Best Places To Fish in Washington State
Washington state offers an abundance of incredible fishing locations, making it a haven for anglers of all levels. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about the best fishing opportunities in the state, for a variety of fish species. The Puget Sound is a prime spot for fishing, known for its diverse range of species and scenic beauty. Popular fish species found in the Puget Sound include salmon, including Chinook, coho, and pink salmon, as well as lingcod, halibut, and Dungeness crab. The best season to fish in the Puget Sound depends on the specific species, but generally, the summer months offer fantastic opportunities for salmon fishing, while lingcod and halibut are more commonly caught during the spring and early summer.
Another notable fishing destination in Washington is the Columbia River, famous for its salmon and steelhead runs. The Columbia River attracts anglers from far and wide, offering thrilling opportunities to catch Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead. The best season to fish on the Columbia River varies depending on the specific species and run timing, but fall is typically a popular time for salmon fishing, while steelhead runs can be found during the winter and spring months.
Washington's vast array of rivers, lakes, and coastal areas provide endless possibilities for anglers. Whether it's casting a line in the Puget Sound or along the banks of the Columbia River, Washington offers a fishing experience that is both exhilarating and rewarding. The best seasons for fishing depend on the species targeted, so researching specific regulations and run timings is essential to ensure a successful fishing trip.
There are many great places to fish in The Evergreen State. Whether you prefer warm-water fish species or cold-water species, Washington State has excellent options to choose from.
Washington's Top-Five, Amazing Fishing Spots
- Lake Washington in northwest WA
- Lake Roosevelt in northwest WA
- Potholes Reservoir in central WA
- Lake Chelan in north-central WA
- Banks Lake in central WA
The state is dotted with great places to fish. Excellent rivers and streams are everywhere. On this website we cover only lakes, so our choices for best places to fish in WA are lakes that have long-standing reputations for good fishing. Learn more...
Most Popular Fish Species In Washington
Anglers each have their favorite species, and there are many species in the state to choose from. These are the most popular and most sought after by locals. Learn more...
Top Places To Fish For Trout In Washington
- Rock Lake in eastern WA
- Lake Chelan in north-central WA
- Banks Lake in central WA
Choose from rainbow, brook, cutthroat, brown, lake and golden trout. Visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website for the latest in trout stockings. Many trout fisheries here offer more than one of these species. Learn more...
Best Lakes To Fish For Catfish In Washington
- Lake Umatilla in northern WA
- Lake Washington in northwest WA
- Vancouver Lake in southwest WA
Many catfish anglers quietly go about catching lots of fish, without a lot of fishing pressure. They are fun to catch and can make a good fish fry. These are some of the best catfish lakes based on history for quantity as well as quality. Learn more...
Best Walleye Fishing Lakes In Washington
- Moses Lake in central WA
- Banks Lake in central WA
- Potholes Reservoir in central WA
There are more than a couple dozen places to fish for walleye in Washington. These have delivered in the past and are expected to continue into the future. Learn more...
Top Places To Fish For Crappie In Washington
- Lake Washington in northwest WA
- Moses Lake in central WA
- Potholes Reservoir in central WA
To many anglers' surprise, crappie grow to bragging size in some of the lakes across the state. The three lakes listed here are healthy fisheries that have offered both numbers and size, making them among the best places to catch crappie in the state. Learn more...
Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Washington
- Lake Roosevelt in northwest WA
- Banks Lake in central WA
- Lake Washington in northwest WA
Although the growing season is short in most of the state, largemouth and smallmouth bass thrive in many lakes in the state. Some waters contain both species. These three lakes have delivered long enough to have a reputation as really good bass fishing destinations. Learn more...
Enjoy these top spots to go fishing in Washington
Find the best places to fish, by state.
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