Fishing

Choose from the following to find a site:

• Lake and Pond Fishing
• River and Stream Fishing

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest has more than 20 species of fish in 1,360 miles of streams and over 100 lakes. Three species of anadromous fish (chinook and Coho salmon, and steelhead trout) and several species of resident salmonids (rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, brown trout, and cutthroat trout), including two species of char (bull trout and eastern brook trout) are found here. 

More than 90 percent of the streams on the forest have a self-sustaining resident fishery. Fish populations are supplemented with hatchery fish in some forest lakes and streams. High mountain lakes may not be accessible until late-spring snow melts. Gifford Pinchot National Forest waters provide diverse recreational fisheries.

Excellent opportunities for bait, hardware and fly-fishing abound. As you use our site, we hope you find much useful information to guide you in your fishing adventures. Good Luck!

Anglers over age 15 must have a current Washington fishing license!

Recreational licenses are required for both residents and nonresidents 15 years of age and older. Reduced fee licenses are available for qualified disabled persons, disabled veterans, youth age 15 years and younger and resident seniors (age 70+).

Fishing regulations are determined by the state: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife