Kayak fishing combines the thrill of kayaking with the sport of fishing, creating a pleasurable outdoor adventure. Kayaks allow anglers to reach small freshwater streams and waterways otherwise unreachable by land or larger, motorized boats. Furthermore, more adventurous anglers brave Washington’s offshore waters in pursuit of their next big catch. The state of Washington offers kayak fishermen superb marine fishing along 500 miles of Pacific coastline, in addition to more than 2,000 total miles of Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Strait of Juan de Fuca and Hood Canal shoreline. In addition to marine fishing, the state boasts 4,000 rivers and streams, 7,000 lakes and more than 200 reservoirs for freshwater anglers as well.
About Kayak Fishing
Kayak fishing isn’t new. People have been fishing from all sorts of maritime vessels, such as canoes, long boards and kayaks for decades. Long ago, kayak fishing included hunting whales, seals and salmon for food. According to Coastal Kayak Fishing, kayaks are renowned for their seaworthiness, making them ideal for anglers seeking fishing opportunities the average boat can’t navigate. Additionally, they allow anglers to experience nature close up.
Opening of Fishing Season
Fishing season is open year-around along Washington’s Pacific coastal waters as well as most lakes. The winter weather in Washington sometimes impacts fishing conditions. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) also stocks lakes with trout in mid-March. The fishing season officially opens for rivers and streams the first Saturday in June of each year.
Types of Fish in Washington State Waters
Depending on the water and time of year, kayak anglers have a variety of fish species to fish. Kayak fishermen fish trout species when lakes are cool, but not freezing, as well as warmer months. Warm water is ideal for catching bass, crappie, sunfish and catfish. Walleye fishing is year-around. Certain streams throughout the state offer ample opportunities to catch whitefish in the winter months. Kayak anglers in marine waters catch halibut, lingcod and yelloweye rockfish, as well as other marine fish throughout the year. Anglers catch salmon in the spring months of May through June.
Selecting a Fishing Spot
Although kayak fishing allows anglers the chance to fish hard-to-reach waters, it’s a good idea to find a fishing spot with a launch suitable for kayaks as well as other non-motorized boats, like canoes. Otherwise, entering the waters gets tricky and sometimes dangerous, especially with a kayak filled with fishing gear. The WDFW offers a guide about the state’s accessible outdoor recreation, including public fishing spots. In it, kayak fishermen find fishing spots organized by region with specific information on each site, including whether it offers a boat launch.
Licenses
Kayak anglers 15 years of age and older must obtain a recreational fishing license, either a freshwater or saltwater one or a combination license to fish in Washington. The license is good for a year beginning April 1 through March 31 of the next year. For the 2010/2011 fishing year, a youth (age 15) annual combination license cost $11 for residents and nonresidents of the state. It cost adult (16 and older) residents $48.20 and nonresident adults $91.40. Additional information on fishing licenses is available on the WDWF website.
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