Geography

• Washington State makes up the northwest corner of the United States. On the western side of the state lies the Pacific Ocean where deep sea fishing and coastal river fishing is abundant. Heading around the Olympic Peninsula to the east lies Puget Sound, a sheltered marine area that is home to fantastic salmon, lingcod and halibut fishing. The interior of Washington is home to thousands of lakes and rivers that are perfect for salmon, trout, bass, perch and pike.
  
  

Types

• In Washington State, salmon fishing is king. Nearly year round, spawning salmon inundate the state's rivers and harbors looking to eat and breed. They come in a variety of species including chinook, coho, pink and chum to name a few. They can be found in both saltwater and freshwater. In saltwater, fish for big headed lingcod and tire-sized halbut. In freshwater, look for feisty rainbow trout, aggressive pike and schools of perch.
  
  

Techniques

• Basic salmon fishing techniques in Washington State vary depending on location. For saltwater, downriggers with flashers and live bait is popular. In freshwater rivers, try jigging in calm areas of the river. Trout can be fished using a simple bobber and worm, or for the more experienced with, a steady aim, try fly fishing tackle. For perch and pike fishing in Washington's lakes, jig with live bait and cast into the shady, muddy banks. Fishing in the bays and ocean areas is best with a boat, while lake and river fishing is accessible from the shore.
  
  

Licensing

• Any angler looking to fish in Washington State must purchase and carry a fishing license from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. These licenses can be purchased at most sporting goods or hardware stores. Licenses are can be purchased for single days or longer, up to a year. Freshwater and saltwater permits can be purchased separately or in combination. When buying your license make sure to pick up a Washington State Fishing Rules and Regulations pamphlet outlining restrictions on seasons, catch limits, and geographic areas.
  
  

Significance

• In many states fishing is simple recreational fun, but in Washington State it is much more. Fishing has been the lifeblood of communities in the state for thousands of years. Early Native American tribes relied on the sea and the rivers to feed their families. As of 2010, Washington's economy is still deeply embedded in the fishing industry, relying on catches of salmon, halibut, clams, crabs and oysters. To fish in Washington State is not simply to cast and reel, but to take part in the state's history and future.