Gone Fishin’ – in Seattle

In Seattle, you have lots of options of places to go fish.

Fishing can be a relaxing sport for just about anyone. Whether you’re knee deep in a river or on a boat somewhere in the ocean, getting a bite is rewarding. Even if you don’t get a bite, being able to bait your fishing rod while enjoying the company of a few friends is one of the best parts of the experience. And if you’re a resident in Seattle or one of the Seattle neighborhoods, you’re in luck. The Pacific Northwest is home to great fishing and lots of beautiful fish.

With Your Kids
If you’re taking your kids out for a fishing day, you’ll find that there are plenty of options around Seattle. Whether it’s their first time or 15th, fishing creates a unique bond between a parent and child. In neighborhoods in and around Seattle, you have several kid-friendly fishing holes.

• Elliott Bay Pier – Located in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood, Elliott Bay Pier is one of Seattle’s best kept fishing secrets. It includes a 400 foot fishing pier that comes equipped with covered cleaning stations, as well as a little bait shop. Access this pier by taking the Magnolia Bridge from 15th Avenue West.
• Green Lake Park – A little bit more crowded, this fun, year-round spot is a great place to catch some fish. It’s located in the Green Lake neighborhood, on the south side of the Bathhouse Theater.
• Old Fishing Hole Pond – This family-friendly fishing hole is a favorite among Seattle residents. The city of Kent has spent a lot of time dedicated to making this spot a nice place to visit, spend time with family and fish. If your little fisherman has what it takes, consider joining the youth fishing experience, which takes place every May. Old Fishing Hole is located just south of Seattle in Kent where West Meeker Street meets Frager Road.

With Your Friends
It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced group of anglers or a bunch of first-timers, getting out on the water creates a fun day for all. Pack a cooler, purchase bait and head on out to these fun spots.

• Cedar River – Located a few miles southeast of Seattle’s city center is the city of Renton, Wash., which has Cedar River flowing through it. Cedar River is home to sockeye, Coho and Chinook salmon, steelhead and trout. There are several spots to fish along the river. For more information about public access, check out King County’s website.
• Lake Sawyer – About a 30-mile drive west from Seattle to Black Diamond is Lake Sawyer, which boasts a diverse mix of species. This includes rainbow trout, kokanee, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, brown bullhead and pumpkinseed sunfish. The boat ramp and bank access are available through Lake Sawyer County Park on the northwest shore.

With the Experts
If you’re not exactly sure where to begin, consider going with an experienced fisherman or on a charter. In Seattle, you have a variety of options, including fly fishing and chartered boats.

• Emerald Water Anglers – This is Seattle’s only full-service fly fishing outfitter. They are your guide for fly fishing. The experienced instructors will get you excited about your soon-to-be new favorite hobby. There are several options for your lesson, including different rivers and the length of the class. 7710 28th Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98126
• Fish Finders Private Charters – Hop aboard a 28 foot charter boat and get ready to reel in king salmon and Coho salmon. This charter takes you through the saltwater on Puget Sound with an experienced guide. You’ll learn to properly bait a hook and reel in fish. And once you’ve caught a few, the staff will clean and filet the fish for you – all you have to do is season it up and cook it. Shilshole Bay Marina, 7501 Seaview Ave. NW, Seattle, WA 98117

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/urbanglimpses