Washington Fishing Season Limits and Regulations for 2026 by Month – Species, Licenses & Hotspots
Casting a line into Washington waterways has a certain allure, whether you’re battling a savage steelhead in the Cowlitz River while the raindrops drip down your raincoat or enjoying a steaming cup of coffee while watching the sunrise over Lake Washington. Greetings from the Evergreen State, where fishing options are as varied as the terrain.
Washington provides year-round action for both avid fishermen and families hoping to catch their first bluegill, from the salmon-rich waterways of Puget Sound to the trout-rich alpine lakes of the Cascades. With over 8,000 lakes and reservoirs, plus innumerable rivers and streams (not to mention 3,000 miles of coastal shoreline), you’ll never run out of places to wet a line.
Everything you need to know about the 2026 season is broken down in this guide, including when to chase Chinook, where to catch prize bass, how to handle bag limits, and which license you’ll need before you go. Whether you’re a Washington resident or traveling from out of state, consider this your guide to a successful year on the water. Just remember—regulations might change, so always double-check the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) website before your trip!
📅 Quick Reference by Month
Here’s a snapshot of what’s biting throughout 2026:
| Month | Top Species | Where to Fish | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Steelhead, Sturgeon, Panfish | Coastal rivers, Columbia River, lowland lakes | Winter steelhead peak; ice fishing in high elevation lakes |
| February | Steelhead, Trout (lakes) | Olympic Peninsula rivers, stocked lowland lakes | Cold water means slow presentations work best |
| March | Spring Chinook (late), Steelhead, Trout | Columbia River, coastal streams, freshwater lakes | Season transitions; trout action heats up |
| April | Trout, Bass (warming), Halibut (coastal) | Lakes/reservoirs open, Puget Sound | Lowland lake season officially opens; bass start moving shallow |
| May | Bass, Trout, Walleye, Early Salmon | Banks Lake, Moses Lake, river systems | Memorial Day weekend = prime time; rivers open |
| June | Salmon (Chinook, Coho), Bass, Walleye, Trout | Puget Sound, coastal ocean, lakes statewide | Salmon runs begin; Free Fishing Weekend (June 6-7, 2026) |
| July | Salmon, Bass, Walleye, Catfish, High-lake Trout | Ocean, Puget Sound, Columbia River, mountain lakes | Peak summer fishing; warm water species active |
| August | Salmon (Pink every odd year), Bass, Panfish | Puget Sound, lowland lakes, rivers | Hot weather = early morning/late evening best |
| September | Salmon (Coho, Chum), Steelhead (fall runs) | Rivers, Puget Sound | Fall Chinook and Coho dominate; steelhead return |
| October | Fall Salmon, Bass, Walleye, Trout (cooling) | Rivers close Oct 31 in many areas; lakes year-round | River fishing winds down; prepare for winter patterns |
| November | Late Steelhead, Sturgeon, Panfish | Coastal rivers, Columbia, lakes | Jumbo trout stocked for Black Friday fishing! |
| December | Winter Steelhead, Sturgeon | Olympic Peninsula, SW Washington rivers | Steelhead season opens Dec 1 on coastal streams |
Note: Specific water body regulations may vary—always check eRegulations Washington for detailed rules!
🐟 Popular Sport Fish
Trout 🎣
Washington is trout heaven. Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs offer year-round fishing, while rivers and streams open from the Saturday before Memorial Day through October 31.
- Daily Limit: 5 trout from lakes/ponds; 2 from rivers/streams (combined daily limit of 5 statewide)
- Size Requirements: Wild trout have an 8-inch minimum; hatchery trout (fin-clipped) have no minimum
- Best Waters: Lake Washington, Cranberry Lake, Silver Lake, Roosevelt Lake, and hundreds of alpine gems in the Cascades
- Stocking Schedule: WDFW stocks over 14.5 million trout annually, including 150,000+ jumbo trout (14+ inches). Check the trout stocking schedule for recent plants near you
Pro tip: Rowland Lake, Kress Lake, and Lake St. Clair are regularly stocked through winter and spring. Hit them right after a plant for fast action!
Steelhead 🌊
The sea-run rainbow trout is Washington’s most prized gamefish, and 2026 offers excellent opportunities.
- Coastal Steelhead Season: December 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026 (most rivers)
- Daily Limit: 2 hatchery steelhead (must have clipped adipose fin)
- Size Minimum: 20 inches
- Critical Rule: Release ALL wild steelhead—you cannot remove them from the water
- Top Rivers: Hoh, Queets, Humptulips, Skagit, Cowlitz, and the famed Bogachiel
Steelhead fishing requires skill and patience, but hooking one of these powerful fish in a misty Northwest river is an experience every angler should have.
Bass (Largemouth & Smallmouth) 🐠
Lakes and reservoirs = bass paradise all year long.
- Season: Year-round in lakes; check specific river regulations
- Daily Limit: 10 bass (statewide rule as of recent regulation changes)
- Size Restrictions: Only 1 smallmouth over 14 inches may be retained; largemouth have slot limits on some waters
- Best Lakes: Moses Lake, Banks Lake, Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, Potholes Reservoir
- Peak Season: May through September when water temps hit 60-75°F
Washington’s bass fishery has exploded in recent years. Spring spawning season (April-June) offers topwater excitement, while summer months deliver consistent action on Carolina rigs and crankbaits.
Walleye 🥇
Eastern Washington is walleye country, especially along the Columbia River system.
- Daily Limit: 8 fish from lakes/reservoirs; no limit in rivers and streams
- Size Requirements: 12-inch minimum; only 1 walleye over 22 inches may be retained
- Top Spots: Lake Roosevelt (Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake), Banks Lake, Moses Lake, Potholes Reservoir
- Best Times: Spring (April-May) during spawn; summer evenings and nights
Night fishing for walleye under a full moon is a Washington tradition. Bring a headlamp, jigs tipped with nightcrawlers, and prepare for arm-burning battles.
Catfish (Channel Catfish) 🍃
Warm summer evenings = catfish time!
- Season: Year-round, but best June-September
- Daily Limit: No statewide limit (check specific waters)
- Best Waters: Columbia River, Snake River, Moses Lake, American Lake
- Stocking News: WDFW revived channel catfish stocking in 2024, with 50,000 fish planned for 26 lakes in upcoming years
These whiskered bottom-feeders love chicken liver, stink baits, and cut bait. They’re perfect for family fishing and taste great fried up!
🦞 Specialty Species
Salmon (Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, Chum) 🐟
Salmon fishing defines Washington. The Pacific Northwest is ground zero for these incredible fish, and 2026 looks promising.
Chinook (King Salmon)
- Season: Varies by marine area; typically June-September in Puget Sound
- Daily Limit: Usually 2 salmon total, with restrictions on how many can be Chinook (often just 1)
- Size Minimum: 22-24 inches (varies by area)
- Top Spots: Neah Bay (Marine Area 4), Sekiu, Puget Sound (Areas 10, 11), Columbia River
Coho (Silver Salmon)
- Season: July-October (peak: August-September)
- Daily Limit: Part of the overall salmon bag limit
- Hot Zones: Puget Sound, coastal ocean fisheries, Strait of Juan de Fuca
Pink Salmon
- 2026 Note: This is an ODD-YEAR cycle in Puget Sound, meaning LIMITED pink salmon (pinks primarily return in odd years like 2025, 2027). If you want pink action, check back in 2027 when the forecast expects 7.76+ million pinks!
Sockeye & Chum
- Sockeye: Lake Washington, Baker Lake (when open)
- Chum: Fall runs (November-December) in South Sound rivers
Important: Salmon regulations are COMPLEX and change by marine area. Always check the WDFW Salmon Regulations page and carry your pamphlet. If you’re just getting started, consider booking a charter—captains know the rules inside-out.
Halibut 🦈
Pacific halibut in Puget Sound? Yes! But it’s strictly regulated.
- Season: April 2 – June 30, 2026 (seven days per week, pending federal approval)
- Daily Limit: 1 fish
- Marine Areas: Puget Sound and Strait of Juan de Fuca (Areas 5-13)
- Gear: Heavy tackle, large circle hooks, and patience
Halibut fishing requires a boat (or charter) and the willingness to battle a barn door-sized flatfish. It’s bucket-list-worthy!
Sturgeon 🐋
These prehistoric giants can live 100+ years and reach 10+ feet. White sturgeon are catch-and-release only in most areas, but retention is allowed in specific zones.
- Season: Year-round in many areas, but check retention windows
- Retention Limits: Varies—often 1 fish between 43-54 inches (measure carefully!)
- Best Spots: Columbia River (Bonneville to McNary Dam), Snake River
- Bait: Fresh smelt, squid, or shad
Sturgeon fishing is about patience and heavy tackle. When one hits, hold on tight!
🐠 Panfish & Everyday Catches
Perfect for kids and beginners—panfish are plentiful, bite readily, and cook up delicious!
| Species | Season | Daily Limit | Size | Best Waters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crappie (Black/White) | Year-round | 10 fish | 9-inch minimum (some waters) | Moses Lake, American Lake, Silver Lake |
| Bluegill | Year-round | No limit (typically no size restriction) | Varies by water | Statewide lowland lakes |
| Yellow Perch | Year-round | No statewide limit | Check local rules | Lake Washington, Moses Lake, Potholes |
| Sunfish (Pumpkinseed, etc.) | Year-round | No statewide limit | No minimum | Farm ponds, small lakes |
Crappie Tip: Early spring (March-April) when they move shallow to spawn is prime time. Use small jigs or live minnows under a bobber near docks and brush piles.
Bluegill Tip: Summer months = spawning beds in shallow water. Fly fishers love these scrappy little fighters on poppers!
🦆 Stocked & Managed Waters
Washington’s hatchery system is one of the best in the nation. Here’s what you need to know:
Trout Stocking
- Annual Total: 14.6 million trout and kokanee stocked across 500+ waters
- Catchable-Size Trout: 2.14 million averaging 11-13 inches
- Jumbo Trout Program: 150,000+ trophy rainbows over 14 inches and 1+ pound
- Special Events: Black Friday fishing (November) features 65,000+ jumbo trout in 25 lakes!
Must-Fish Stocked Lakes:
- Western WA: Silver Lake (Whatcom Co.), Cranberry Lake, Fish Lake, Lake Samish
- Eastern WA: Sprague Lake, Williams Lake, Coffeepot Lake
- Family-Friendly: Lake Sammamish State Park, American Lake (near Tacoma)
Check the WDFW stocking reports regularly—fish bite best 2-7 days after stocking when they’re still hungry and concentrated.
Kokanee (Landlocked Sockeye)
These miniature salmon offer excellent action in deep lakes.
- Top Kokanee Lakes: Lake Chelan, Lake Roosevelt, Lake Wenatchee, Rimrock Lake
- Best Season: May-September (troll 30-60 feet deep)
- Daily Limit: 10 kokanee (count toward overall trout limit in some waters)
Put-and-Take vs Wild Fisheries
Washington manages both heavily stocked “put-and-take” lakes for easy family fishing AND wild trout streams for purists seeking native fish. Respect the differences—wild fish waters often have stricter regulations (catch-and-release, barbless hooks, fly-fishing-only zones).
🌍 Public vs Private Waters
Public Waters:
Most lakes, rivers, and reservoirs in Washington are public and accessible with a valid fishing license. This includes:
- National Forest lakes (free access, but some require hiking)
- State Parks (Discover Pass required for parking: $30/year or $10/day)
- Wildlife Areas (managed by WDFW)
- Water Access Sites (boat launches and shoreline access)
Private Waters:
Some lakes and ponds are on private property. Never trespass. If you’re unsure, look for “No Trespassing” signs or ask locally. A few private resorts and pay-to-fish lakes exist (like Pine Lake near Carnation), where you pay a daily fee for guaranteed stocked trout.
Tribal Waters:
Several Native American tribes manage fisheries on reservation lands. You’ll need a tribal fishing permit (not a state license) to fish these waters. Examples include the Colville Tribes’ portion of Lake Roosevelt and Yakama Nation waters. Check with individual tribes for permit info.
Pro Tip: The WDFW Interactive Fishing Map shows public access points, stocking info, and regulations by water body. Bookmark it!
🎟️ Fishing License Guide
Everyone age 16 and older needs a valid Washington fishing license. No exceptions (except on Free Fishing Weekend: June 6-7, 2026).
Resident Licenses
You’re a resident if you’ve lived in Washington continuously for 90+ days.
| License Type | Cost (2026 estimate) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Annual | $29.50 | Fish all freshwater lakes, rivers, streams |
| Saltwater Annual | $29.50 | Fish Puget Sound and coastal marine waters |
| Combination (Fresh + Salt) | ~$54 | Both freshwater and saltwater |
| Fish Washington Package | ~$80-100 | Freshwater + Saltwater + Shellfish/Seaweed + Puget Sound Dungeness Crab |
| Senior (70+) | $7.50 | Freshwater only; reduced rates available |
| Youth (Under 16) | FREE | No license required (but still follow all regulations) |
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Cost (2026 estimate) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Annual | $84.50 | Freshwater fishing statewide |
| Saltwater Annual | ~$55-65 | Marine waters |
| Combination Annual | $124.65 | Fresh + Saltwater |
| 1-Day License | ~$15-20 | Good for 24 hours (perfect for quick trips) |
| 3-Day License | ~$30-35 | Weekend getaway option |
Specialty Stamps & Endorsements
Depending on what/where you’re fishing, you may need additional stamps:
- Two-Pole Endorsement: $16.15 (lets you fish with 2 rods instead of 1—great for stillwater trout!)
- Puget Sound Dungeness Crab Endorsement: Included in some packages; required for crabbing
- Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement: Sometimes required for anadromous fish
- Shellfish/Seaweed License: Separate license for clams, oysters, mussels
Where to Buy:
- Online: WDFW Licensing Portal
- In Person: Sporting goods stores (Walmart, Cabela’s, local tackle shops), some gas stations
- By Phone: Call WDFW’s licensing service
Digital Licenses: Washington offers digital licenses viewable on your smartphone. Just screenshot or save offline in case you lose cell service!
If you’re planning a multi-state fishing road trip, check out options like Pennsylvania fishing season or Michigan fishing season to compare neighboring states!
❓ FAQ Section
Q: Do kids need a license to fish in Washington?
A: Nope! Anyone under age 16 fishes for free. No license required. However, they must still follow all regulations (bag limits, size restrictions, seasons).
Q: Can I use live bait?
A: Yes, in most waters. Live minnows, worms, and other baitfish are legal. However, some catch-and-release waters or special regulations areas prohibit bait (artificial lures/flies only). Always check specific water rules.
Q: Are night fishing and bowfishing allowed?
A: Night fishing is legal statewide unless a specific water body prohibits it. Bowfishing is legal for non-game fish (carp, suckers, pikeminnow) but NOT for game fish like bass, trout, or salmon. Check regulations for spearfishing rules.
Q: What waters are catch-and-release only?
A: Many high-mountain lakes and select river stretches are catch-and-release for trout or designated fly-fishing-only. Examples include sections of the Yakima River and various alpine lakes. The WDFW pamphlet lists these clearly—look for “selective fishery” designations.
Q: How do I report a trophy catch?
A: Washington has a Sport Fish Awards Program! If you catch a qualifying trophy, measure it, take photos, and submit your entry to WDFW. Categories include weight and length records for various species.
Q: Can I keep wild steelhead or salmon?
A: Wild steelhead: NO—100% catch-and-release. Only hatchery steelhead (with clipped adipose fin) may be kept.
Wild salmon: Regulations vary. In some areas, wild Chinook must be released; in others, retention is allowed within daily limits. Always check current rules for the water you’re fishing.
Q: What’s the possession limit?
A: Generally, you can possess 2 daily limits of game fish in any form (fresh, frozen, canned). So if the trout limit is 5, you can keep 10 trout at home.
🔗 Related Guides (Internal Links)
Planning to fish beyond Washington? Check out these guides:
- California Fishing Season – West Coast salmon and bass action
- Montana Fishing Season – Blue-ribbon trout streams
- Wisconsin Fishing Season – Muskie and walleye hotspots
🗺️ Map & Hotspots
Top 5 Must-Visit Fishing Destinations in Washington (2026)
1. Lake Roosevelt (Columbia River)
This 130-mile-long reservoir is a fishing factory. Rainbow trout, walleye, smallmouth bass, and kokanee all thrive here. The lake is so massive you’ll find solitude even on busy weekends. Bring a boat and explore hidden coves.
2. Lake Washington (Seattle Metro)
Urban fishing at its finest! This 22-mile-long lake holds Chinook salmon, Coho, cutthroat trout, smallmouth/largemouth bass, yellow perch, and crappie. Shore access is plentiful at parks like Seward Park and Gene Coulon Beach Park. Bonus: You can fish before or after grabbing coffee in the city!
3. Columbia River (Astoria to Hanford Reach)
The mighty Columbia is legendary for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and walleye. Different sections offer different opportunities—Bonneville Pool for springers, Hanford Reach for fall Chinook, and the Tri-Cities area for walleye and smallmouth.
4. Puget Sound (Marine Areas 10-11)
Saltwater magic! Salmon fishing in Elliott Bay, halibut off Point Defiance, lingcod and rockfish near the San Juan Islands. Marine fishing requires a boat or kayak (or charter), but the rewards are incredible.
5. Cascade High Lakes (Alpine Trout)
Hike into pristine alpine lakes like Blanca Lake, Heather Lake, Snow Lake, or Lake Ingalls for crystal-clear water and hungry cutthroat or rainbow trout. These fisheries offer solitude, stunning scenery, and a true wilderness experience. Pack light gear and enjoy catch-and-release fishing surrounded by mountain peaks.
Interactive Map:
WDFW offers an interactive fishing locations map where you can filter by species, access type, and more. Use it to plan your trips!
✅ Wrap-Up
Washington’s 2026 season is shaping up to be fantastic. With record trout stocking, excellent steelhead returns, and numerous year-round chances, there’s absolutely no bad time to fish the Evergreen State. Washington provides whether you’re teaching your kids to catch bluegill at a nearby park lake, pursuing monster Chinook in Puget Sound, or throwing dry flies on a mountain stream.
Before you head out:
- ✅ Get your license (or mark June 6-7 for Free Fishing Weekend!)
- ✅ Check current bag limits and size restrictions on the WDFW website
- ✅ Review water levels and conditions—Washington rivers fluctuate with rain and snowmelt
- ✅ Practice safe boating and wear your life jacket
- ✅ Respect the resource—release wild fish carefully, pack out your trash, and follow catch limits
Grab your rod, rally your crew, and get out there. Tight lines, anglers! 🎣