Residents and non-residents alike must have a license to fish or shellfish in Washington waters. Everyone age 15 and older needs a fishing license. You do not need a license if you are fishing for common carp, crawfish, bullfrogs, or collecting relic shells.
Table of Contents
Is Lake Washington open for fishing?
Open to fishing year-round, this large lake between Seattle and Bellevue holds dozens of fish species, but the principal game fish attractions are Coastal Cutthroat Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and Black Crappie.
Can you eat fish out of Lake Washington?
“We do not want people to stop eating fish from Lake Washington,” said Dave McBride, a state Health Department toxicologist. “If they follow the recommendations, it’s perfectly safe.” The highest levels of polychlorinated biphenyls were found in larger fish, which tend to concentrate more of the suspected carcinogen.
Is Lake Washington stocked with fish?
While it’s not stocked with hatchery-reared trout, Lake Washington supports a huge population of resident coastal cutthroat trout, some of which also move in and out of the Cedar River, a tributary stream on the south end known for excellent fly fishing.
Can you fish in Washington right now?
Freshwater areas are open 24 hours per day when open. All freshwater areas are closed to fishing for salmon, Dolly Varden/bull trout, lamprey, and grass carp. Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs are open to fishing for game fish (except Dolly Varden/bull trout and grass carp) year-round.
Are barbed hooks illegal in Washington?
(1) It is unlawful to use more than two hooks to fish in saltwater, except for forage fish jigger gear and squid jig gear, and when fishing from the north jetty of the Columbia River. (2) It is unlawful to use barbed hooks in Marine Areas 5-13, except for forage fish jigger gear.
What is the fine for fishing without a license in Washington state?
In Washington, unlawful recreational fishing of the first degree is a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine up to $5000 and up to 364 days in jail.
How many trout can you keep in Washington?
Trout. The combined daily limit for an angler that fishes in both rivers and lakes on the same day is 5 trout, no more than 2 may be from rivers.
What is the biggest fish in Lake Washington?
Sturgeon are easily the largest lake-dwelling fish in North America and have few natural predators, which contributes to their massive size and longevity.
What is the depth of Lake Washington?
Maximum depth of the lake is 214 feet, mean depth is 108 feet, and the lake is shal- lowest at its north and south ends. The lake has a mean width of 1.5 miles and drains to Puget Sound through Seattle via the Lake Washington Ship Canal, an 8.6 mile long artificial waterway.
Can you catch salmon in Lake Washington?
How do you catch fish in Lake Washington?
What is the crappie limit in Washington state?
(6) It is unlawful to possess or use live aquatic animals as bait in fresh water except: (a) Live aquatic animals (other than fish) collected from the water being fished may be possessed or used as bait.
Can you use live bait in Washington?
Yes it is legal to fish at night.
Can you fish at night in Washington state?
Fishing & Boating Limblines and set hooks may not be fished at Lake Washington, but trotlines, free floating fishing devices, jugs, and yo-yos may be fished.
Is jug fishing legal in Washington state?
(1) It is unlawful to fish for or retain green sturgeon.
Can you keep sturgeon in Washington?
Daily limit 2. Only 1 Chinook may be retained. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Season may close earlier if Chinook quota is attained.
Can you keep wild salmon in Washington?
Option #2: Purchase your license online (at least 10 in-advance because catch record card is mailed). Our license year goes from April 1st – March 31st. If you are fishing with us between January 1st and March 31st and need to buy a license, you need to select the prior year to get the correct license.
How long is a Washington fishing license good for?
Most likely, you will need a fishing license of some type no matter what state you are in. The type of the fishing license can vary, however. A saltwater license does not give someone permission to fish in freshwater lakes and streams, and vice versa.
Do you need a fishing license?
Fish Washington License: Included in the license is an Annual Combination License — freshwater, saltwater, shellfish harvest (see Shellfish/Seaweed License on same page) and seaweed. Also, 2 endorsements Two-Pole and Puget Sound Dungeness Crab.
What does the annual fish Washington license cover?
Lakes and Ponds Live worms have proven to be the most successful bait for me, but for carp, you will need to use corn!
Can you use corn for fishing in Washington State?
We have a daily limit of 10 fish per person. Some customers love the mild sweet flaky quality of the meat while others find them small and tedious to eat. Many of our touring customers choose to catch and release these fish while some locals relish eating these small Flounder.
How many flounder can you keep in Washington?
Find official season info in WDFW’s sporting pamphlet. Trout can be found in Washington lakes and rivers year-round, with fishing season usually beginning around April and ending in the fall. Common species include brook, brown, cutthroat, lake and rainbow trout. Find official season info in WDFW’s sporting pamphlet.
Can you fish year round in Washington state?
There is a daily limit of 12 surfperch and a daily limit of 15 shiner perch. Surfperch is open year round, fishing from the beach is allowed during the winter bottomfish closure. The retention of yelloweye rockfish is prohibited in all areas.
Where is the best fishing in Washington State?
- Fish Lake, Leavenworth, WA. Fish Lake is one of the region’s most popular fishing spots, catch your quota of brook trout, rainbow trout and tiger trout.
- Lake Washington.
- Columbia River and Tributaries.
- Lake Roosevelt.
- Green Lake, Seattle, WA.