Fishing season opens Saturday at lowland lakes

OLYMPIA – The state is holding a statewide trout fishing derby on April 23 to kick off the 2022 fishing season.

The state Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks lakes throughout the year, and while many lakes are open for fishing year-round, the annual opening day offers an opportunity for anglers to fish for thousands of planted trout, spokesman Ben Anderson said last week.

The derby coincides with the statewide opening of lowland lakes for the 2022 fishing season.

The derby runs through Oct. 31.

Fishermen can catch tagged trout in lakes across Washington, each of which comes with a prize, officials said.

To participate in the derby, anglers must have an annual freshwater, combination, or Fish Washington fishing license valid through March 31, 2023.

Temporary combination fishing licenses cannot be used from April 23 through April 30, for game fish.

“Opening day is truly a statewide celebration,” Inland Fish Program Manager Steve Caromile said.

“It’s a great opportunity to get back out on the water after a long winter, to spend time with friends and loved ones, bring home a healthy meal, and even possibly win some prizes.”

There are more than 800 prizes available with a total value of more than $37,000, he said.

More than 16 million trout and kokanee were planted across the state in the past year.

There are more than 7,000 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs in the state, and hundreds of state-managed water access, official said.