Great Fishing In Washington State

Guide To fishing in the Evergreen State

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

The state of Washington offers both cold water fishing for trout and salmon as well as warm water fishing for bass, walleye, crappie, perch, catfish and more. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about the best fishing lakes in the state, plus the species found in each lake. Many of these lakes offer fishing boats for rent. Great fishing is available year round with many lakes offering ice fishing in winter.

Washington state is a fishing paradise, offering anglers a diverse range of species and fishing environments. From warm water fisheries to cold water fisheries, and from ponds to lakes and rivers, Washington has it all.

Warm water fisheries in Washington provide excellent opportunities for targeting species such as bass, walleye, panfish, and catfish. Lakes like Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, and Potholes Reservoir are known for their robust warm water fish populations. Anglers can enjoy casting their lines from boats or the shoreline, using a variety of baits and lures to entice these species. The warm summer months are especially productive for warm water fishing, as fish become more active and feed more aggressively.

Cold water fisheries in Washington offer thrilling experiences for those seeking trout and salmon. Rivers like the Yakima River and the Skagit River, as well as lakes such as Lake Chelan and Lake Wenatchee, are popular destinations for trout and salmon fishing. Whether fly fishing on the rivers or trolling on the lakes, anglers can target rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, kokanee salmon, and other cold water species. The cooler seasons, particularly spring and fall, are prime times to pursue these fish as they migrate or spawn.

Washington is also home to numerous ponds, which provide a unique fishing experience. Many ponds are stocked with trout, offering excellent opportunities for anglers of all ages to enjoy catch-and-release fishing or harvest fish for a tasty meal. These smaller bodies of water often offer easy access and a peaceful environment for anglers to hone their skills or introduce newcomers to the joys of fishing.

In addition to the variety of fishing environments, Washington's rivers are famous for their salmon runs, attracting anglers from around the world. The Columbia River, the Skagit River, and the Quinault River are just a few examples of the many rivers that offer thrilling salmon fishing opportunities. Anglers can experience the excitement of hooking into a powerful Chinook or coho salmon as they make their way upstream.

Whether you prefer warm water fishing in lakes, targeting trout in rivers, or enjoying the tranquility of fishing in a pond, Washington state has something for every angler. Its diverse range of fishing opportunities and abundant fish populations make it a premier fishing destination that promises unforgettable experiences and cherished memories on the water.

Fishing in Washington

Choose your favorite type of water as there are terrific lakes, ponds, streams and rivers all across Washington State. Here, you can fish for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, white catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, golden trout, brown trout, lake trout, steelhead, bluegill, green sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, warmouth, yellow perch, Atlantic salmon, coho salmon, chum salmon, chinook salmon, pink salmon, sockeye salmon, northern pike, sturgeon and tiger muskie in local lakes, rivers, ponds and/or streams.

Major Washington Lakes & Species

Fishing lake sizes and locations in the state.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Area Resources

List A Washington Fishing Guide Service
We are looking for information on local guides who offer services on area waters. You can find a listing of WA fishing guides here. If you are a fishing guide in Washington or know of a good resource, please send us information for consideration.

State of WA Fishing Information

Find regulations and info about local fishing at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website. Click here for a Washington fishing license.

Fish for big bass

Excellent largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing opportunities are available to anglers.

Fishing in all states

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