Fishing in Washington. About fish. lakes, licenses and regulations

What kind of fish can you catch in Washington

Below are 53 types of fish that can be caught in Washington. The data have been collected based on fishing reports from Washington and have undergone serious moderation. Explore the map of Washington to find out where a particular type of fish is biting.

Lakes and reservoirs for fishing in Washington

Below are the largest and most popular lakes, reservoirs, and bays for fishing in Washington. Each Washington body of water includes information on fish species, analytics, and a map with fishing spots

Strait of Juan de Fuca

Bellingham Bay (WA)

Riffe Lake (WA)

Lake Whatcom (WA)

Commencement Bay (WA)

Lake Sammamish (WA)

Birch Bay (water, WA)

Elliott Bay (WA)

Port Ludlow (bay, WA)

Clallam Bay (WA)

Shilshole Bay (WA)

Friday Harbor (bay, WA)

Neah Bay (bay, WA)

Seabeck Bay (bay, WA)

Lake Saint Clair (WA)

Salmon Bay (WA)

Portage Bay (WA)

Wauna Lake (WA)

Licenses for fishing in Washington

For more detailed information and any updates, you can visit the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife website

Category	License Type	Resident	Non-Resident	Senior Resident (70+)	Youth (Age 15)
Annual Licenses	Freshwater	$29.50	$84.50	$7.50	-
	Saltwater	$30.05	$59.75	$8.05	-
	Shellfish/Seaweed	$17.40	$36.10	$7.50	-
	Razor Clam	$14.10	$21.80	$14.10	-
	Combination	$55.35	$124.65	$19.05	$8.05
	Fish Washington	$69.55	-	-	-
Short-Term Licenses	1 Day Combination	$11.35	$20.15	$11.35	-
	2 Day Combination	$15.75	$28.95	$15.75	-
	3 Day Combination	$19.05	$35.55	$19.05	-
	3 Day Razor Clam	$9.70	$9.70	$9.70	$9.70
Endorsements	Two-Pole Endorsement	$14.80	$14.80	$6.00	$14.80
	Puget Sound Crab	$8.75	$8.75	$8.75	$8.75

Catch record cards are required for certain species and the first card is free. Additional and replacement cards are $12.60 each. Prices include all applicable fees, and purchasing multiple items in the same transaction may result in a reduced cost.

Fishing Regulations in Washington

Prohibited Gear and Fishing Methods

Use of explosives, poisons, or electrical devices to catch fish is illegal.
Fishing with nets, traps, or seines is limited to specific species and areas.
Using live fish as bait is restricted and varies by region.
Snagging fish is prohibited, except as permitted during specific seasons in designated areas.
Chumming or baiting fish is not allowed in most freshwater bodies.

Catch Limits

Salmon: Daily limits vary by area and season, often 2-6 fish.
Trout and Steelhead: Limits vary, typically 2-5 fish, with size restrictions in many areas.
Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth): Daily limit generally 5, size limits vary by water body.
Crappie, Perch, and other Panfish: Daily limit typically 10-25, depending on the species and location.
Walleye: Daily limit varies, often 8 fish with a minimum size.
Sturgeon: Catch and release only in many areas; harvest regulations vary by location and season.
Shellfish and Crab: Specific seasonal limits and size restrictions apply.
Squid: No daily limit, no size limit.
Catfish: Daily limit varies by species and location.
Halibut: Limits and open seasons vary by area.

Restrictions on Access to Water Bodies

Access to some waters is restricted for environmental protection or tribal rights.
Private waters require landowner permission for fishing access.
Marine protected areas may have specific access and fishing restrictions.
No fishing zones around certain infrastructures like dams, fish hatcheries, and power plants.
Seasonal closures in certain waters for fish spawning and habitat recovery.

Zones of Special Regulation

Fly-fishing only areas with specific gear restrictions.
Catch-and-release areas for trout, steelhead, and other species.
Areas with slot limits or size restrictions for species like bass and walleye.
Special regulations in waters adjacent to tribal lands.
Trophy fisheries with enhanced size and bag limits.

Protection of Rare Species

Endangered and threatened species are protected and must not be targeted or retained.
Fishing in habitats of rare species may be restricted or regulated.
Special permits required for research fishing involving rare or protected species.
Incidental catch of rare species must be reported and released immediately.
Conservation areas established to protect rare aquatic ecosystems.

Seasonal Restrictions

Closed seasons for specific species to protect during spawning or migration.
Ice fishing regulations, including gear and shelter rules, in effect during winter.
Seasonal closures in sensitive ecological areas for species recovery.
Temporary closures during environmental events like red tide or toxic algae blooms.
Special seasons and rules for migratory species like salmon and steelhead.

Most popular cities for fishing in Washington

The largest and most popular fishing cities in Washington. Cities in Washington include information on fishing, as well as a map with fishing spots. Explore the cities to know what fish are caught and in which bodies of water.