Seattle's urban fishing scene casts wide appeal
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Green Lake in Seattle is stocked with 10,000 rainbow trout in the spring. Photo: Chase Gunnell/Courtesy of WDFW
Seattle's urban landscapes offer surprisingly rich fishing opportunities for beginners and pros alike, all without having to leave the city.
Why it matters: Casting a line can deliver a mental reset, a deeper connection to the outdoors — and maybe even a trout dinner.
State of play: We talked to Ryan Smith, the owner of Avid Angler, and Chase Gunnell of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to get their top tips for places to go.
Green Lake is open year-round and has bass, panfish and more than 10,000 rainbow trout stocked by WDFW in the spring.
- It's one of the easiest entry points for beginners and families, with multiple docks, shoreline access and a place to rent boats.
- Up to five hatchery trout can be retained and eaten, Gunnell told Axios.
Angle Lake and Haller Lake in Seattle, as well as dozens of other lowland lakes in the region, are stocked with trout and primed to open for fishing season on Saturday.
- "Seeing all the new anglers and kids catching trout that they can then go home and grill or fry up for a fun family meal at the trout opener is one of our favorite events of the year," said Gunnell.
Lake Washington: Home to a wide variety of species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, trout, yellow perch and black crappie.
- Access can be tricky, but anglers willing to travel a bit can try Log Boom Park in Kenmore, the shore near Seward Park or the pier at Waverly Beach Park, near Kirkland.
Saltwater shoreline: From Carkeek Park to Elliott Bay and Lincoln Park, the city's coastline offers seasonal salmon fishing and year-round catch-and-release fly fishing for sea-run cutthroat trout, Smith said.
Catch up quick: Spin-fishing kits can start as low as $35 for adults, while a basic setup for fly fishing runs around $150-$200, per Smith.
- Outdoor Emporium in SoDo has a wide range of gear, from bait fishing starter kits for kids to advanced fly fishing setups, plus they'll have advice on how to use it all.
- Big 5 or Dicks and other sporting goods stores have entry-level kits, seasonal deals and multiple locations.
- The Avid Angler in Lake Forest Park and Emerald Water Anglers in West Seattle offer full service, from basic gear to lessons and guided tours.
What to know: Familiarity with the rules, regulations and fishing seasons are a must, as are licenses for people 15 and older.
- You can buy one online, by phone at 360-902-2464, or at one of more than 600 license dealers.
- Catch-and-release is fine if anglers are fly fishing or using gear fishing tackle such as spoons, jigs or spinners.
- Those interested in catch-and-release should use barbless hooks, and wet their hands when handling fish to minimize harm, per Gunnell.
Pro tip: Download the WDFW's Fish Washington app for up-to-date info at your fingertips.
What's next: Free Fishing Weekend is June 7-8, when fishing licenses are not required to fish for trout and certain other species in Washington.
The bottom line: You don't have to go far to enjoy a peaceful day on the water. Just grab a rod, check the regs and explore the city's blue spaces in a new way.