Washington · Fishing regulations

Fishing regulations in Washington.

Washington is salmon and steelhead — the Olympic Peninsula, Columbia, and Puget Sound rivers define the state's identity, with Yakima trout adding a quality Western trout river to the program.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife · License: Anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid fishing license to fish in Washington. Resident and non-resident licenses are sold online through the WDFW and at most sporting goods retailers. Annual, multi-day, and lifetime licenses are typically available. Senior, military, and youth discounts apply in most cases. Salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and Puget Sound fishing all involve specific endorsements — Washington's license structure is among the most complex. License costs and exact age thresholds change — verify with the WDFW before purchase.

Freshwater

Salmon (chinook, coho, sockeye, pink, chum), steelhead, rainbow trout, sea-run cutthroat, and bass. Eastern Washington reservoirs hold walleye, smallmouth bass, and trout. Puget Sound and Columbia River salmon dominate.

Rivers

The Yakima is the premier eastern Washington trout river. Olympic Peninsula rivers (Hoh, Sol Duc, Bogachiel) get steelhead and salmon runs. The Columbia and Snake provide salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and walleye. The Skykomish, Skagit, and Stillaguamish run salmon.

Saltwater

Pacific salmon (charter and small-boat), halibut, lingcod, rockfish, and Pacific cod. Puget Sound is divided into management areas with distinct rules. Crab and shellfish are heavily regulated.

Special

Wild salmon and steelhead retention rules are complex and change yearly. Hatchery-only retention on most coastal rivers. Native (wild) steelhead are catch-and-release. Washington's Catch Record Card system tracks salmon, steelhead, halibut, sturgeon, and Dungeness crab.

Popular species

Chinook salmon · Coho salmon · Steelhead · Rainbow trout · Sea-run cutthroat · Halibut · Smallmouth bass

State agency

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Agency site →

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