Chris Hamilton of Yeager's Sporting Goods fishes Lake Terrell during a spring outing in Whatcom County, with Mount Baker rising above the horizon in the background. (Photo: PNW Daily)
OUTDOOR
REPORT
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Washington’s annual Free Fishing Weekend returns June 6-7. For two days, anglers can fish many of the state’s lakes and marine waters without a fishing license.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife hosts the event each year. It opens the door for new anglers, families and anyone looking to get back on the water before summer begins.
Licenses are waived for many species, but not all. Salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and all shellfish still require a paid license. That includes shrimp, clams, crab, mussels and oysters.
This Outdoor Report is sponsored by Yeager’s Sporting Goods, located at 3101 Northwest Avenue in Bellingham.
Local Lakes Offer EASY FREE FISHING WEEKEND Opportunities
Whatcom and Skagit counties offer several productive destinations this weekend.
Lake Padden remains one of the best choices for shore anglers. WDFW stocked 13,000 rainbow trout there this spring. The Bellingham lake also supports yellow perch, largemouth bass and coastal cutthroat trout.
Silver Lake east of Bellingham received 11,000 rainbow trout in April. The county park offers easy access, a fishing pier and a boat launch.
Toad Lake, a longtime family favorite, received 4,700 rainbow trout this spring.
Lake Samish tops the list for kokanee anglers. WDFW planted 70,000 kokanee there last fall.
Squalicum Lake received 1,500 rainbow trout this spring. Terrell Lake received 2,000 rainbow trout in March and carries a healthy warmwater fishery as temperatures rise.
Lake Whatcom may be particularly worth a visit this weekend. WDFW records show Kendall Creek Hatchery stocked 1,205 rainbow trout on May 8, putting fresh catchable fish in the water just ahead of the event. The lake opens to trout fishing on the 4th Saturday in April and runs through Oct. 31. Standard seasonal rules apply.
Skagit County Anglers Have Choices Too
Several Skagit County lakes continue to fish well.
Pass Lake near Deception Pass is one of Washington’s premier fly-fishing destinations. The lake is catch-and-release and fly-fishing only, and it produces large rainbow and brown trout. WDFW stocked 3,000 brown trout there last fall.
Heart Lake near Anacortes received 6,800 rainbow trout this spring. Erie Lake received 11,100 rainbow trout. McMurray Lake received 11,000.
Beyond Trout
Free Fishing Weekend covers more than trout.
Anglers can chase largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch and other game fish in lowland lakes statewide — no license needed this weekend. Puget Sound anglers can target lingcod, cabezon, flounder and other bottomfish where seasons remain open.
Surfperch and rockfish are also fair game from coastal jetties and shorelines, license-free for the weekend.
This Outdoor Report is sponsored by Yeager’s Sporting Goods, located at 3101 Northwest Avenue in Bellingham.
Worth the Road Trip: Columbia River and Basin Salmon
Anglers willing to make the drive south have some of the best salmon action of the spring waiting — but a paid license is required. Free Fishing Weekend does not cover salmon anywhere in Washington.
WDFW extended spring Chinook retention on the mainstem Columbia River from Rocky Point/Tongue Point upstream to the Washington/Oregon border through June 15. The fishery opened June 5. Daily limits allow up to six fish total, no more than two adults, with no more than one adult Chinook. Anglers must release all wild steelhead and all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Some stretches above Bonneville Dam require bank-only fishing with hand-cast lines. Check the specific section rules before heading out.
Spring shad fishing on the lower Columbia continues to improve as fish push upstream. Shad carry no daily limit once open.
Other salmon seasons are running or opening soon in rivers across the Columbia Basin and eastern Washington. All require a valid license. Check WDFW’s emergency rules page before any trip — in-season adjustments happen fast.
Shellfish Alert: Emergency Shrimp Rules in Effect
Last-minute rule changes hit Puget Sound shrimpers this week.
WDFW cancelled the spot shrimp season in Marine Area 7 East. That area stays open for non-spot shrimp only. Gear cannot touch water deeper than 200 feet. Any spot shrimp caught must go back immediately.
Marine Area 7 South opens June 7-8 but only in the central portion — west of a line projected south from Point Colville on Lopez Island and east of a line projected south from Cattle Point on San Juan Island.
WDFW made the changes after unexpected angling pressure hit accessible parts of Marine Area 7 following the closure of central Puget Sound spot shrimp fisheries.
A shellfish license is required to harvest any shrimp. Free Fishing Weekend does not waive that requirement.
Rules Still Apply — Including One Major Closure
Licenses are waived, but all other regulations remain in force.
Size limits, bag limits, gear rules and area closures all still apply. One closure every local angler should know: the Skykomish River is shut down to all fishing through Oct. 31, 2026. WDFW issued the emergency closure to protect wild Chinook after pre-season return forecasts came in very low. The closure covers the river from its mouth to the confluence of the North and South Forks and overrides previously planned hatchery fisheries at Wallace River and Reiter Ponds.
The weekend also brings a Discover Pass free day. No pass is needed to access lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Department of Natural Resources or WDFW. The Vehicle Access Pass and Two-Pole Endorsement are also waived.
Check for emergency rule changes at wdfw.wa.gov before heading out. The Fish Washington mobile app keeps anglers current on the go.
Lake Fazon Kids Derby Coming Up
Families and young anglers now have their eyes on one of Whatcom County’s longest-running youth fishing events.
The Borderline Bassin’ Contenders host the 41st Annual Free Kids Bluegill Fishing Derby at Lake Fazon on June 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration opens at 10 a.m.
The derby awards prizes across multiple youth age groups and hands out trophies for the longest and smallest bluegill of the day. Every registered kid takes home a tackle pack and snacks.
Organizers also run a raffle featuring a $500 Yeager’s Sporting Goods gift card. Proceeds fund the 2027 derby.
Shoreline access is limited, so a boat is recommended. Buckets will be available and boating safety rules apply throughout the event.
The derby is a longtime community tradition built around introducing Northwest Washington kids to fishing and the outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
PNW Daily brings you The Outdoor Report as part of the ongoing series sponsored by Yeager’s Sporting Goods.
About the Author
