In Washington, trout season opens on the first Saturday in June for most waters. This late date was set in an effort to protect spawning populations. When trout season opens, anglers descend upon rivers, streams, lakes and coastal areas to pursue the many trout species, which has one of the most diverse selection of trout varieties of any state in the country. Brown, brook, golden, rainbow, bull, cutthroat, lake and Dolly Varden trout, as well as sub-species of cutthroat and rainbow trout are all targets of anglers, who pursue these fish by casting with fly and spinning rods, and by trolling in deep water.
Trout Seasons Rules and Regulations
In Washington State, general rules govern what waters are open during certain times of the year. Lakes, ponds and reservoirs are open to trout fishing year-round. Streams, rivers and beaver ponds that drain into Puget Sound and the Straits of De Luca are closed to all fishing for game species, including trout. Streams, rivers and beaver ponds that do not drain into Puget sound or the Straits of Deluca are open to fishing for all game fish, including trout from the first Saturday in June until October 31.
Restrictions and Special Rules
Bull trout and Dolly Varden trout are protected in Washington, and fishing for them is prohibited except as noted in the special rules section of the fishing guide. These are the general game fishing seasons for the state; however the Washington Fishing Guide has more than 60 pages of special rules that modify these general regulations. These special rules often apply to specific bodies of water or even portions of streams and rivers. Many bodies have different seasons specific to themselves, tackle restrictions or size and catch limit restrictions. Be sure to check the fishing guide for special rules regarding the body of water you plan to fish. A link in the resources section leads to a page where you can download the current Washington Fishing Guide.
Places to Fish For Trout
In Washington, trout can be found in nearly every stream and river, and in many of the lakes, ponds and reservoirs. Some species like steelhead, an anadramous form of rainbow trout and coaster cutthroat trout may be caught in the coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean. Some waters are famous as trout waters in Washington, including the Yakima, Kettle, Elwha, Cowlitz, Cedar and Pend Oreille Rivers. Literally dozens of lakes, ponds and reservoirs are known for good trout fishing in Washington state, but some of the most famous include: Potholes Reservoir, Lenice Lake Chain, Park Lake Chain, Lake Washington, Pass Lake, Lake Ozette, Crescent Lake, Conconully Lake, Medical Lake and Curlew Lake.
Techniques and Tackle
Anglers fishing for trout in Washington use a variety of techniques and tackle. Fly-fishing is of course very popular, and fly fishermen angle for trout along streams, rivers and even lakeshores. Other anglers prefer casting spoons, spinners or other lures using spinning gear. On larger lakes and reservoirs, many anglers troll for trout using downriggers; however these devices are prohibited on some lakes. Some anglers use drift boats to patrol some of the larger rivers and jig or bob for trout, especially steelhead.
Eating Washington Trout
Fish are a very healthy addition to any meal, and trout are delicious as well. Many anglers catch trout with the intention of eventually placing their quarry on the table. Washington has issued several warnings and advisories about eating fish from certain bodies of water in the state due to high levels of mercury. While most fish in the lakes are perfectly safe to eat, you should consult the Washington Fishing Guide for any possible advisories for the body of water your catch is from before eating.
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