Attention, Washington anglers: Mark your calendars for next Saturday, when lowland lakes state-wide will open for fishing. This spring ritual isn't just an ordinary opener; it doubles as the 10th anniversary of the WDFW statewide Trout Derby. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) expects thousands of anglers to participate, lured by the prospect of catching tagged fish and winning prizes.
In a statement obtained by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, inland fish program manager Steve Caromile shared, "Opening day is one of our biggest and most important days for anglers. There are great fishing opportunities at lakes statewide for people of all ages and backgrounds." He noted that while spring weather can be unpredictable, the event continues to attract enthusiasts in droves. Preparations for the anticipated day include the WDFW's fish and hatchery staff laboring year-round to ensure successful conditions for the opening.
With more than 14.5 million trout set to be stocked across Washington's waters, anglers have much to look forward to. Breakdown of the stock includes 2.14 million catchable-size trout, over 150,000 jumbo trout measuring at least 14 inches, and 1.6 million "put, grow, and take" trout. Additionally, over 10.6 million fingerling and fry trout and kokanee are expected to enrich 2025 fisheries, mainly in Eastern Washington, according to the WDFW.
The 10th anniversary of the WDFW Trout Derby, also commencing on next Saturday and running through Oct. 31, features nearly 1,100 prizes worth more than $54,000, donated by over 100 participating businesses. Caromile expressed his appreciation for the support: "The generosity of our vendors has made the Trout Derby a great success, and something that many anglers look forward to." Tagged trout, identifiable by an orange tag near their dorsal fin, could be anyone’s ticket to numerous prizes ranging from fishing gear to vacation stays.
To partake in the fishing excitement, anglers will need to have valid 2025 licenses, which include options like the Get Outdoors package or the annual combination license, among others. Licenses can be purchased online, by phone, or at license dealers across the state. The WDFW advocates for courteous conduct among anglers and adherence to all regulations at water access areas. Anglers are reminded to have a backup plan if their preferred fishing spot is overcrowded.
Washington boasts over 7,000 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, complemented by numerous water-access areas managed by the WDFW and other state and federal agencies. Access details and necessary parking passes, such as the WDFW Vehicle Access Pass or the Discover Pass, can be found on the agency's websites.
While the general excitement is set for next Saturday, some Washington lakes have been open since March 1, welcoming fishers all year round. Before setting out, WDFW encourages anglers to check rules and updates on their fishing regulations and emergency rules web pages.
