Logged catches
Top fish species at Lake Chelan
Check which species have trophy potential in Lake Chelan
Lake Chelan fishing reports
Continue browsing catches and catch locations in the Fishbrain app
Fishing regulations at Lake Chelan, WA
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in Washington can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Regulations for top species
Smallmouth bass
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
The maximum number of trophy individuals legally harvested per harvester per day. A trophy is any individual of a length greater than the max size limit. Trophy individuals are included in the daily bag limit unless stated otherwise.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
WA Non-game and Food Fish
You may not harvest in freshwater any fish not classified as a Food Fish or Game Fish except for Northern pike.
WA Snagging
You may not snag or attempt to snag fish. It is unlawful to possess a fish taken from freshwater that was not hooked inside the mouth or on the head. The head is defined as any portion forward of the rear margin of the gill plate.
WA Use of Drugs, Explosives or Poisons
You may not use drugs, explosives, or poison that may kill or injure fish and wildlife.
WA Crossbow
You may not use a crossbow to harvest fish or shellfish.
WA Sale or Barter
You may not offer any recreationally-caught fish or shellfish for sale or barter.
WA Possession and Fishing Rules
You may not fish for or harvest fish or shellfish in an area with catch in your possession that does not meet the rules of that area. However, you may pass through such an area without stopping to fish. Also, you may catch fish in one area and land them at a port in a different area even if that different area is closed or has different rules, with the exception of landing halibut in a closed area, or landing bottom fish caught in Oregon.
WA Harvesting another Person's Limit
You may not harvest any part of another person's daily limit, except for persons who possess a Designated Harvester Companion Card unless otherwise specified.
WA Bait
You may not chum (broadcast feed) to attract Game Fish unless authorized by Special Rules. You many not use salmon, herring, or halibut for anything other than human consumption or fishing bait. It is unlawful to possess or use live aquatic animals as bait, except: (1) Live aquatic animals (other than fish) collected from the water being fished; (2) Live sand shrimp; (3) Live forage fish in the Columbia River (downstream of Rocky Point/Tongue Point).
WA Transport of Live Fish
You may not transport live fish or relocate shellfish or shells into state waters without a permit.
WA Use of a Net
You may not use a net, except when using a dip net to land legally-hooked fish, a forage fish dip net to harvest forage fish.
WA Use of Chemicals
You may not use any type of chemical irritant to harvest fish, or shellfish unless a special exception has been made by the Director.
WA Bow and Arrow, Spear and Spearfishing
You may not fish for Game Fish, salmon, sturgeon, shad, octopus, crab, or other shellfish with bow and arrow, spear, or spearfishing gear unless authorized by Special Rules.
WA Gaff Hooks
You may not use a gaff hook, except to land lingcod (in Marine Areas 1-3 and 4 West of Bonilla-Tatoosh line), halibut, tuna, or dogfish shark that will be retained.
WA Season for Fishing Rivers Streams and Beaver Ponds
Rivers, streams and beaver ponds are open the Saturday before Memorial Day through October 31. Beaver ponds located within or connected to streams listed as open to trout and other game fish follow the same rules as the stream. Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs are open to fishing for game fish (except Dolly Varden/bull trout and grass carp) year-round.
WA Hook and Line Angling
Hook and line angling only. Barbed or barbless hooks may be used, and a hook may be single- point, double, or treble, but not more than one line with up to three hooks per angler may be used.
WA Cooperation with Data Collection
You must cooperate with data collection or other sampling of fish, shellfish or seaweed upon request of Department of Fish and Wildlife personnel. This includes relinquishing any part of a salmon, steelhead, or other species of fish containing coded-wire tags.
No min. size in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Only 1 smallmouth bass over 14" may be retained. Daily limit 10. No size restriction/daily limit in rivers, streams, and beaver ponds.
For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations
CHELAN HATCHERY CREEK
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
CHELAN RIVER
from the railroad bridge to the Chelan P.U.D safety barrier below the powerhouse CRC (552)
- All species
- July 16-Oct. 15
- Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
- Steelhead (hatchery)
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Closed.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release all trout.
- Salmon
- July 16-Oct. 15
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adult hatchery Chinook. Release sockeye, coho, and wild adult Chinook.
from the Chelan P.U.D safety barrier below the powerhouse to Chelan Lake
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
CHELAN, LAKE TRIBUTARIES
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild cutthroat trout.
CHIWAUKUM CREEK
from mouth to Fool Hen Creek and all tributaries, including Fool Hen Creek
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from Fool Hen Creek upstream and all tributaries, not including Fool Hen Creek
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CHIWAWA RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
from mouth to Buck Creek and tributaries not including Buck Creek
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from Buck Creek upstream, and tributaries including Buck Creek
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CHUMSTICK CREEK
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
ENTIAT RIVER
from mouth (railroad bridge) to the boundary marker/markers located approx. 1500' upstream of the upper Roaring Creek Rd. Bridge (immediately downstream of the Entiat National Fish Hatchery) CRC (586)
- Whitefish
- Dec. 1-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Whitefish gear rules. Open for whitefish only.
- Salmon
- July 16-Sept. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6. Release all salmon other than Chinook. Night closure in effect.
from the boundary marker/markers located approx. 1500' upstream of the upper Roaring Creek Rd. Bridge (immediately downstream of the Entiat National Fish Hatchery) to Entiat Falls
- Whitefish
- Dec. 1-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Whitefish gear rules. Open for whitefish only.
from Entiat Falls upstream and all tributaries
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
ICICLE RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
from mouth to Icicle Peshastin Irrigation District footbridge (approx. 750' upstream of the Snow Lakes trailhead parking area) CRC (672)
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from the Icicle Peshastin Irrigation District footbridge upstream, and tributaries
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Selective gear rules.
INGALLS CREEK
from mouth to Alpine Lakes Wilderness boundary
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
LITTLE WENATCHEE RIVER
from mouth to USFS Rd. 6700 Bridge including tributaries
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from USFS Rd. 6700 Bridge upstream including tributaries
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
MAD RIVER
from mouth to Windy Creek, including Windy Creek and tributaries except Tillicum Creek
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from Windy Creek upstream and tributaries
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
NAPEEQUA RIVER
from mouth to Twin Lakes Creek (including Twin Lakes Creek) and all tributaries
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
NASON CREEK
from mouth to Gaynor Falls and tributaries except Whitepine Creek
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from Gaynor Falls (approx. 0.7 miles upstream of Whitepine Creek) upstream and tributaries
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
PESHASTIN CREEK
Peshastin Creek and tributaries except Ingalls Creek
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
ROARING CREEK
and all tributaries
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
STEHEKIN RIVER
from mouth upstream including tributaries
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild cutthroat trout.
TILLICUM CREEK
from mouth to the intersection of USFS 5800 and USFS 5808 (upstream 2.25 miles)
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from the intersection of USFS 5800 and USFS 5808 upstream including all tributaries
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Selective gear rules.
WENATCHEE RIVER
from mouth upstream to Icicle Rd. Bridge CRC (674)
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Closed.
- Salmon
- Aug. 1-Sept. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adults. Release sockeye, coho, and wild adult Chinook. Night closure in effect. Selective gear rules in effect, except bait is allowed.
from Icicle Rd. Bridge upstream to Wenatchee Lake
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
WHITE RIVER
from mouth to White River Falls and tributaries, except Napeequa River
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
WHITEPINE CREEK
from mouth to Whitepine Creek Falls (1 mile upstream of mouth)
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
BEEHIVE (LAKE) RESERVOIR
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Eastern brook trout count as part of trout daily limit.
BLACKBIRD ISLAND POND
In Enchantment Park
- All species
- Open for juvenile anglers, senior anglers and anglers with a disability who possess a designated harvester companion card only. Two-Pole not allowed.
- All game fish
- July 1-Sept. 30
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CHELAN, LAKE
- Trout
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild cutthroat trout.
- Other game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Year-round
- Min. size 15". Daily limit 1. No catch record card required.
CLEAR LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Eastern brook trout count as part of trout daily limit.
FISH LAKE
- Perch
- Year-round
- No min. size. Daily limit 25.
- Other game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
FRANK'S POND
- All species
- Juvenile anglers only (under 15 years old).
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
H & H RESERVOIR #1
(Pascal Pond)
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Eastern brook trout count as part of trout daily limit.
JOLANDA, LAKE
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
LILLY LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Eastern brook trout count as part of trout daily limit.
SPRING HILL RESERVOIR
(Black Lake) (Lower Wheeler Reservoir)
- All species
- Selective gear rules. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Trout
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Min. size 18". Daily limit 1.
- Other game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Eastern brook trout count as part of trout daily limit.
TWIN LAKES
and tributaries and outlet stream to junction with the Napeequa River
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
UPPER WHEELER RESERVOIR
- All species
- Motors prohibited. Fly fishing only.
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Catch and Release.
WAPATO LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
WENATCHEE LAKE
CRC (670)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Kokanee
- Year-round
- Closed.
- Trout
- Year-round
- Catch and Release.
- Steelhead (hatchery)
- Year-round
- Closed.
- Other game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Northern pikeminnow
WA Non-game and Food Fish
You may not harvest in freshwater any fish not classified as a Food Fish or Game Fish except for Northern pike.
WA Snagging
You may not snag or attempt to snag fish. It is unlawful to possess a fish taken from freshwater that was not hooked inside the mouth or on the head. The head is defined as any portion forward of the rear margin of the gill plate.
WA Use of Drugs, Explosives or Poisons
You may not use drugs, explosives, or poison that may kill or injure fish and wildlife.
WA Crossbow
You may not use a crossbow to harvest fish or shellfish.
WA Sale or Barter
You may not offer any recreationally-caught fish or shellfish for sale or barter.
WA Possession and Fishing Rules
You may not fish for or harvest fish or shellfish in an area with catch in your possession that does not meet the rules of that area. However, you may pass through such an area without stopping to fish. Also, you may catch fish in one area and land them at a port in a different area even if that different area is closed or has different rules, with the exception of landing halibut in a closed area, or landing bottom fish caught in Oregon.
WA Harvesting another Person's Limit
You may not harvest any part of another person's daily limit, except for persons who possess a Designated Harvester Companion Card unless otherwise specified.
WA Bait
You may not chum (broadcast feed) to attract Game Fish unless authorized by Special Rules. You many not use salmon, herring, or halibut for anything other than human consumption or fishing bait. It is unlawful to possess or use live aquatic animals as bait, except: (1) Live aquatic animals (other than fish) collected from the water being fished; (2) Live sand shrimp; (3) Live forage fish in the Columbia River (downstream of Rocky Point/Tongue Point).
WA Transport of Live Fish
You may not transport live fish or relocate shellfish or shells into state waters without a permit.
WA Use of a Net
You may not use a net, except when using a dip net to land legally-hooked fish, a forage fish dip net to harvest forage fish.
WA Use of Chemicals
You may not use any type of chemical irritant to harvest fish, or shellfish unless a special exception has been made by the Director.
WA Bow and Arrow, Spear and Spearfishing
You may not fish for Game Fish, salmon, sturgeon, shad, octopus, crab, or other shellfish with bow and arrow, spear, or spearfishing gear unless authorized by Special Rules.
WA Gaff Hooks
You may not use a gaff hook, except to land lingcod (in Marine Areas 1-3 and 4 West of Bonilla-Tatoosh line), halibut, tuna, or dogfish shark that will be retained.
WA Season for Fishing Rivers Streams and Beaver Ponds
Rivers, streams and beaver ponds are open the Saturday before Memorial Day through October 31. Beaver ponds located within or connected to streams listed as open to trout and other game fish follow the same rules as the stream. Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs are open to fishing for game fish (except Dolly Varden/bull trout and grass carp) year-round.
WA Hook and Line Angling
Hook and line angling only. Barbed or barbless hooks may be used, and a hook may be single- point, double, or treble, but not more than one line with up to three hooks per angler may be used.
WA Cooperation with Data Collection
You must cooperate with data collection or other sampling of fish, shellfish or seaweed upon request of Department of Fish and Wildlife personnel. This includes relinquishing any part of a salmon, steelhead, or other species of fish containing coded-wire tags.
No min. size. No daily limit.
For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations
CHELAN HATCHERY CREEK
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
CHELAN RIVER
from the railroad bridge to the Chelan P.U.D safety barrier below the powerhouse CRC (552)
- All species
- July 16-Oct. 15
- Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
- Steelhead (hatchery)
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Closed.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release all trout.
- Salmon
- July 16-Oct. 15
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adult hatchery Chinook. Release sockeye, coho, and wild adult Chinook.
from the Chelan P.U.D safety barrier below the powerhouse to Chelan Lake
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
CHELAN, LAKE TRIBUTARIES
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild cutthroat trout.
CHIWAUKUM CREEK
from mouth to Fool Hen Creek and all tributaries, including Fool Hen Creek
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from Fool Hen Creek upstream and all tributaries, not including Fool Hen Creek
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CHIWAWA RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
from mouth to Buck Creek and tributaries not including Buck Creek
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from Buck Creek upstream, and tributaries including Buck Creek
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CHUMSTICK CREEK
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
ENTIAT RIVER
from mouth (railroad bridge) to the boundary marker/markers located approx. 1500' upstream of the upper Roaring Creek Rd. Bridge (immediately downstream of the Entiat National Fish Hatchery) CRC (586)
- Whitefish
- Dec. 1-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Whitefish gear rules. Open for whitefish only.
- Salmon
- July 16-Sept. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6. Release all salmon other than Chinook. Night closure in effect.
from the boundary marker/markers located approx. 1500' upstream of the upper Roaring Creek Rd. Bridge (immediately downstream of the Entiat National Fish Hatchery) to Entiat Falls
- Whitefish
- Dec. 1-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Whitefish gear rules. Open for whitefish only.
from Entiat Falls upstream and all tributaries
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
ICICLE RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
from mouth to Icicle Peshastin Irrigation District footbridge (approx. 750' upstream of the Snow Lakes trailhead parking area) CRC (672)
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from the Icicle Peshastin Irrigation District footbridge upstream, and tributaries
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Selective gear rules.
INGALLS CREEK
from mouth to Alpine Lakes Wilderness boundary
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
LITTLE WENATCHEE RIVER
from mouth to USFS Rd. 6700 Bridge including tributaries
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from USFS Rd. 6700 Bridge upstream including tributaries
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
MAD RIVER
from mouth to Windy Creek, including Windy Creek and tributaries except Tillicum Creek
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from Windy Creek upstream and tributaries
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
NAPEEQUA RIVER
from mouth to Twin Lakes Creek (including Twin Lakes Creek) and all tributaries
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
NASON CREEK
from mouth to Gaynor Falls and tributaries except Whitepine Creek
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from Gaynor Falls (approx. 0.7 miles upstream of Whitepine Creek) upstream and tributaries
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
PESHASTIN CREEK
Peshastin Creek and tributaries except Ingalls Creek
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
ROARING CREEK
and all tributaries
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
STEHEKIN RIVER
from mouth upstream including tributaries
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild cutthroat trout.
TILLICUM CREEK
from mouth to the intersection of USFS 5800 and USFS 5808 (upstream 2.25 miles)
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from the intersection of USFS 5800 and USFS 5808 upstream including all tributaries
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Selective gear rules.
WENATCHEE RIVER
from mouth upstream to Icicle Rd. Bridge CRC (674)
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Closed.
- Salmon
- Aug. 1-Sept. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adults. Release sockeye, coho, and wild adult Chinook. Night closure in effect. Selective gear rules in effect, except bait is allowed.
from Icicle Rd. Bridge upstream to Wenatchee Lake
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
WHITE RIVER
from mouth to White River Falls and tributaries, except Napeequa River
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
WHITEPINE CREEK
from mouth to Whitepine Creek Falls (1 mile upstream of mouth)
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
BEEHIVE (LAKE) RESERVOIR
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Eastern brook trout count as part of trout daily limit.
BLACKBIRD ISLAND POND
In Enchantment Park
- All species
- Open for juvenile anglers, senior anglers and anglers with a disability who possess a designated harvester companion card only. Two-Pole not allowed.
- All game fish
- July 1-Sept. 30
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CHELAN, LAKE
- Trout
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild cutthroat trout.
- Other game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Year-round
- Min. size 15". Daily limit 1. No catch record card required.
CLEAR LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Eastern brook trout count as part of trout daily limit.
FISH LAKE
- Perch
- Year-round
- No min. size. Daily limit 25.
- Other game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
FRANK'S POND
- All species
- Juvenile anglers only (under 15 years old).
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
H & H RESERVOIR #1
(Pascal Pond)
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Eastern brook trout count as part of trout daily limit.
JOLANDA, LAKE
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
LILLY LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Eastern brook trout count as part of trout daily limit.
SPRING HILL RESERVOIR
(Black Lake) (Lower Wheeler Reservoir)
- All species
- Selective gear rules. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Trout
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Min. size 18". Daily limit 1.
- Other game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Eastern brook trout count as part of trout daily limit.
TWIN LAKES
and tributaries and outlet stream to junction with the Napeequa River
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
UPPER WHEELER RESERVOIR
- All species
- Motors prohibited. Fly fishing only.
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Catch and Release.
WAPATO LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
WENATCHEE LAKE
CRC (670)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Kokanee
- Year-round
- Closed.
- Trout
- Year-round
- Catch and Release.
- Steelhead (hatchery)
- Year-round
- Closed.
- Other game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Cutthroat trout
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
WA Non-game and Food Fish
You may not harvest in freshwater any fish not classified as a Food Fish or Game Fish except for Northern pike.
WA Snagging
You may not snag or attempt to snag fish. It is unlawful to possess a fish taken from freshwater that was not hooked inside the mouth or on the head. The head is defined as any portion forward of the rear margin of the gill plate.
WA Use of Drugs, Explosives or Poisons
You may not use drugs, explosives, or poison that may kill or injure fish and wildlife.
WA Crossbow
You may not use a crossbow to harvest fish or shellfish.
WA Sale or Barter
You may not offer any recreationally-caught fish or shellfish for sale or barter.
WA Possession and Fishing Rules
You may not fish for or harvest fish or shellfish in an area with catch in your possession that does not meet the rules of that area. However, you may pass through such an area without stopping to fish. Also, you may catch fish in one area and land them at a port in a different area even if that different area is closed or has different rules, with the exception of landing halibut in a closed area, or landing bottom fish caught in Oregon.
WA Harvesting another Person's Limit
You may not harvest any part of another person's daily limit, except for persons who possess a Designated Harvester Companion Card unless otherwise specified.
WA Bait
You may not chum (broadcast feed) to attract Game Fish unless authorized by Special Rules. You many not use salmon, herring, or halibut for anything other than human consumption or fishing bait. It is unlawful to possess or use live aquatic animals as bait, except: (1) Live aquatic animals (other than fish) collected from the water being fished; (2) Live sand shrimp; (3) Live forage fish in the Columbia River (downstream of Rocky Point/Tongue Point).
WA Transport of Live Fish
You may not transport live fish or relocate shellfish or shells into state waters without a permit.
WA Use of a Net
You may not use a net, except when using a dip net to land legally-hooked fish, a forage fish dip net to harvest forage fish.
WA Use of Chemicals
You may not use any type of chemical irritant to harvest fish, or shellfish unless a special exception has been made by the Director.
WA Bow and Arrow, Spear and Spearfishing
You may not fish for Game Fish, salmon, sturgeon, shad, octopus, crab, or other shellfish with bow and arrow, spear, or spearfishing gear unless authorized by Special Rules.
WA Gaff Hooks
You may not use a gaff hook, except to land lingcod (in Marine Areas 1-3 and 4 West of Bonilla-Tatoosh line), halibut, tuna, or dogfish shark that will be retained.
WA Season for Fishing Rivers Streams and Beaver Ponds
Rivers, streams and beaver ponds are open the Saturday before Memorial Day through October 31. Beaver ponds located within or connected to streams listed as open to trout and other game fish follow the same rules as the stream. Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs are open to fishing for game fish (except Dolly Varden/bull trout and grass carp) year-round.
WA Hook and Line Angling
Hook and line angling only. Barbed or barbless hooks may be used, and a hook may be single- point, double, or treble, but not more than one line with up to three hooks per angler may be used.
WA Cooperation with Data Collection
You must cooperate with data collection or other sampling of fish, shellfish or seaweed upon request of Department of Fish and Wildlife personnel. This includes relinquishing any part of a salmon, steelhead, or other species of fish containing coded-wire tags.
The combined daily limit for an angler that fishes in both rivers and lakes on the same day is 5 trout, no more than 2 may be from rivers.
Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Golden Trout, Tiger Trout, and Grayling:
- In rivers, streams, and beaver ponds: Min. size 8". Daily limit 2.
- In lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: No min. size.Daily limit 5.
When fishing with bait, all trout that are lawful to possess and are equal to or greater than the minimum size are counted as part of the daily limit whether kept or released.
For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations
CHELAN HATCHERY CREEK
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
CHELAN RIVER
from the railroad bridge to the Chelan P.U.D safety barrier below the powerhouse CRC (552)
- All species
- July 16-Oct. 15
- Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
- Steelhead (hatchery)
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Closed.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release all trout.
- Salmon
- July 16-Oct. 15
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adult hatchery Chinook. Release sockeye, coho, and wild adult Chinook.
from the Chelan P.U.D safety barrier below the powerhouse to Chelan Lake
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
CHELAN, LAKE TRIBUTARIES
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild cutthroat trout.
CHIWAUKUM CREEK
from mouth to Fool Hen Creek and all tributaries, including Fool Hen Creek
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from Fool Hen Creek upstream and all tributaries, not including Fool Hen Creek
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CHIWAWA RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
from mouth to Buck Creek and tributaries not including Buck Creek
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from Buck Creek upstream, and tributaries including Buck Creek
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CHUMSTICK CREEK
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
ENTIAT RIVER
from mouth (railroad bridge) to the boundary marker/markers located approx. 1500' upstream of the upper Roaring Creek Rd. Bridge (immediately downstream of the Entiat National Fish Hatchery) CRC (586)
- Whitefish
- Dec. 1-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Whitefish gear rules. Open for whitefish only.
- Salmon
- July 16-Sept. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6. Release all salmon other than Chinook. Night closure in effect.
from the boundary marker/markers located approx. 1500' upstream of the upper Roaring Creek Rd. Bridge (immediately downstream of the Entiat National Fish Hatchery) to Entiat Falls
- Whitefish
- Dec. 1-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Whitefish gear rules. Open for whitefish only.
from Entiat Falls upstream and all tributaries
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
ICICLE RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
from mouth to Icicle Peshastin Irrigation District footbridge (approx. 750' upstream of the Snow Lakes trailhead parking area) CRC (672)
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from the Icicle Peshastin Irrigation District footbridge upstream, and tributaries
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Selective gear rules.
INGALLS CREEK
from mouth to Alpine Lakes Wilderness boundary
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
LITTLE WENATCHEE RIVER
from mouth to USFS Rd. 6700 Bridge including tributaries
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from USFS Rd. 6700 Bridge upstream including tributaries
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
MAD RIVER
from mouth to Windy Creek, including Windy Creek and tributaries except Tillicum Creek
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from Windy Creek upstream and tributaries
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
NAPEEQUA RIVER
from mouth to Twin Lakes Creek (including Twin Lakes Creek) and all tributaries
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
NASON CREEK
from mouth to Gaynor Falls and tributaries except Whitepine Creek
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from Gaynor Falls (approx. 0.7 miles upstream of Whitepine Creek) upstream and tributaries
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
PESHASTIN CREEK
Peshastin Creek and tributaries except Ingalls Creek
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
ROARING CREEK
and all tributaries
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
STEHEKIN RIVER
from mouth upstream including tributaries
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild cutthroat trout.
TILLICUM CREEK
from mouth to the intersection of USFS 5800 and USFS 5808 (upstream 2.25 miles)
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from the intersection of USFS 5800 and USFS 5808 upstream including all tributaries
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Selective gear rules.
WENATCHEE RIVER
from mouth upstream to Icicle Rd. Bridge CRC (674)
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Closed.
- Salmon
- Aug. 1-Sept. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adults. Release sockeye, coho, and wild adult Chinook. Night closure in effect. Selective gear rules in effect, except bait is allowed.
from Icicle Rd. Bridge upstream to Wenatchee Lake
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
WHITE RIVER
from mouth to White River Falls and tributaries, except Napeequa River
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
WHITEPINE CREEK
from mouth to Whitepine Creek Falls (1 mile upstream of mouth)
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
BEEHIVE (LAKE) RESERVOIR
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Eastern brook trout count as part of trout daily limit.
BLACKBIRD ISLAND POND
In Enchantment Park
- All species
- Open for juvenile anglers, senior anglers and anglers with a disability who possess a designated harvester companion card only. Two-Pole not allowed.
- All game fish
- July 1-Sept. 30
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CHELAN, LAKE
- Trout
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild cutthroat trout.
- Other game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Year-round
- Min. size 15". Daily limit 1. No catch record card required.
CLEAR LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Eastern brook trout count as part of trout daily limit.
FISH LAKE
- Perch
- Year-round
- No min. size. Daily limit 25.
- Other game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
FRANK'S POND
- All species
- Juvenile anglers only (under 15 years old).
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
H & H RESERVOIR #1
(Pascal Pond)
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Eastern brook trout count as part of trout daily limit.
JOLANDA, LAKE
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
LILLY LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Eastern brook trout count as part of trout daily limit.
SPRING HILL RESERVOIR
(Black Lake) (Lower Wheeler Reservoir)
- All species
- Selective gear rules. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Trout
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Min. size 18". Daily limit 1.
- Other game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Eastern brook trout count as part of trout daily limit.
TWIN LAKES
and tributaries and outlet stream to junction with the Napeequa River
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
UPPER WHEELER RESERVOIR
- All species
- Motors prohibited. Fly fishing only.
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Catch and Release.
WAPATO LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
WENATCHEE LAKE
CRC (670)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Kokanee
- Year-round
- Closed.
- Trout
- Year-round
- Catch and Release.
- Steelhead (hatchery)
- Year-round
- Closed.
- Other game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
FAQ about Lake Chelan fishing
- Smallmouth bass - 206 members reported to have caught this fish
- Northern pikeminnow - 89 members reported to have caught this fish
- Cutthroat trout - 65 members reported to have caught this fish
- @kylarayanne reported a nice Northern pikeminnow.
- @bryce-maier reported a nice Largescale sucker.
- @bryce-maier reported a nice Smallmouth bass.
- @Bennettburke reported a nice Smallmouth bass.
- @Bennettburke reported a nice Smallmouth bass.
Free trial available