Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic Salmon are non-native to Washington but are present in marine waters due to commercial aquaculture operations.
These fish are raised in enclosed net pens and occasionally escape into Washington waters, where they're classified as an aquatic invasive species by WDFW.
Scientific Name: Salmo salar
- Atlantic Salmon typically measure 28-30 inches and weigh 8-12 pounds after two years at sea, with distinctive features including X-shaped black spots above the lateral line and usually an unspotted caudal fin.
Fishing in Washington
Yakima River
Cedar River
Puyallup River
Snoqualmie River
East Passage
Cowlitz River
Naches River
Commencement Bay
Cle Elum River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Present in marine waters due to commercial aquaculture operations.
- Escaped fish concentrate in areas around net pen operations.
Key Locations
- Focus on marine areas around Puget Sound and coastal waters where net pen operations are located.
- Escaped Atlantic Salmon have been observed in approximately 12 Washington streams and rivers.
Atlantic Salmon FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Atlantic Salmon in Washington?
Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and various salmon lures. Natural baits like herring (especially cut-plug herring), salmon e.g.gs, and other standard salmon baits are productive.
What flies work for Atlantic Salmon in Washington?
Effective fly patterns include streamers and nymphs such as e.g.g patterns, hairwings, tube flies, and deceiver patterns - anything bright and flashy works well. Traditional polar bear coho flies in blue/white, green/white, and chartreuse/white are productive.
How do you catch Atlantic Salmon in Washington?
They're reaction strikers. Flies with large heads and/or eyes often increase effectiveness.
What do Atlantic Salmon eat?
In streams, they feed mainly on aquatic insects including chironomid larvae, mayflies, caddisflies, blackflies and stoneflies. At sea, they consume crustaceans like euphausiids, amphipods, decapods, and fish such as sand lance, smelt, alewives, herring, capelin, and small cod.
Where do Atlantic Salmon live in Washington?
Present in marine waters due to commercial aquaculture operations. Escaped fish concentrate in areas around net pen operations.
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