Washington

Evergreen State — Salmon, Steelhead & Bass

Fishing in Washington

Washington offers world-class salmon and steelhead fishing on its rivers, plus excellent bass fishing on the Columbia River and quality trout fishing in mountain lakes.

Tournament Scene

Active bass tournament scene on Columbia River. Salmon derbies on Puget Sound.

Local Tips

Columbia River for smallmouth and walleye. Puget Sound for salmon. Olympic Peninsula rivers for steelhead. Moses Lake for bass.

Local Circuits

Washington Bass FederationColumbia River Bass Trail

Public Access

Good access on rivers and Puget Sound.

Species in Washington

What you can target and when

Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon

excellent
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Columbia River · Puget Sound · Neah Bay

SpinnerSpoonPlugFlasher/fly
Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout

excellent
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Yakima River · Rocky Ford Creek · Dry Falls Lake

FlyInline spinnerSmall spoon
Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

excellent
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Columbia River · Snake River · Banks Lake

Tube jigCrankbaitDrop shotGrub

Top Waters in Washington

Lakes, rivers, bays, and coastal fisheries

Columbia River (Washington)

riverPublic AccessBoat RampsKayak

Iconic salmon and steelhead river with Buoy 10 fishery.

Top Species

Chinook SalmonSteelheadSturgeonSmallmouth Bass

Best: Summer/Fall

Puget Sound

bayPublic AccessBoat RampsKayak

Incredible marine fishing with salmon, lingcod, and halibut.

Top Species

Chinook SalmonLingcodHalibut

Best: Summer/Fall

Upcoming Tournaments in Washington

49 tournaments found

Spotted Bass
Open

Gladiator Ilwaco Bass Smackdown

Ilwaco, Washington
Apr 2, 2026 – Apr 4, 2026
Spotted Bass
$100Details
Saltwater

Platinum Moses Lake Mahi-Mahi Jamboree

Moses Lake, Washington
Apr 13, 2026 – Apr 14, 2026
Mahi-Mahi
$125Details
Saltwater

Fall Spokane Drum Face-Off

Spokane, Washington
Apr 28, 2026 – Apr 30, 2026
Red Drum
FreeDetails
Catfish
Youth
3 weeks

Trophy Westport Catfish Jamboree

Westport, Washington
May 2, 2026 – May 3, 2026
Catfish
$10000Details
Spotted Bass
Freshwater
4 weeks

Champion Anacortes Bass Derby

Anacortes, Washington
May 8, 2026 – May 10, 2026
Spotted Bass
$600Details
Walleye
Open

Titan Banks Lake Walleye Clash

Banks Lake, Washington
May 18, 2026 – May 19, 2026
Walleye
$1000Details

Fishing Licenses & Regulations

Resident License

Annual Resident: $30.05. Combination: $55.35.

Non-Resident License

Annual Non-Resident: $84.50. 3-Day: $26.10. 1-Day: $11.35.

Short-Term License

1-Day and 3-Day licenses available.

Youth & Senior

Free for residents under 15. Reduced for seniors 70+.

Boat Registration

Required for motorized vessels.

Tournament Permit

Permits required on some waters.

Regulations Overview

Complex salmon and steelhead regulations by river. 5 bass daily limit.

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