Regulations
A fishing license is required for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. If you are planning on fishing both, you can purchase a combination license.
The season for freshwater varies depending on waters being fished. Rivers and streams have a short season, from June through October, and lakes and ponds are year-round. Saltwater fishing is open 24 hours a day during fishing season unless otherwise posted.
Saltwater seasons vary by the type of fish and the area. There are 13 designated areas on the Washington coast. Various fish, both saltwater and freshwater, have limits to the number that can be kept or for the size of the fish that can be kept. A list of these limits can be found in the Washington fishing regulations guide.
Fish
Freshwater lakes and streams in the area offer trout, bass and salmon as well as walleye and catfish. In freshwater, bull trout and salmon cannot be kept unless otherwise designated. Eastern brook trout, which look similar to bull, are OK to keep.
Saltwater fishing in the area will target salmon, tuna, cod, halibut and sturgeon to name a few. In summer months, try fishing for trout or bass, and salmon start their runs in the spring.
Location
Being on the Puget Sound gives visitors and residents of the area quick access to some great sportfishing. Several charter boat services are located in town, providing sportfishing action in Puget or further north into Possession Sound, Tulalip Bay and other areas.
Lake Washington is also a short drive to the southeast as are several streams and rivers that offer a variety of salmon, bass and trout fishing.
Article Written By Keith Dooley
Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.
