Fishing in Washington

Washington is a world-class fishing destination, and the diversity of the water throughout the state means there is something for both fly-fishermen and sport anglers alike. From small creek rainbows or a thrilling battle with a Washington steelhead on a fly, to a healthy 35 pound King salmon pulled from a glacial lake or a scale tipping halibut off the Olympic peninsula anglers in Washington can expect year round fishing amid beautiful and pristine surroundings.

Destinations to consider are grouped below by region. For detailed information, follow the links to any fishing destination that interests you. By visiting our Guides and Outfitters Search Page, Go Washington Travel connects you with fly-fishing and deep water guides and boats, to make the most of your fishing expedition.

WESTERN WASHINGTON

With the Olympic mountains and forest dominating the region, and bordered on three sides by salt water, western Washington and the Olympic peninsula is Washington fishing at its finest.

Olympic National Park is threaded with cold water streams throughout the temperate rainforest, like the lush Hoh River. South in Aberdeen anglers along the upper Chehalis river sometimes compete with bald eagles and ospreys for the numerous trout and salmon to be found. Riffe Lake and the bubbling Skate Creek towards Mount Rainier National Park are well known with anglers for their trout, bass, and coho.

Many sea fishing excursions depart from the Olympic peninsula. Outfitters depart from Port Townsend to explore the Puget Sound and Neah Bay area. The area is also renowned for the seasonal availability of clams, shellfish, and crabs.

NORTHWEST WASHINGTON

The Puget Sound and San Juan Islands have been drawing anglers to the pacific northwest for hundreds of years. In Seattle fishing outfitters depart to the west, while to the east Lake Washington, the second largest natural lake in Washington, is well populated with bass, perch, and trout.

For the unlucky few who get skunked during a day fishing in the waters surrounding Whidbey Island, Seattle and the fresh catch at Pike Place Market is only a half hours ferry ride.

NORTHEAST WASHINGTON

The northeast region of Washington is all about big lake fishing. Lake Chelan, one of the largest and deepest lakes in the United States, and the massive Lake Roosevelt behind the Grand Coulee dam and stretching past Kettle Falls, offer hundreds of miles of water and shoreline. Over thirty different species of fish can be found in Lake Roosevelt alone, along with well over a million trout and kokanee.

South of Moses Lake, Bluegill, Perch, and Walleye fill Potholes Reservoir, and many of these can be pulled during a float trip down the Columbia river. Many small creeks, perfect for catching pan-sized trout on a fly, drain out of the Cascade Range to the west.

SOUTHEAST WASHINGTON

Southeastern Washington tends to be drier and flatter than other points in the state, but the Columbia river at Lake Wallula, south of the Tri-Cities area offers great lake fishing. Tucked in far corner of Washington, the blue ribbon Snake River meanders through the countryside, and is a great location for early season fly fishing.