Don’t miss this useful page on their website for Fishing Permits & License Endorsements. Be sure to allow up to ten days to get your permit, if you order online!
In person, you can get a fishing license at the Brinnon General Store (360) 796-4400, The Cove RV Resort in Brinnon (360) 796-4723 or The Port Ludlow Marina (360) 437-0513.
These links will help you decide where to start fishing. External links will open in a new tab:
Hood Canal Salmon Fishing Info
Big Quilcene River in Quilcene
Duckabush River in Brinnon
Tarboo Lake in Quilcene
Leland Lake in Quilcene
Indian George Beach in Quilcene
Pleasant Harbor in Brinnon
Fishing with Kids
For year-round family fishing with easy access, we recommend the 100- acre Leland Lake (see link above.) The WDFW administers a paved boat ramp and two toilets for your convenience. Good spot for picnicking and relaxing! At Leland you can enjoy good fishing for rainbow trout up to a foot long, with good warmwater-loving largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie fishing near the shore during the warm weather when they are most active. Leland Lake is about five miles north of Quilcene on Highway 101.
Visit the Quilcene National Fish Hatchery
Quilcene’s National Fish Hatchery lies in a narrow valley and has been operational since 1911. This hatchery rears and releases Coho Salmon to fulfill Tribal Trust Responsibilities and to enhance the local sport and commercial fishing. 400,000 young coho are released into the Big Quilcene River annually.
There are no designated trails on the property, but you’re welcome to walk around the facility to see the visitor center room fish ponds, fish ladder, fish weir, and the Big Quilcene river. We are open to self guided visitation on weekdays between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. We also offer limited guided tours which require appointments and are based on staff availability. Call (360) 765-3334 to schedule. https://www.fws.gov/fish-hatchery/quilcene
A public parking lot and fishing access trail are adjacent to the hatchery and downriver of the hatchery fish weir (concrete fish barrier).