The town and county of Walla Walla, Washington afford residents and visitors an amazing array of outdoor experiences. For those who love the water, you can paddleboard, kayak, canoe, swim, or just hang out on the shore, there are beautiful lakes, rivers, and ponds. Many have incredible views of the Blue Mountains and local farmland.
But there’s more! Fishing in the Walla Walla River and other watercourses truly makes the area special.
Regulations and Licenses
Before you pack your fishing gear, make sure that you are knowledgeable about the fishing regulations for the area. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife or WDFW will have the most current information for you to access. Guidelines vary by fishing hole and species of fish.
To access public fishing areas, anglers over the age of fifteen must have their own fishing license. In addition, adult anglers are also required to have CRCs, catch record cards. If you want to fish for certain species in specific waterways, you might also need an endorsement. CRCs are required regardless of the fisher person’s age. Temporary CRCs can be obtained through authorized dealers.
The only fish that you do not need a license to catch are crawfish, bullfrogs, freshwater smelt, or common carp.
Purchasing your fishing license can be accomplished online.
Fish Washington
Though not required, downloading the Fish Washington app on your Smartphone is recommended. This free tool will provide you with up-to-date information about the state’s fishing regulations for all waterways in the state.
Additionally, the app will assist you in locating fishing spots that are nearby. Anglers can also obtain information about how to access different fishing holes and/or where to launch your boat. Instructional videos can be accessed through the app as well.
The Walla Walla River
The Walla Walla River’s flow commences in the beautiful Blue Mountains. It approaches the city of Walla Walla from the southwest. West of the town, Mill Creek merges with the Walla Walla River. In Touchet, Washington, the Toucher River’s waters link into the Walla Walla. South of Wallula, the Walla Walla River joins the Columbia River.
Before the Walla Walla River merges into the Columbia, it’s a great place to fish for smallmouth bass, Chinook salmon, bull trout, and channel catfish. Each season of the year spotlights greater availability of different fish. Some species of fish can be caught all year long; others are seasonal. There are also size and quantity restrictions for the fish.
While You’re in Walla Walla
Not only is the Walla Walla River a super spot for anglers, explore more fishing spots in the Walla Walla area. More river fishing can be done in the Columbia and Touchet Rivers. In the Columbia, anglers can try their skills catching walleye, migrating salmon, steelhead, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish.
For those anglers seeking trout, head up to the Touchet River. Around Dayton, many fisher people have lots of success catching brown trout. Rainbow trout and bull trout can also be found in the Touchet. As with the Walla Walla and Columbia, fishing is permitted all year for certain species of fish each season.
