Fishing in Seattle

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Fishing

Green Lake is stocked with more than 10,000 legal-size rainbow trout each year. Anglers can also vie for brown trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and brown bullhead catfish. The parks department maintains three fishing piers along the lake's shores: East Green Lake Drive at Latona Avenue Northeast; West Green Lake Drive North and Stone Avenue North; and West Green Lake Way North, just north of the shellhouse. You can't deny the bizarre combination of hooking one in while North Face-clad moms jog by with their toddlers in SUV-like strollers.

Lake Washington has its share of parks department piers as well. You can fish year-round for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and large- and smallmouth bass. Chinook, coho, and steelhead salmon are also available, but often subject to restrictions. Check regulations in the "Sport Fishing Rules" pamphlet (available at most sporting goods stores) when you buy your license. A one-day license costs about $7; the longest license you can buy is for five days and costs $17.

For saltwater fishing, Seattle has public piers along Shilshole Bay in Golden Gardens Park. Elliott Bay has public piers at Waterfront Park. Shilshole Bay charter-fishing companies offer trips to fish for salmon, rockfish, cod, flounder, and sea bass.

Adventure Charters (7001 Seaview Ave. NW, Ballard. 206/789-8245. www.seattlesalmoncharters.com) takes private groups out on six-person troll boats to fish for salmon, bottom fish, and crab -- depending on the season. The guided trips last for six or seven hours. The price per person is $150 October-May and $160 June-September; a license, tackle, and bait are included, and your fish will be cleaned or filleted and bagged for free.

Fish Finders Private Charters (6019 Seaview Ave. NW, Ballard. 206/632-2611. www.fishingseattle.com) takes groups of four or more out on Puget Sound for guided salmon fishing trips. The cost is $160 per person plus $7 for a fishing license. Morning trips last about six hours; afternoon trips are about five hours. All gear, bait, cleaning, and bagging are included in the fee.