Washington fishing forecast
Latest trout stocking, weather and best bite times for 48 stocked lakes, plus tides and bite times for 17 Puget Sound and coast spots.
6 of these lakes were stocked in the last 2 weeks - see every plant statewide
Fall stocking of catchable and jumbo trout in many western Washington lakes; trout feed well as water cools. Saltwater: Coho and chum salmon in Puget Sound and rivers (by season); lingcod and rockfish rules vary.
Other seasons
- Winter: Year-round lakes are stocked in winter in the west; in the east, ice fishing for trout and perch where it is safe. Saltwater: Squid jigging from Puget Sound piers at night; blackmouth salmon (by season).
- Spring: The lowland lake opener (late April) follows heavy stocking - the best trout fishing of the year. Saltwater: Lingcod season opens (check dates); sea-run cutthroat along beaches.
- Summer: Trout go deeper as water warms - fish early and late. High-elevation lakes open up. Saltwater: Salmon (by season) and flounder from piers; trout fishing in high lakes.
General seasonal patterns - always check local reports and the official rules.
Western Washington lakes
Eastern Washington lakes
Washington Coast (saltwater)
Strait of Juan de Fuca (saltwater)
Puget Sound (saltwater)
San Juans and North Sound (saltwater)
About fishing in Washington
Western Washington
Lowland lakes west of the Cascades, many close to Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia and Vancouver. Mild winters mean many of these lakes are stocked and fished year-round.
Common catches: Rainbow trout (stocked), cutthroat, kokanee, plus largemouth bass, perch and crappie in warmer months.
Eastern Washington
Lakes east of the Cascades, from the Okanogan to Spokane and the Columbia Basin. Colder winters and hot summers - spring and fall are prime trout seasons.
Common catches: Rainbow, brown and tiger trout, kokanee, plus bass, walleye and perch in some lakes.
Anglers 15 and older need a Washington fishing license. Check WDFW rules for each lake.
