Fishing Regulations in Washington
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official Washington fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
Washington requires a fishing license for anglers 15 and older. Resident and non-resident annual licenses are available, along with short-term options. A combination license covers both freshwater and saltwater. A catch record card is required for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and other species.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| rainbow-trout | 5 per day (varies by water body) | Varies by water body | Last Saturday in April through October 31 (lowland lakes) | Many waters have special regulations. Check current WDFW regulations. |
| largemouth-bass | 5 per day | 12 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| smallmouth-bass | 10 per day | No minimum (varies by water body) | Year-round | |
| walleye | 8 per day (varies by water body) | No minimum | Year-round | |
| northern-pike | No limit | No minimum | Year-round | Mandatory kill in many waters to protect native species. |
| channel-catfish | 5 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| yellow-perch | 25 per day | No minimum | Year-round |
Bag Limit: 5 per day (varies by water body)
Size Limit: Varies by water body
Season: Last Saturday in April through October 31 (lowland lakes)
Notes: Many waters have special regulations. Check current WDFW regulations.
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 10 per day
Size Limit: No minimum (varies by water body)
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 8 per day (varies by water body)
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: No limit
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Mandatory kill in many waters to protect native species.
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 25 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Top Fishing Waters
Columbia River
riverSpecies: walleye, smallmouth-bass, channel-catfish, carp, northern-pike
Lake Washington
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, smallmouth-bass, yellow-perch, rainbow-trout, crappie
Banks Lake
reservoirSpecies: walleye, largemouth-bass, smallmouth-bass, rainbow-trout, crappie
Potholes Reservoir
reservoirSpecies: walleye, largemouth-bass, rainbow-trout, crappie, yellow-perch
Puget Sound
saltwaterSpecies: rainbow-trout, largemouth-bass, yellow-perch
Yakima River
riverSpecies: rainbow-trout, brown-trout, smallmouth-bass
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 12 lbs 4 oz | 2005 | Banks Lake |
| smallmouth-bass | 8 lbs 12 oz | 2010 | Columbia River |
| walleye | 19 lbs 8 oz | 2007 | Columbia River |
| rainbow-trout | 29 lbs 6 oz | 2002 | Rufus Woods Lake |
| brown-trout | 22 lbs | 1999 | Sullivan Lake |
| channel-catfish | 36 lbs 2 oz | 1999 | I-82 Pond |
| northern-pike | 30 lbs 11 oz | 2011 | Long Lake |
| yellow-perch | 2 lbs 12 oz | 2010 | Wapato Lake |