Trout, freshwater fishing opens

Hundreds of thousands of anglers across the state are expected to cast their rods on Saturday for what is expected to be the biggest fishing day of the year.

April 21, 2015 5:24 pm
Anglers using selective gear try their hands at Lone Lake in Bayview during the season’s opening month in 2014. Trout have been planted at lakes across Whidbey.
Anglers using selective gear try their hands at Lone Lake in Bayview during the season’s opening month in 2014. Trout have been planted at lakes across Whidbey.

Hundreds of thousands of anglers across the state are expected to cast their rods on Saturday for what is expected to be the biggest fishing day of the year.

Saturday, April 25 kicks off trout fishing season in Washington.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fish hatchery crews have stocked nearly 17.5 million trout and kokanee in lakes statewide. These include 2.3 million catchable trout, about 160,000 of which weigh up to 11 pounds each, the department recently announced.

Deer Lake near Clinton was stocked with 600 jumbo trout. Goss Lake near Freeland and Cranberry and Pass lakes in Oak Harbor were also stocked with trout.

Anglers may find details on lake fishing opportunities at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

The department also has a YouTube channel with how-to fishing videos, which can be found at youtube.com/thewdfw.

“We expect the biggest crowds of the year on this opener, so it’s especially important for everyone to be patient and careful at boat launches and docks,” said Chris Donley, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife inland fish program manager, in a news release.

Donley added that individuals in boats and all children should use personal flotation devices.

Anglers must have a current Washington freshwater fishing license valid through March 31, 2016 in order to participate. Licenses can be purchased online at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/, by phone at 1-866-246-9453 or from a vendor.

Freshwater fishing licenses cost $29.50 for resident adults ages 16-69. Fifteen-year-olds can purchase a license for $8.05 and seniors ages 70 and older can buy an annual freshwater license for $7.50. Children 14 years of age and younger do not need a license.