Seasons and Licenses

• Licenses are required to fish in any freshwater or saltwater Washington territory. Several options are available, depending on your situation. For example, an annual freshwater license is $24 for a resident and $48 for non-residents. Shorter-term licenses include five day permits at $19.09 for residents and $37.64 for non-residents. Fees are correct for April 2010. Discounts and exemptions are available for anglers under 15 years old, U.S. Military veterans, senior citizens and those who are registered as disabled. Licenses can be purchased online (see References) or through registered sales locations throughout the state.
  
  

Washington Largemouth Bass

• Largemouth bass are the most popular catch. Largemouth locations include Pend Oreille River in the northeast, Silver Lake in Cowlitz County and Eloika Lake in the east. Experienced largemouth bass anglers look for underwater structures and plants. Bass tend to congregate around these areas.
  
  

Washington Smallmouth Bass

• Smallmouth bass are found at many of the same Washington locations as the largemouth variety. However, there are some rivers where smallmouth are more likely to be caught: the Columbia River, Yakima River and Snake River. Washington lakes for smallmouth bass include Whatcom, Banks, Sammamish and Lake Washington. Smallmouth are more likely to congregate around rocky outcrops.
  
  

Techniques

• Artificial lures are the most popular for catching bass in Washington. These include silver metal spinners, surface poppers, diving plug lures and plastic worms. Live or dead baiting with minnows is another productive method. Smallmouth tend to feed on smaller prey, such as crayfish. Plastic worms or feathered spinners are often successful for smallmouth as well.
  
  

Size and Bag Limits

• Although there is no minimum size for largemouth, only one larger than 17 inches may be kept per day. Four largemouth under 12 inches are permitted daily. Only one smallmouth bass over 14 inches, and up to nine under 14 inches may be retained daily.