Washington Fishing Reports

Cowlitz River Smelt Fishing One Day Opener on Feb 18th

Feb 14, 2026

Cowlitz River anglers will be able to dip-net for Smelt on Wednesday, February 18th from 8am to 1pm. This historic fishery has been a local favorite for generations, and a great opportunity for shore-bound anglers in the Castle Rock to Kelso area of the Lower Cowlitz River.

More Razor Clam digs announced starting on Valentine's Day 2026

Feb 13, 2026

Razor Clam digging on the Washington Coast has been pretty good this season! More dates are on their way through February and March, so if you haven't had the experience of hitting the beach yet, there's plenty of opportunities headed your way. We are really excited about the return to daylight digs as well!

Snoqualmie River & Tokul Creek Steelhead Extended to March 1st

Feb 11, 2026

Seattle area Steelhead anglers know the Snoqualmie River very well, it's one of our closest options during the winter season. Recently, the state has announced that is will discontinue Chambers Creek strain winter steelhead plants at the Tokul Creek Hatchery, meaning we have only a few more shots at catching these "hatchery brats" locally.

Central Coast Steelhead Seasons set for Winter 2025-26

Dec 3, 2025

We've all been carefully watching and waiting to hear news of a 2025-2026 Winter Steelhead season on the coast, and after a general announcement last week, we've got a little more clarity on exactly when and where we'll be allowed to harvest hatchery steelhead and target those trophy Central Coast Steelhead for catch & release.

Willapa River & Coast Steelhead Seasons set for Winter 2025-26

Nov 27, 2025

Southwest Washington is a region with some of the best Steelhead fishing rivers in the state, and one river system with some really impressive hatchery Steelhead returns, and some of the largest returns of Wild Steelhead, will see a pretty good winter season this year.

North Coast Steelhead Seasons set for Winter 2025-26

Nov 27, 2025

Forks, Washington is one of the great centers of Steelhead fishing in the world, and we have just heard wind of the upcoming 2025-26 winter steelhead fishing season! The Hoh, Bogachiel, Sol Duc, Calawah Rivers and many of the smaller rivers and creeks in the area will have a season. Expect single-point barbless hooks, no bait and careful catch and release guidelines to be in place for most of the season. Some of these rivers like the Hoh and Bogachiel will have some good retention opportunities for those earlier returning hatchery steelhead. North Coast/Olympic Peninsula rivers and tributaries: steelhead and trout rules update November 26, 2025 Actions: Updates wild trout release requirements. Updates game fish (including trout and steelhead) season closing dates. Updates game fish (including trout and steelhead) bait restrictions. Updates steelhead daily limits. Effective dates: Dec. 1, 2025–April 30, 2026. Species affected: All species. Locations, specific dates, and rule changes (shows all changes to rules listed in 2025-26 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet): Big River(Clallam County), outside Olympic National Park: Jan. 1–Feb. 28: Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. Bogachiel River (Clallam County), from mouth to Olympic National Park boundary: From mouth to Highway 101 Bridge: Dec. 1–31: Hatchery steelhead: Daily limit two. Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. Jan. 1–March 31: All species: Bait prohibited. Hatchery steelhead: Daily limit two. Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. April 1–30: All species: Closed. From Highway 101 Bridge to Olympic National Park boundary: Dec. 1–March 31: Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. April 1–30: All species: Closed. Calawah River (Clallam County): From mouth to Highway 101 Bridge: Dec. 1–31: Hatchery steelhead: Daily limit two. Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. Jan. 1–March 31: All species: Bait prohibited. Hatchery steelhead: Daily limit two. Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. April 1–30: All species: Closed. From Highway 101 Bridge to the confluence of the north and south forks: Dec. 1–March 31: Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. April 1–30: All species: Closed. Calawah River, South Fork (Clallam County), from mouth to Olympic National Park boundary: Dec. 1–Feb. 28: Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. Cedar Creek(Jefferson County), outside Olympic National Park: Dec. 1–Feb. 28: Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. Clallam River (Clallam County): Dec. 1–Jan. 31: Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. Dickey River(Clallam County), from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to the confluence of the east and west forks: Dec. 1–31: Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. Jan. 1–March 31: All species: Bait prohibited. Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. April 1–30: All species: Closed. Dickey River, east and west forks (Clallam County): Dec. 1–March 31: Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. Goodman Creek (Jefferson County), outside Olympic National Park: Dec. 1–Feb. 28: Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. Hoh River (Jefferson County): From Olympic National Park boundary upstream to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Oxbow Campground boat launch: Dec. 1–31: Hatchery steelhead: Daily limit two. Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. Jan. 1–March 31: All species: Bait prohibited. Hatchery steelhead: Daily limit two. Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. April 1–15: All species: Closed. From the DNR Oxbow Campground boat launch to Morgan’s Crossing boat launch: Dec. 1–March 31: Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. April 1–15: All species: Closed. From Morgan’s Crossing boat launch to Olympic National Park boundary below mouth of South Fork Hoh River: Dec. 1–Feb. 28: Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. March 1–April 15: All species: Closed. Hoh River, South Fork (Jefferson County), outside Olympic National Park: Dec. 1–Feb. 28: Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. March 1–April 15: All species: Closed. Hoko River (Clallam County): From mouth to 100 feet downstream of the hatchery fish ladder: Dec. 1–March 15: Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. From the hatchery fish ladder to the upper Hoko Bridge: Dec. 1–March 15: Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. Kalaloch Creek (Jefferson County), outside Olympic National Park: Dec. 1–Feb. 28: Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. Lyre River (Clallam County), from the mouth to falls near river mile three: Dec. 1–Jan. 31: Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. Mosquito Creek (Jefferson County), from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to Goodman 3000 Mainline Bridge: Dec. 1–Feb. 28: Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. Pysht River (Clallam County): Dec. 1–Jan. 31: Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. Quillayute River (Clallam County), outside of Olympic National Park boundary: Dec. 1–31: Hatchery steelhead: Daily limit two. Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. Jan. 1–March 31: All species: Bait prohibited. Hatchery steelhead: Daily limit two. Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. April 1–30: All species: Closed. Sekiu River (Clallam County), from mouth to forks: Dec. 1–Jan. 31: Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except release cutthroat and wild rainbow. Sol Duc River (Clallam County): From mouth to concrete pump station at Sol Duc Hatchery: Jan. 1–March 31: All species: Bait prohibited. April 1–30: All species: Closed. From concrete pump station at Sol Duc Hatchery to Highway 101 Bridge upstream of Klahowya Campground: April 1–30: All species: Closed. Thunder Creek (Clallam County), from mouth to D2400 Road: Dec. 1–April 30: All species: Closed. Reason for action: These rule changes implement permanent rules adopted by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission on Nov. 14. Additional information: Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website before fishing. Refer to the 2025–26 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for current regulations. Download the Fish Washington® mobile app to stay up to date on the go. Information contact: Coastal Region, TeamMontesano@dfw.wa.gov, 360-249-4628. Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information. Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.

Puget Sound Crabbing Season Fall & Winter 2025 - Exciting Seasons Announced!

Oct 10, 2025

Like in years past, a late crabbing season was announced, and the areas that will be open will have a generous season. No doubt, the air will be crisp, additional clothing layers needed, and more attention to the weather report before heading out, but the bounty is there!

Hiking and Fishing at Whistle Lake near Anacortes

Aug 29, 2025

If you find yourself in the Anacortes area and are looking for a fun outdoor activity, hiking and fishing around Whistle Lake is one of the hidden treasures of the area. While most people head straight to nearby Deception Pass State Park for the scenery, or nearby stocked lakes like Lake Campbell, Lake Erie and Heart Lake for fishing, this is a unique opportunity to get deep into the woods and away from the crowds.

Fishing at Glendale Beach on Whidbey Island

Aug 19, 2025

A hidden gem on the southeast side of Whidbey Island offers a quiet stretch of beach at Glendale Beach Park Whidbey Island has well over a dozen well known public beaches that offer great access and easy casting to migrating salmon. While Glendale Beach has everything you’d want in a salmon fishing beach, it is somewhat off the beaten path and not widely known. Coho and Pink Salmon are taken from the beach during the summer season by the few visitors that know about it. I’d say it’s a great place to check out if you’re already fishing at Possession Point Bait Co’s Bait Box, Possession Point State Park or Possession Beach Waterfront Park. To get to the park at Glendale Beach, take Humphrey Road south out of Clinton. Just beyond it’s intersection with Glendale Road will be a small gravel parking lot for the park. Fishing at Glendale Beach is a seasonal affair for salmon, although flounder can also be caught here year round. Coho Salmon and Pink Salmon (these only on odd-numbered years) can be found along the eastern shore of Whidbey Island during late summer and early fall. Check fishing regulations before you go. This area fishes best from a few hours before high tide to a few hours after. The beach has a medium gradient, so casting metal jigs is a top choice. Fishing with a bobber and herring can also be a good bet when salmon are migrating through. We recommend a Buzz Bomb 2”, 2.5” or P-Line Laser Minnow 1 ounce. Upgrade your hooks to a single point barbless to stay legal for salmon, the Gamakatsu Big River Open Eye 1/0 is a good option. Buzz Bombs One of the most popular beach fishing lures of all time. You'll see Buzz Bombs used on every beach of Puget Sound. SHOP NOW

Seattle's Marine Area 10 reopens for Chinook July 24-26

Jul 22, 2025

It looks like there is additional quota to reopen Marine Area 10 for Chinook retention this weekend! Thursday July 24 to Saturday July 26.

Summer Chinook Season Kicks off July 17th in Puget Sound & San Juan Islands

Jul 10, 2025

Puget Sound’s biggest salmon opener kicks off on July 17th with Hatchery Chinook retention happening all over. The Sound will be buzzing with fishing boats all on the search for one of our most prized catches of the year. Here’s a quick post to get you up to speed and geared up for the 2025 Puget Sound Summer Chinook Season.

The Puget Sound 2025 Summer Crabbing Season kicks off on July 3rd

Jun 20, 2025

The 2025 crabbing season has been announced, and it's time to start preparing for a full summer of Puget Sound crabbing. The ever-so-popular Dungeness Crab season kicks off this July, we can’t wait to soak some crab pots and have those epic summer seafood feasts with our friends and family! We've published this as a quick guide for Puget Sound, Hood Canal, San Juan Islands and Strait of Juan de Fuca season information, including links to each area's official rules & regulations.