The best first fishing trip is short, close to home and full of bites. Washington makes that easy: kids 14 and under can fish without a license, and many lakes near towns are stocked with trout that are easy to catch.
Pick the right place
- A lake or pond stocked in the last couple of weeks - check our stocking report.
- A dock, pier or open shoreline with room to cast and somewhere safe to stand.
- Restrooms and parking nearby make a big difference with young kids.
Keep the gear simple
- A short spin-cast or spinning combo (5 to 6 feet)
- Small hooks, a few bobbers and split shot
- Bait: worms or PowerBait
- A small net, pliers, a towel, snacks, sunscreen and a life jacket for younger children near the water
Make it fun
Plan for an hour or two, not a whole day. Let kids reel in every fish, take photos, and bring something to do between bites. Early mornings and evenings are usually the busiest feeding times, so a pre-dinner trip is a good choice.
Free fishing days
Washington usually holds free fishing days in June when nobody needs a license. Check WDFW for this year's dates - it is a great time to try fishing as a family.
Adults: anyone 15 or older who fishes needs a Washington fishing license. See WDFW licenses.