Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Washington (Complete Guide)

Washington offers some of the best fishing on the Pacific coast. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Washington are early morning and late evening. Summer and fall are the best months for most species in Washington.

Month	Washington Fishing Location
January	The Hoh River in Forks is an excellent winter steelhead and salmon fishing location.
February	The Hoh River in Forks is an excellent location for winter steelhead and salmon fishing.
March	The Chehalis River in Aberdeen is a popular spot for steelhead fishing in early spring.
April	The Columbia River in Vancouver is a popular salmon and steelhead fishing spot this month.
May	The Skagit River in Rockport is known for its salmon fishing in May.
June	The Columbia River in Vancouver is a popular spot for salmon and steelhead fishing this month.
July	The Puget Sound in Seattle is an excellent location for salmon fishing in July.
August	The Puyallup River in Tacoma is known for its coho salmon fishing during this month.
September	The Skagit River in Concrete is excellent for chum salmon fishing in November.
October	The Snake River in Clarkston is a popular spot for catching sturgeon in the fall.
November	The Skagit River in Concrete is an excellent location for chum salmon fishing in November.
December	The Quillayute River in La Push is known for its winter steelhead fishing during this month.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Washington. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in Washington

Yakima River – Ellensburg: Year-round trout fishing with the best months being June through September.

Klickitat River – Lyle: May through November steelhead fishing.

Methow River – Winthrop: Year-round trout fishing, with the best months being May through October.

Naches River – Yakima: Trout and salmon fishing from June through November.

Olympic Peninsula Rivers – Forks: Winter steelhead fishing from December through March.

Skykomish River – Sultan: Summer steelhead fishing from July through September.

Snake River – Clarkston: Sturgeon fishing from April through November.

Skagit River – Rockport: Salmon fishing from August through November.

Hoh River – Forks: Winter steelhead and salmon fishing from December through April.

Cedar River – Maple Valley: Year-round trout fishing, the best months being May through October.

Green River – Auburn: Year-round trout fishing, the best months being May through September.

Quillayute River – La Push: Winter steelhead fishing from December through March.

Yakima River – Cle Elum: Trout fishing from June through October.

Columbia River – Wenatchee: Steelhead fishing from March through May.

Wynoochee River – Montesano: Summer steelhead fishing from June through August.

Snoqualmie River – North Bend: Trout fishing from June through October.

Cowlitz River – Toledo: Steelhead and salmon fishing from October through May.

Kalama River – Kalama: Steelhead and salmon fishing from October through April.

Deschutes River – Tumwater: Trout fishing from May through October.

Spokane River – Spokane: Trout fishing from April through November.

Best Times: Coastal Fishing Areas in Washington

Neah Bay: Halibut fishing from May through September, salmon fishing from June through September.

Sekiu: Halibut fishing from May through September, salmon fishing from June through September.

Westport: Salmon fishing from June through September.

La Push: Halibut fishing from May through September, salmon fishing from June through September.

Ilwaco: Salmon fishing from June through September.

Tacoma Narrows: Salmon fishing from July through September.

Hood Canal: Salmon fishing from June through August.

Grays Harbor: Salmon fishing from June through September.

San Juan Islands: Salmon fishing from June through September.

Port Angeles: Halibut fishing from May through September, salmon fishing from June through September.

Edmonds: Salmon fishing from June through September.

Possession Point: Salmon fishing from June through September.

Dungeness Spit: Salmon fishing from June through September.

Deception Pass: Salmon fishing from July through September.

Point Defiance: Salmon fishing from July through September.

Mukilteo: Salmon fishing from June through September.

Point No Point: Salmon fishing from June through September.

Shilshole Bay: Salmon fishing from June through September.

Whidbey Island: Salmon fishing from June through September.

Everett: Salmon fishing from June through September.

Best Times: Lakes to Fish in Washington

Lake Chelan: Kokanee salmon fishing from May through July.

Banks Lake: Walleye fishing from May through September.

Lake Roosevelt: Rainbow trout fishing from April through June.

Lake Washington: Cutthroat trout fishing from September through November.

Lake Stevens: Largemouth bass fishing from May through September.

Moses Lake: Walleye fishing from April through September.

Lake Sammamish: Cutthroat trout fishing from September through November.

Lake Whatcom: Kokanee salmon fishing from April through July.

American Lake: Rainbow trout fishing from April through June.

Riffe Lake: Kokanee salmon fishing from April through June.

Lake Cushman: Rainbow trout fishing from April through October.

Lake Wenatchee: Rainbow trout fishing from April through October.

Lake Tapps: Largemouth bass fishing from May through September.

Lake Meridian: Rainbow trout fishing from April through June.

Lake Pleasant: Largemouth bass fishing from April through September.

Silver Lake: Rainbow trout fishing from April through June.

Green Lake: Rainbow trout fishing from April through June.

Lake Sacajawea: Smallmouth bass fishing from April through September.

Lake Samish: Smallmouth bass fishing from May through September.

Lake Goodwin: Largemouth bass fishing from May through September.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Washington

These Washington-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Wind Knot Salmon Guides	Seattle, WA
Messin’ Around Fishing Charter	Bremerton, WA
360 Fishing – Olympic Peninsula	Forks, WA
Cut Plug Charters	Seattle, WA
Big King Salmon Charters	Edmonds, WA
Hookin It Up Guide Service	Ridgefield, WA
Preszler’s Guide Service	Pasco, WA
Best Seattle Fishing	Seattle, WA
Miller’s Sportfishing	Montesano, WA

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Halibut

Halibut fishing in Washington typically starts in May and lasts until late June or early July. Another season starts in August and lasts until late September or early October. The best time of day to catch halibut is during slack tide, when the current is not as strong. The best locations for halibut fishing in Washington are the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Neah Bay, and Westport.

Lingcod

The best times and seasons to fish for lingcod are usually from April to September. You can catch them throughout the day, but the early morning and late evening are the best times. Some of the best locations for lingcod fishing in Washington include the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Neah Bay, and the coast near Westport.

Rockfish

Rockfish can be caught year-round in Washington, but the best time is summer. The best time of day to fish for rockfish is during the early morning or late evening hours. Some of Washington’s best locations to fish for rockfish include Neah Bay, Westport, and Ilwaco. Other good spots include the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound.

Tuna

Several tuna species can be found in Washington waters, including Albacore tuna, Pacific Bluefin tuna, and Yellowfin tuna. Albacore tuna is the most commonly caught species in Washington, with peak season in the summer months. Yellowfin tuna and Pacific Bluefin tuna are seldom caught in Washington but can be found offshore during warmer months.

Dungeness Crabs

Dungeness crabs are most commonly caught in the summer, typically from June to August. The best time to catch them is during high tide, and it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Some of Washington’s best locations to fish for crabs include Dungeness Bay, Hood Canal, and Puget Sound.

Spot Prawns

Spot prawns are typically fished in Washington from late April to early June, with peak season being in May. The best time of day to catch them is usually during slack tide, which occurs twice a day when the tide changes direction. Some of the best locations to fish for spot prawns in Washington include Hood Canal, the San Juan Islands, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Chinook (King) Salmon

Chinook salmon are available in Washington from late spring to early fall, with peak season running from May to September. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish for Chinook, as they are more active during low-light conditions. Some of the best locations to fish for Chinook salmon include the Columbia River, the Olympic Peninsula, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the San Juan Islands, and the Puget Sound.

Coho (Silver) Salmon

Coho salmon fishing in Washington is usually best from September to November, although the season can vary based on the location. In saltwater, coho salmon are often found near the surface during the early morning and late afternoon, and in freshwater, they tend to be more active during low-light conditions.

Some of the best freshwater locations for coho salmon fishing in Washington include the Skykomish River, the Snohomish River, and the Skagit River. In saltwater, popular locations include the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Neah Bay, and Sekiu.

Chum (Dog) Salmon

Chum salmon can be caught in Washington State from late summer through early winter. The best months to fish for chum salmon are usually October and November. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish for them. Some of the best locations for catching chum salmon in Washington include the Hoodsport Hatchery, the Skagit River, the Nisqually River, the Hood Canal, and the Dungeness River.

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye salmon are typically found in Washington State during the summer, with peak fishing occurring from late June to mid-August. They prefer colder waters, so early morning or late evening is usually the best time to fish for them. Good locations to try include Lake Wenatchee, Baker Lake, and the Skagit River. In saltwater, popular spots include the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the mouth of the Columbia River.

Pink Salmon

Pink salmon fishing in Washington is best during the summer months of July through September. Early morning and late evening are the best times to fish for pink salmon. Some of the best locations for fishing pink salmon in Washington include the Hoodsport Hatchery in Hood Canal, the Skagit River near Concrete, the Puyallup River in Tacoma, the Snohomish River near Everett, the Nisqually River near Olympia, and the Queets River near Forks.

Kokanee

Kokanee fishing in Washington is best during spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler. Early morning and late evening are the best times of the day to catch kokanee. The best locations for kokanee fishing in Washington include Lake Chelan, Lake Roosevelt, Lake Sammamish, and Lake Wenatchee.

Steelhead

Steelhead can be caught in Washington from fall through spring, with the best months being November to March. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to fish for steelhead. Good locations for steelhead fishing include the Columbia River, its tributaries, and the coastal rivers and streams. Some popular spots include the Skagit River, the Hoh River, and the Quinault River.

Coastal Cutthroat Trout

Coastal cutthroat trout can be found in Washington’s various streams, rivers, and lakes. The best time to fish for them is in the spring and fall, from April to June and September to November. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish for them. Some of the best locations to catch coastal cutthroat trout in Washington are the Skagit River, Snohomish River, and the Olympic Peninsula streams and rivers.

Brook Trout

Brook trout fishing in Washington is best during summer, particularly in June and July. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to catch brook trout, as they tend to be more active during cooler temperatures. Popular locations for brook trout fishing include the North Fork of the Skykomish River, the upper reaches of the Yakima River, and Big Twin Lake in Okanogan County.

Brown Trout

Brown trout in Washington can be fished throughout the year, but the best months are from April to October when they are most active. Early morning and late evening are the best times to fish for brown trout. Some of the best locations to fish for brown trout in Washington are the Yakima River, Klickitat River, Methow River, and Rocky Ford Creek.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout fishing in Washington is great year-round, but the best time to fish is in the spring and fall when the water temperatures are cooler. The best time of day to fish for rainbow trout is early morning or late afternoon. Some of the best locations to fish for rainbow trout include the Yakima River, Lake Chelan, Lake Roosevelt, and the Methow River.

Lake Trout

Lake trout can be caught year-round in Washington state, with the best months being from May to September. They are most active during the early morning or late evening hours. Lake Chelan, Lake Roosevelt, and Banks Lake are among the best locations for fishing lake trout in Washington.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass fishing in Washington is best during the warmer months, typically from May to September, when water temperatures are higher. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish for largemouth bass as they are more active during these cooler times. Some of the best locations for largemouth bass fishing in Washington include Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, and Moses Lake.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass fishing in Washington is best during the summer months, from June through September. Smallmouth bass are more active during this time and can be found in shallow water near structure. Early morning and late afternoon are typically the best times of day to fish for smallmouth bass. Some of the best locations in Washington for smallmouth bass fishing include Lake Roosevelt, the Snake River, Lake Chelan, and Potholes Reservoir.

Carp

Carp fishing in Washington can be good year-round, but the best time to catch them is during the warmer months from May through October. During this time, carp are more active and feed more frequently. Early morning and late afternoon are typically the best times of day to fish for carp. Some of the best locations in Washington for carp fishing include Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, Lake Stevens, and Banks Lake.

Yellow Perch

the best time to fish is during the spring and summer months, from March through August. During this time, yellow perch are more active and can be caught throughout the day, although the best fishing is usually in the early morning or late afternoon. Some of the best locations in Washington for yellow perch fishing include Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, Moses Lake, and Banks Lake.

Catfish

The best time to fish is during the warmer months, from May through September. Catfish are more active in warm water and can be caught throughout the day, although the best fishing is usually in the evening or at night. Some of the best locations in Washington for catfish fishing include Lake Roosevelt, Lake Wallula, the Snake River, and the Columbia River.

Crappie

If you’re looking to catch crappie in Washington, the best time to fish is during the spring and early summer months, from April through June. During this time, crappie are more active and can be caught throughout the day, although the best fishing is usually in the early morning or late evening. Some of the best locations in Washington for crappie fishing include Lake Washington, Lake Tapps, Moses Lake, and the Potholes Reservoir.

Walleye

If you’re looking to catch walleye in Washington, the best time to fish is spring and fall. During these times, walleye are more active and can be caught throughout the day, although the best fishing is usually in the early morning or late evening. Some of the best locations in Washington for walleye fishing include Lake Roosevelt, Potholes Reservoir, Banks Lake, and the Snake River.

Sturgeon

Sturgeon fishing in Washington is typically best during the summer months, from June through August. These fish can be caught throughout the day, but the best fishing is usually in the early morning or late evening. Some of the best locations in Washington for sturgeon fishing include the Columbia River, the Snake River, and the Lower Yakima River.

Whitefish

Whitefish can be caught in Washington throughout the year, but the best time to fish for them is during the fall and winter months. Some of the best locations in Washington for whitefish fishing include the Yakima River, the Methow River, Lake Chelan, and Lake Wenatchee.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Portland. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Seattle. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish on the Oregon Coast. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Vancouver.

Best Fishing in Washington on Seasonal Basis

Winter

Puget Sound: During winter, Puget Sound is a great place to catch winter Chinook salmon. These fish are often caught using downriggers and herring bait.
Lake Washington: Lake Washington is a great place to catch rainbow trout in winter. Try using bait such as powerbait or nightcrawlers.
Potholes Reservoir: Located in central Washington, Potholes Reservoir is a great place to catch walleye in winter. Try using jigs tipped with nightcrawlers or minnows.
Columbia River: Winter is a great time to catch steelhead on the Columbia River. Try using jigs or drifting bait such as eggs or shrimp.
Lake Chelan: Located in north-central Washington, Lake Chelan is a great place to catch lake trout in winter. These fish can be caught using bait such as cut-plug herring or jigging spoons.
Coastal Beaches: During winter, coastal beaches in Washington are a great place to catch surf perch. These fish can be caught using sand crabs or small pieces of shrimp as bait.

Spring

The best time to fish for these species in spring varies, but generally, the peak months are March through June. Fishing is usually best in the early morning or late afternoon to evening, when the fish are most active.

Columbia River: Spring Chinook Salmon and Steelhead
Yakima River: Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout
Lake Chelan: Lake Trout and Kokanee Salmon
Hood Canal: Sea-Run Cutthroat Trout and Steelhead
Klickitat River: Spring Chinook Salmon and Steelhead
Puget Sound: Blackmouth Salmon and Lingcod

Summer

Lake Roosevelt – kokanee salmon and rainbow trout can be caught here during summer.
Puget Sound – salmon, halibut, and lingcod are all abundant in Puget Sound during the summer.
Lake Chelan – lake trout and kokanee salmon can be found in Lake Chelan during the summer, making it a great spot for fishing.
Columbia River is home to various fish species, including Chinook salmon, steelhead, and walleye, which can be caught during the summer.
Lake Washington – this lake is a great spot for fishing smallmouth and largemouth bass, as well as cutthroat trout and yellow perch.
San Juan Islands – these islands are known for their abundant salmon populations, making them a great spot for salmon fishing during the summer months.

Fall

Potholes Reservoir: This is a great place to fish for walleye in the fall. Best times are early morning or late afternoon.
Columbia River: In the fall, the Columbia River is a great spot for fishing Chinook and Coho salmon. The best time to fish is early morning or late evening.
Klickitat River: Another great spot for salmon fishing in the fall, specifically Chinook and Coho. Best times are early morning or late evening.
Lake Chelan: This is a good spot for fishing for kokanee in the fall. Best times are early morning or late afternoon.
Swift Reservoir: This is a great place to fish for rainbow trout in the fall. Best times are early morning or late afternoon.
Banks Lake: Another great spot for fall walleye fishing. Best times are early morning or late afternoon.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Oregon, please check out this helpful guide.