Catfish Fishing Regulations in Washington: Seasons, Limits, and Where to Fish
June 2, 2026
Washington state is one of the most underrated catfish destinations in the Pacific Northwest, offering everything from trophy channel cats in major river systems to accessible stocked ponds near urban centers. Whether you are a lifelong catfish angler or picking up the rod for the first time, understanding the rules that govern this fishery is essential before you wet a line.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about catfish fishing regulations in Washington — from which species you can legally target to where the best bites are happening right now. All regulations referenced here are drawn from the WDFW 2025–2026 Recreational Fishing Seasons and Regulations pamphlet, which covers the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Always verify current rules directly with WDFW before your trip, as emergency closures and rule changes can occur.
Catfish Species Found in Washington
Washington is home to several catfish species, making it a surprisingly diverse fishery for warmwater anglers. Knowing which species you are targeting helps you choose the right water, the right gear, and the right regulations to follow.
Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) — Channel catfish are one of several species from the catfish family that occur in Washington and are probably the most popular because of the large size they can attain and they are considered excellent eating. Channel catfish have a forked, rather than rounded, tail, a slate to silvery body color usually spotted with tiny black specks, and a much more streamlined head and body. The only known naturally reproducing populations are found in the Snake, Columbia, Lower Yakima (50 miles), and Walla Walla rivers. Beyond those river systems, channel catfish lurk beneath more than 45 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs across Washington. Under an approved stocking plan, WDFW planted 12,400 channel catfish averaging 12 inches into 12 lakes and ponds in spring 2024.
Key Insight: WDFW revived its channel catfish stocking program after a 10-year pause. A 2026 stocking plan includes 50,000 fish into 26 lakes and ponds at a cost of $133,000. This means more stocked catfish waters are available to Washington anglers than at any point in recent memory.
Brown Bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) — The brown bullhead is by far the most common of the three bullhead species found in Washington. It can be identified by the presence of strong barbs or serrations on the back edge of its pectoral spines, and pigmentation in the chin barbels. Like other members of the catfish family, brown bullheads are often abundant in water a little muddier and warmer than most other fish prefer. They can tolerate high water temperatures and low dissolved oxygen levels that would be lethal to most other game fish. Brown bullheads average 8–12 inches but can grow larger in quality populations.
Yellow Bullhead and Black Bullhead — These two additional bullhead species round out the bullhead trio present in Washington waters. All three bullhead species share similar habitat preferences and are regulated together under Washington’s “other game fish” category. You can learn more about the different types of catfish found across North America to sharpen your identification skills before hitting the water.
Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) — Blue catfish, prized for their size and fighting prowess, are a popular species among Washington catfish anglers. Blue catfish can reach trophy proportions in many waters across the state and are typically found in larger rivers and reservoirs. The Washington state record blue catfish was taken out of the Columbia River.
Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) — Flathead catfish are occasionally reported in the Snake River in Washington. The state record of 22.7 pounds was caught here in 1981, but more recent catches are rarer in this section than farther upstream into Idaho.
White Catfish (Ameiurus catus) — Washington is also home to the white catfish, a smaller species compared to other catfish. White catfish can be found in various rivers and reservoirs throughout the state. The Walla Walla River was home to the state record white catfish. If you are curious about the full size potential of Washington’s catfish, check out our guide to the largest catfish ever recorded.
Catfish Season Dates in Washington
One of the most angler-friendly aspects of catfishing in Washington is the open season structure. Unlike salmon or steelhead, catfish do not have a narrow seasonal window that requires careful calendar planning.
Catfish are classified as game fish in Washington, alongside species like bass, crappie, walleye, and trout. Under the statewide freshwater rules, catfish in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs are open year-round during any open game fish season. Rivers and streams follow the general freshwater calendar.
Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs offer year-round fishing, while rivers and streams open from the Saturday before Memorial Day through October 31. For catfish specifically, this means your prime river season on waters like the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima runs from late May through the end of October under general rules — though many of these major rivers have specific designations that may allow fishing outside that window. Always check the special rules for your target water.
Pro Tip: Fishing for catfish peaks in spring and early fall, with popular baits being worms, liver, hotdogs, shrimp, and other strong-smelling baits. Plan your trips around these windows for the best action, particularly on stocked lakes where fish are most active shortly after WDFW plants them.
For bullheads specifically, fishing improves throughout the spring, peaking before the spawning period in May and June. Fishing may pick up in early fall, followed by a decrease in action as waters cool. Winter is a difficult time to target this species.
Night fishing is a popular and productive option for catfish throughout the season. Many catfish, walleye, and trout anglers prefer night sessions when fish feed more actively. Some special regulation waters close at dusk for safety or management reasons, so verify rules for your target location. For comparison on how other Washington species are managed seasonally, see the bass fishing season in Washington and the trout fishing season in Washington.
Daily Bag Limits for Catfish in Washington
Washington’s bag limit structure for catfish varies depending on the species and the type of water you are fishing. Getting this right matters — exceeding your daily limit is a violation that can result in fines and gear confiscation.
| Species / Water Type | Daily Bag Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Channel Catfish — Lakes, Ponds, Reservoirs (general) | 5 fish | Statewide default |
| Channel Catfish — Select Small Lakes | 2 fish | Check special rules for specific waters |
| Channel Catfish — Columbia, Snake, and Yakima Rivers | No daily limit | Unlimited harvest allowed |
| Bullheads and Other Catfish (except channel) | No daily limit | No size restriction either |
| Possession Limit (all game fish) | 2 daily limits | In any form |
The general statewide regulation for channel catfish is a five-fish daily limit with no minimum size. Several small lakes where channel catfish are stocked have a two-fish daily limit. In the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima rivers, there is no daily bag limit on harvest.
For bullheads and other catfish (except channel), there is no size limit and no daily limit. This makes bullhead fishing a particularly relaxed, family-friendly pursuit. The possession limit for game fish is two daily limits in any form. So if you are keeping channel catfish from a lake with a five-fish daily limit, you may possess no more than ten fish total at any one time.
Important Note: Always cross-reference the statewide rules with the special rules for your specific water body. Confirm open seasons, daily bag, and possession limits for each species and water you fish. Check length and slot rules — many lakes, rivers, and bays have special tables beyond statewide defaults.
Size and Length Limits for Catfish in Washington
Washington keeps its catfish size limit rules straightforward, which is good news for anglers who want to keep the fish they catch without worrying about a tape measure.
Channel catfish have no size limit in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, with a daily limit of 5. In rivers, streams, and beaver ponds, there are no size or daily limits. This means you are free to keep any channel catfish you catch regardless of its length, as long as you stay within the applicable daily bag limit for your water type.
For bullheads and all other catfish species, there is similarly no minimum size requirement statewide. Other game fish including catfish (except channel) carry no size restriction and no daily limit.
While there are no mandatory size limits, many experienced catfish anglers practice voluntary catch-and-release on larger fish, particularly trophy-sized channel cats. Channel catfish can live up to 20 years, grow over 30 inches, and weigh more than 30 pounds. Releasing big fish helps preserve the genetics that produce trophy catches for future generations. For context on how big Washington catfish can get, the official state record for a channel catfish weighed 37.70 pounds and was caught by Cole Abshere at Lake Terrell in Whatcom County on August 20, 2019.
Legal Methods for Catching Catfish in Washington
Washington gives catfish anglers plenty of flexibility when it comes to legal gear and methods. Standard hook-and-line angling is the most common approach, but there are additional options worth knowing about.
Hook and Line (Angling) — Angling is defined as fishing for personal use with a line attached to a pole capable of being held in hand while landing fish, or a hand-operated line without a rod or reel. This covers everything from a simple cane pole to a modern rod-and-reel setup. For gear recommendations, explore different types of fishing rods and types of fishing reels to find the right combination for catfish.
Spear and Bow-and-Arrow — Catfish may also be taken by spear or bow-and-arrow, but only during open game fish or salmon seasons. This is a less common method but entirely legal under the right conditions.
Bait Choices — The best technique for targeting channel catfish is fishing any number of smelly baits right on or near the bottom. The excellent olfactory sense of catfish makes baits with a strong odor very effective. Popular baits include worms, liver (chicken or beef), hotdogs, shrimp, cut bait (usually an oily fish like herring), and manufactured or homemade stinkbaits and doughbaits.
Rigs and Presentations — A slip sinker or Carolina rig with standard catfish baits is the go-to setup for most Washington catfish anglers. You can also explore a variety of fishing rigs that work well for bottom-feeding species. It is not unusual for bass anglers to catch channel catfish on diving plugs, spinners, plastic lures, and even surface lures — so do not be surprised if a channel cat grabs your bass gear.
Common Mistake: Chumming — broadcasting bait into the water to attract fish — is prohibited in Washington freshwater. Chumming is defined as broadcasting, feeding, or distributing into freshwater any bait or other substance capable of attracting fish. Keep your bait on the hook, not scattered in the water.
Two-Pole Fishing — Washington allows anglers to fish with two rods simultaneously if they purchase a Two-Pole Endorsement. The Two-Pole Endorsement costs $16.15 and lets you fish with two rods instead of one — great for stillwater fishing. This is a popular option for catfish anglers who want to cover more bottom and increase their chances of a bite. For a broader look at fishing approaches, see our overview of different types of fishing.
Fishing License Requirements for Catfish in Washington
You need a valid Washington fishing license to legally target catfish in state waters. The licensing structure is straightforward, but the fee schedule changed significantly in 2025, so it is worth reviewing the current costs before your trip.
Who Needs a License — Anglers 15 years or older, both resident and non-resident, are required to have an annual or short-term freshwater or combination fishing license. Anglers 14 and younger do not need a license to fish for catfish, though catch record cards are still required for certain other species.
License Fee Increases (Effective July 1, 2025) — As a result of state legislation passed in 2025, hunting and fishing license fees increased July 1, 2025, reflecting the first license fee increase since 2011. Signed by Governor Bob Ferguson on May 17, the bill increases fees by 38%.
| License Type | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Freshwater | $29.50 | $84.50 |
| Annual Combination (Fresh + Salt) | $55.35 | $124.65 |
| Two-Pole Endorsement | $16.15 | $16.15 |
| Seniors (70+) Freshwater | $7.50 | — |
| 1-Day Non-Resident Freshwater | — | $20.40 |
Fees shown are per the 2025–2026 license year as reported by eRegulations and WDFW’s license fees page. Always confirm current prices directly with WDFW, as a 2.9% surcharge is added to purchases made online or by phone.
Where to Buy — Licenses can be purchased online or at hundreds of license dealers across the state. New for 2026, mobile licensing is available through the agency’s new MyWDFW mobile application and the Fish Washington app. This makes it easier than ever to get licensed right before heading to the water.
Free Fishing Weekend — Everyone age 16 and older needs a valid Washington fishing license — no exceptions, except on Free Fishing Weekend: June 6–7, 2026. This is a great opportunity to introduce new anglers to catfishing without the upfront cost of a license.
Residency Requirements — To qualify as a Washington resident, you must have maintained a permanent place of abode within the state for at least 90 days preceding license purchase. If you are visiting from out of state, you will need to purchase a non-resident license. For comparison on how other states handle fishing license requirements, see our guides on fly fishing regulations in Washington and bass fishing regulations in Ohio.
Pro Tip: Washington uses catch record cards for certain fisheries such as salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and halibut. Rules can change by year and fishery — verify current card requirements and reporting steps on WDFW before you fish. Catfish do not require a catch record card, which keeps the paperwork simple.
Best Catfish Fishing Spots in Washington
Washington offers a wide range of catfish destinations, from the massive river systems of the eastern part of the state to urban ponds near Seattle. Here are the top waters to put on your list.
Columbia River — Stretching more than 1,200 miles from its headwaters in British Columbia to the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia River is one of Washington’s best fishing spots for just about anything that swims. For catfish anglers, the river presents a wide range of opportunities. Bullheads are abundant throughout much of the river, especially in backwaters, but there is also a substantial and seemingly increasing population of channel catfish in the main river. Channel cats are most abundant in the Middle Columbia, where a series of dams back the river up into a succession of long, meandering reservoirs. Your best bets for Columbia River channel cats are Lake Umatilla (from John Day Dam upstream to McNary Dam) and Lake Wallula (from McNary Dam upstream to Priest Rapids Dam). Remember, there is no daily bag limit on catfish in the Columbia River.
Snake River — The Snake River is arguably Washington’s premier trophy catfish destination. Channel catfish are now common throughout lower Columbia and Snake River reservoirs, with higher densities occurring in the Snake River. The Snake also holds the state’s flathead catfish record. Deep pools, undercut banks, and the river’s powerful current create ideal habitat for big cats. Like the Columbia, the Snake River carries no daily bag limit for channel catfish.
Yakima River — Channel catfish move from McNary Pool into the lower Yakima River as water begins to warm in late April. They can be found in deep holes and runs adjacent to undercut banks on the outside of river bends from Horn Rapids Dam downstream to the Yakima Delta. As water continues to warm and flow drops, channel cats get more aggressive and will hit spinners with vengeance. Popular fishing areas for bank anglers include the wide-open flats of the Yakima Delta and slow-moving pools within a short hike of lower river boat launches.
Green Lake (King County) — A popular urban fishing lake in King County, Green Lake is the best bet for catfish in the Seattle area. The lake is most popular in springtime, when anglers target freshly-stocked trout, but WDFW has stocked Green Lake numerous times with channel catfish over the years, some of which have grown to truly epic proportions. Green Lake also harbors brown bullhead, largemouth bass, and sunfish, making it an excellent multi-species destination for a day trip.
Lake Terrell (Whatcom County) — Lake Terrell holds a special place in Washington catfish history as the home of the state record channel catfish. The official state record for channel catfish is 37.70 pounds, caught at Lake Terrell in 2019. The lake has received multiple stocking efforts and continues to produce quality fish for anglers willing to make the trip to Whatcom County.
Harts Lake (Pierce County) — Harts Lake in Pierce County is one of the lakes that has historically produced significant channel catfish fisheries in Washington. It is a reliable destination for anglers in the south Puget Sound region and regularly appears on WDFW stocking lists.
Stocked Urban Ponds — Rivers are an ideal environment for growing monster catfish. Ponds and small lakes are often stocked with one or more species of catfish, making them a great place to take kids fishing. WDFW’s revived stocking program means more urban and suburban ponds are receiving channel catfish than ever before. Use WDFW’s interactive fishing map to find stocked waters near you.
Key Insight: Tribal waters require a separate permit. Several Native American tribes manage fisheries on reservation lands. You will need a tribal fishing permit — not a state license — to fish these waters. Examples include the Colville Tribes’ portion of Lake Roosevelt and Yakama Nation waters. Always check with individual tribes for permit information before fishing near reservation boundaries.
For more state-by-state fishing regulation comparisons, explore our guides on bass fishing regulations in Indiana, bass fishing regulations in Virginia, and fly fishing regulations in Montana. Whether you are chasing a new state record or simply want a relaxed afternoon with a stinkbait rig, Washington’s catfish fishery has something for every angler — just make sure your license is current and your regulations are verified before you cast.