, such as the Columbia River. So, if this fish is on your bucket list, visit Central Washington between March and October, especially places such as Banks Lake and Potholes Reservoir.
• Rainbow Trout. Rainbow Trout are the most common and most popular of all Trout varieties in Washington State. They’re so widespread that every county in the state has a Rainbow Trout hotspot. This means that chances of landing a trophy fish are high wherever you wet your line. As for when – the time between spring and fall is the best for outsmarting Trout.

And More!

Apart from the absolute favorites above, Washington State has a lot more to offer when it comes to prized species. Be it an inland, inshore, or offshore fish, Washington has something for every type of angler.

Cod and Halibut are waiting for bottom fishing fans in Puget Sound. The area is also famous for its diverse Rockfish offer. Move further out and you’ll cross paths with Yellowtail Amberjack and Bluefin Tuna, too. Meanwhile, freshwater fisheries will bless you with Black Crappie, Bluegill, Smallmouth Bass, and Yellow Perch. Last but not least, let’s not forget about the official state fish – Steelhead!

When to Go Fishing in Washington

With both saltwater and freshwater species under its umbrella, Washington State can be nothing but a year-round fishing playground. Of course, knowing that you can always reel in a fish isn’t the same as targeting the specific fish you have in mind.

So, if you want to boost your chances of landing your dream catch, you should know when to go after it. And we’re here to help by outlining the seasons of Washington’s headliners below.

Washington Fishing Calendar

Bear in mind that the information in the table is just a starting point and that the availability may differ from year to year and from location to location. So, don’t forget to take a look at the latest rules and regulations on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website as well.

Washington Fishing Spots

Looking at the map, you can tell right away that the State of Washington is rich in fishing destinations. But where to head out from? Take a look at some of the most prolific fisheries below and pick your ideal fishing destination.

While Seattle can cater to all your angling needs, exploring more corners Washington has to offer is worth it. Here are some equally productive and unique hotspots to consider:

How to Go Fishing in Washington

Whenever you find yourself in a situation where you can’t decide how to go about catching your fish, the best thing you can do is team up with a Washington State fishing charter. The local guides will hook you up with the right equipment and take you to where the fish are biting. The following are just a few of the many fishing techniques you may practice when fishing in Washington State with your guide.

• Bottom fishing. As the name suggests, this approach is reserved for bottom dwellers. So, in case you’d like to test your skills against species like Lingcod, then you have to go bottom fishing. Once your guide shows you the ropes, you’ll quickly get the hang of it and start pulling fish out of their depths.
• Fly fishing. If fly fishing is your go-to technique, Washington is made for you. Almost any fishery will treat you to superb fly fishing corners and trophy fish such as Rainbows or Steelies. And the best part is that you can fly fish throughout the entire year here. However, spring and fall yield the most satisfying results.
• Deep sea fishing. More of a deep sea fishing fan? No worries, Washington’s got you! Hop aboard a charter specialized in big game hunts and go offshore to chase Albacore Tuna or cross paths with occasional Yellowtail Amberjack, Bluefin Tuna, and even Striped Marlin.

Fishing Trips in Washington

You can book anything from a 3 hour inshore hop to a full day offshore fishing trip. What you’ll go for depends entirely on what makes you tick.

Half day trips and shorter outings are often requested by first-time anglers, anglers with families, and people who only have a couple of hours at their disposal to spend out on the water while visiting the state. They’re perfect for exploring nearby fisheries and getting the hang of what fishing in Washington can be like.

For some serious Salmon or Tuna action, you’ll need to book a full day trip. They usually last around 8 hours and allow you to go further out. Some charter operators offer only full day trips, as anything less than that might not be enough to reach remote corners and land a trophy fish.

Whichever adventure you choose, bear in mind that almost all trips are geared toward targeting a certain species. This also means that the trips are seasonal. The fish will dictate the time of the year to go after them, so don’t be surprised if you see that the trips are available only within a certain time frame.

Washington Fishing Regulations

“The Evergreen State” invites everyone to engage in angling as long as they’re respectful of its fisheries. Both residents and visitors, 15 and older, are welcome to fish provided they have a fishing license. You can buy licenses online or via authorized license dealers.

The authorities also encourage youths (14 and younger) to explore the fishing world. They don’t need a license, but a Catch Record Card is a must.

The state of Washington is mindful of its species and has strict rules in order to protect them. A Catch Record Card, for example, is an integral tool for tracking recreational Salmon, Sturgeon, Steelhead, Dungeness Crab, and Halibut. Besides tracking, you must also pay attention to the location where you intend to fish and the regulations surrounding each fish you want to hunt.

For more information on the fishing license, bag, size, and season limits, read our Washington fishing license blog or visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website.

Washington Fishing FAQs

Tanya

Tanya is a Content Creator at FishingBooker and a secret admirer of all things weird and wonderful beneath the waves. The waves, however, are her archnemeses (#seasickness). But she got hooked on angling in 2016 and there was simply no way back. Fishing became her reel passion, and she hasn't stopped casting lines and spinning tales about it ever since.