In rainy Western Washington, the water's usually too chilly for a swim, but just right for a brisk outing of nature viewing and beachcombing. The legendary abundance of yesteryear is largely to blame for the angling austerity of today. There are still fish to be caught throughout West Sound. But those who enjoy fishing regularly are just as regular about being selective of the fish they keep and those they throw back. Some species of those fish are going to be in short supply this year because they have been listed as threatened or endangered by the federal government.
Many lakes are open year-round.
While warm-water species aren't as popular here as in other parts of the country, what we lack in quantity might be made up in quality. Traditional salmon grounds include Point No Point, the Brownsville Marina, Manchester and Port Townsend. You'll need a boat for most salmon fishing around here, although the Hood Canal Bridge, Point No Point and Point Wilson near Port Townsend can provide good angling at certain times of the year without a boat. The losest year-round freshwater angling for Kitsap residents might be found at Kitsap Lake. Try the Department of Fish and Wildlife access on the west shore of the lake.