The Washington State Trout Opener: My official start to the fishing season!

The Washington State Trout Opener!

For me, and thousands of anglers across Washington, fishing season doesn’t truly start until the trout opener on the fourth Saturday of April. This year, I was unable to make the actual opener on the 26th, but I made the time to get out on the water just 4 days later, which I still consider part of he opener - and after catching a limit of rainbow trout, I feel like Spring has sprung and fishing season has officially begun!

The Washington Trout fishing opener is a big event in my book, even though it is not as popular as it was back in the 80's and 90's - it still has a special place in my heart. The opener draws thousands of anglers to lakes brimming with millions of freshly stocked trout. It’s more than a day on the water to me, —it’s a tradition that runs deep, connecting families, friends, and communities to the outdoors.

We battled cold east winds in our Kayaks but were able to get out limits!

The trout opener has been a cornerstone of Washington’s outdoor heritage for decades, marking the start of a six-month fishing season for many lakes that aren’t open year-round. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) makes it all possible, stocking our waters with rainbow trout, cutthroat, kokanee, and more to ensure there’s plenty to go around. This year, they planted over 14.5 million fish, including hefty jumbo trout and plenty of catchable-size beauties. The history of this event is rich, evolving from a simple season kickoff to a major outdoor celebration that consistently draws anglers of all ages and skill levels.

Two Limits of trout to kisk officially kick of the 2025 fishing season!

What makes the opener so special? It’s more than just fishing—it’s a tradition that gets us out on the water with a high success rate, leaving anglers of all levels wanting to go out again. It is a way to connect with family and friends, sharing the timeless bond of catching fish. This year, I took my daughter’s boyfriend and we trolled Rapalas out of kayaks. We battled a strong east wind and chilly conditions, but we each landed our five-trout limit—and he landed a jumbo 20 + inch rainbow that put up a great fight! His grin said it all, and that shared adventure lit a spark in both of to plan more fishing, camping and outdoor adventures - exactly what the trout opener is supposed to do!

Trout filets ready for the smoker!

As I cleaned my trout, I couldn’t help but feel that this is what fishing season is all about - catching some fish with friends and family, sharing the water with lots of great people and bringing home a little something for the smoker. The Washington trout opener isn’t just an event—it’s a day that reminds us why we love this sport and how amazing this area is that we call home.

I have lots more fishing trips planned ... Pacific City Rockfish, Spring Chinook on the Willemette , and the Skwalla hatch over in Montana. All will be great fishing trips, but the Washington Trout Opener will always have a special place in my heart! Whether you’re a seasoned angler or taking your kids out for their first trip, the opener is a tradition that brings us together and sets the tone for months of adventure on the water.

Thanks for reading,

Bill