Intro
Fishing in Washington in November spans several different kinds of water. Fall salmon remain a focus in some rivers, squid activity shifts toward the southern end of Puget Sound, and freshwater anglers can look toward trout and walleye. The right choice depends on the species, the part of the state and the conditions on the day of a trip.
What’s in season
Chum salmon. Chum are salmon associated with lower streams in fall. Hood Canal chum have historically centered on November, making this an especially relevant area to research when comparing late-fall salmon trips. The common name “dog salmon” refers to the same fish. Timing can differ between streams. See the salmon page for species context.
Coho salmon. Late-fall coho move upriver when rain raises flows. One guide calendar places salmon on the Humptulips River from October through December and on the Cowlitz River from October through November. Those are general planning references, not a prediction about any particular November outing. Background is on the salmon page.
Squid. Puget Sound squid activity generally moves south as fall progresses. Des Moines and Tacoma piers are commonly associated with late November into December. Night jigging under lights is the defining approach to know when considering this fishery. Activity at any individual pier may differ from the regional pattern. See squid.
Walleye. On the Columbia and Snake, walleye fishing often improves during fall as water cools, vegetation dies back and prey becomes easier to locate. November can be a useful month to explore this option without assuming that every day or stretch of river fishes alike. See walleye.
Trout. Trout offer two different November possibilities in Central Washington. The Yakima River’s October caddis hatch roughly spans September through November, and the Lower Canyon fishes into November. In the Columbia Basin, fall is considered a favorable period for Lake Lenore’s Lahontan cutthroat, with early November specifically noted. See trout.
Crab. Puget Sound crabbing may have a fall-winter opportunity in some marine areas in some years. This is area-specific, not a Puget Sound-wide expectation. Confirm current WDFW information rather than assuming November access. See crab.
Fishery guides at their best then: Columbia & Snake Walleye, Hood Canal Chum, Puget Sound Salmon, Puget Sound Squid, Skagit, Snohomish & Sky Salmon and Steelhead, Coast Bottomfish, Halibut & Lingcod and Lake Roosevelt Walleye, Kokanee and Trout Fishing.
By region
Hood Canal and Puget Sound: Hood Canal draws attention for November chum. In Puget Sound, squid activity trends south toward Des Moines and Tacoma later in the month; any crab opportunity needs an area-specific WDFW check.
Olympic Peninsula and coast rivers: The Humptulips is a late-fall coho reference, particularly when rain has raised river flows. Southwest Washington: The Cowlitz is another river to research for November salmon trips.
Central Washington: The Yakima’s Lower Canyon and Lake Lenore provide distinct trout settings. Mid-Columbia and Snake: Cooling water makes walleye a worthwhile fall subject for trip planning.
Trip ideas
A late-fall salmon trip: Browse guides covering Hood Canal chum or river coho, then narrow the search by the water and species of interest. These are different settings, so a trip described simply as “salmon fishing” may not answer every planning question.
A Puget Sound night outing: Look through guide listings for relevant regional coverage while researching squid activity near Des Moines or Tacoma. A pier-focused trip is different from a river or boat trip.
A freshwater day: Compare guides familiar with Central Washington trout or Columbia and Snake walleye. Ask which waters and methods a listing actually covers rather than treating all freshwater trips as interchangeable.
Ask your guide for their WDFW guide license number before you book.
Fishing reports
For current observations rather than usual seasonal patterns, browse fishing reports. Related editorials include Hood Canal chum salmon, Puget Sound squid and Puget Sound coho. The October articles provide background, not a November catch forecast.
Check the rules before you go
Seasons, limits and closures change every year and by emergency rule. Check current WDFW rules at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations and emergency rules/closures at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/emergency-rules before you go. Review the specific water and marine area relevant to your trip.
FAQ
Is November mainly a salmon month? Salmon remain prominent, particularly Hood Canal chum and late coho, but squid, trout and walleye also belong in a November overview. The right option depends on location and conditions, not the month alone.
Where does November squid activity tend to move? The broader pattern shifts south through Puget Sound, with Des Moines and Tacoma important references as the season progresses. Check reports for recent context and WDFW for current rules.
What changes after rain for coho? Rising flows can help bring late-fall coho upriver. That explains the general timing pattern but does not predict river conditions or fish activity on a particular outing.
Can crabbing be part of a November plan? Possibly in some marine areas in some years. Any opportunity is area-specific and dependent on WDFW decisions. Check the current information before choosing a location.
Previous and next month
Previous month: October. Next month: December. These month names are planning references, not regulation dates. The seasons index offers a broader view of Washington fishing patterns.