Where to Go Fishing With Kids Around Seattle
Where to go fishing with kids around Seattle
1. Washington State Trout Fishing Derby lakes, statewide
Each year, the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife holds a statewide fishing derby. Families can go fishing at more than 100 Washington lakes that are stocked with tagged fish to catch. Choose a lake, catch a tagged trout if you can, then see if you’ve won a prize! This year’s derby dates are April 22–Oct. 31, 2023. Teens and adults and ages 15 and older need a valid fishing license to participate (except during Free Fishing Weekend, June 10–11, 2023); kids ages 14 and younger fish for free (no fishing license required).
2. Gold Creek Trout Farm, Woodinville
This local hatchery hole offers equipment. There’s no need to make reservation, but check the operating hours before you go. It’s currently open on weekends.
3. Pine Lake, Sammamish
Check online for the ideal time to drop your line into this lake. You may reel in a delightfully named pumpkinseed sunfish.
4. Green Lake Park, Seattle
Green Lake has year-round fishing. Fish for trout, carp and catfish, among other finned fare.
5. Mill Pond, Auburn
At this fishing pond, you can cast off from the edge of the pond rather than from a dock or pier, so bring boots! Youth fishing only (ages 14 and younger) at this spot.
6. Old Fishing Hole Pond, Kent
This is another youth-fishing-only spot. Adult fishing is prohibited. Let the tots reel one in and admire the beautiful “Cedar and Salmon” totem pole by artist David Boxley.
7. Mount Baker Park, Seattle
Kids can fish here on the shores of Lake Washington. Mount Baker Park is a Seattle Parks and Recreation park.
8. Seacrest Park, West Seattle
Located on the West Seattle waterfront, right at the King County Water Taxi dock, this park boasts some of the best views of Seattle. It’s also a great spot for fishing and has a nearby boathouse. Follow up your fishing outing with shave ice and sliders from Marination Ma Kai.
9. Jim’s U-Fish, Spanaway
Farmers Jim and Debbie love sharing their working farm in Spanaway. They invite families to come and visit their fuzzy animals. Kids can ride a pony or mini train when they’re not fishing.
10. Belvoir Place, Seattle
This is a small dock on Union Bay in the Laurelhurst neighborhood of Seattle. Small, quiet and grassy, it’s the perfect spot for beginners.
11. Angle Lake Park, City of SeaTac
Fish from the pier at this popular park, 8 a.m. to dusk every day. Note that you can’t fish when lifeguards are on duty. This park is a fun swim spot on warm days.
12. Fishing for an Experience, Sammamish
If you don’t feel like going it alone, this program based out of Sammamish offers guided family fishing outings to Eastside-area lakes. Guides nearly guarantee that you’ll go home with a fish; the catch rate is 99 percent.
