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Fishing regulations at Oak Bay, 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
Pink salmon
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 individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.
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 All Other Fish
Any fish species not listed are CLOSED to fishing, retaining, or possessing. For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations.
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 Marine All Fishing Gear
All Fishing Gear must be kept in immediate control, and gear may not be left unattended while fishing.
WA Marine Hook & Line Angling
Hook and Line Angling: Unless noted differently, only one line with up to 2 hooks is allowed.
WA Marine Landing a Fish Rules
Landing a Fish: A club or dipnet (landing net) may be used to assist landing a legal fish taken by legal gear. A gaff may only be used to land a legally hooked lingcod (in Marine Areas 1-3 and 4 West of Bonilla-Tatoosh line), halibut, tuna, or dogfish shark that will be retained. Halibut may be shot or harpooned while landing.
WA Marine Downriggers & Rodholders
Downriggers - May be used with a line if the line releases from the downrigger while playing and landing the fish.Rodholders - May be used; the rod must be easily removed without delay; rod may be left in the holder while playing the fish.
WA Marine Electric Reels
Electric Reels: May be used if designed for sport fishing and attached to a fishing rod.
WA Marine Spearfishing
Spearfishing: The diver must be swimming or floating in the water while spearfishing. The use of explosives or bullets attached to the spear ("bang sticks") is prohibited.
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.
WA Marine Catch & Release
Catch-and-Release Methods: Minimize handling by leaving the fish in the water.Do not net your fish but if you must, use a soft, knotless net or rubber mesh net. Knotless nets are now required in fly fishing only areas and freshwater areas with selective gear rules.Use a hook remover (dehooker) when hooks are imbedded in the mouth or jaw.If a fish has swallowed the hook, cut the leader.Keep fingers away from the eyes and gills of the fish. MARINE AREAS 5 THROUGH 13: It is unlawful to bring wild salmon or a species of salmon aboard a vessel if it is unlawful to retain that salmon (aboard means inside the gunwale of a vessel). MARINE AREA 2-2: It is unlawful to totally remove salmon from the water if it is illegal to retain those fish, except anglers fishing from boats 30 feet or longer as listed on either their state or Coast Guard registration, are exempt.
WA Marine Barbless Hooks
Barbless Hooks are required for all species in Marine Areas 5-13, except forage fish jig gear. When fishing for salmon in Areas 1-13, single-point barbless hooks must be used.
Entire Area
(see exceptions for Edmonds Public Fishing Pier and Hood Canal Fishery below and Admiralty Head Marine Preserve and Keystone Conservation Area)
July 13-July 31
Open Thursdays through Saturdays only. Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2 including no more than 1 Chinook.
Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook.
Aug. 1-Sept. 17 No min. size. Daily limit 2.
Release chum, wild coho, and Chinook.
Sept. 18-Sept. 30 No min. size. Daily limit 2.
Release Chinook and chum.
Edmonds Public Fishing Pier
Oct. 1-July 31 Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2 including no more than 1 Chinook.
Aug. 1-Sept. 30 Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2 including no more than 1 Chinook. Release chum.
Northern Hood Canal Fishery
July 13-July 31 CLOSED.
Aug. 1-Sept. 17 No min. size. Daily limit 2. Release Chinook, chum, and wild coho.
Sept. 18-Sept. 30 No min. size. Daily limit 2. Release Chinook and chum.
Admiralty Head Marine Preserve and Keystone Conservation Area
Year-round Closed
For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations
BIG QUILCENE RIVER
From the mouth to the downstream terminus of WDFW public access easement (lat 47.816759, long -122.89084) CRC (812)
- All species
- WDFW access easement is from Hwy. 101 Bridge downstream approx. 1 mile on north side of the river only. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Aug. 16-Aug. 31
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 4. Night closure. Anti-snagging rule. Release all salmon other than coho.
From the downstream terminus of WDFW public access easement to Hwy. 101 Bridge
- All species
- Internal combustion motors prohibited. WDFW access easement is from Hwy. 101 Bridge downstream approx. 1 mile on north side of the river only.
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 4. Night closure. Anti-snagging rule. Release all salmon other than coho.
from Hwy. 101 Bridge to the weir at Quilcene National Fish Hatchery
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from the weir at Quilcene National Fish Hatchery to upper boundary of Falls View Campground CRC (812)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CEDAR CREEK
outside Olympic National Park CRC (311)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CHIMACUM CREEK
from mouth to Ness's Corner Rd.
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
from Ness's Corner Rd. upstream, including all forks
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CLEARWATER RIVER
from mouth to Snahapish River CRC (392)
- All species
- Only 1 barbless hook allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Feb. 16-Aug. 31
- Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Sept. 1-Nov. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 3. Up to 2 adults including no more than 1 Chinook may be retained.
from Snahapish River upstream CRC (392)
- All species
- Internal combustion motors prohibited. Bait prohibited. Only 1 barbless hook allowed.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
DOSEWALLIPS RIVER
from mouth to Hwy. 101 Bridge CRC (734)
- All species
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Nov. 1-Dec. 15
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than chum.
from Hwy. 101 Bridge to the Olympic National Park boundary about 3/4 mile down- stream of falls CRC (734)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
DUCKABUSH RIVER
from mouth to Mason Co. PUD #1 overhead electrical distribution line CRC (736)
- All species
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Nov. 1-Dec. 15
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than chum.
from Mason Co. PUD #1 overhead electrical distribution line to the Olympic National Park boundary CRC (736)
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Selective gear rules. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Selective gear rules.
FULTON CREEK
from mouth to falls at river mile 0.8
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
GOODMAN CREEK
outside Olympic National Park CRC (345)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
HOH RIVER
from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to Dept. of Natural Resource's Oxbow Campground boat launch CRC (350)
- All species
- Only 1 single-point barbless hook allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Feb. 16-Apr. 15
- Bait prohibited.
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Steelhead (hatchery)
- Feb. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Sept. 16-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Nov. 1-Feb. 15
- Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.
- Other game fish
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Sept. 16-Nov. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 4. Up to 2 adults including no more than 1 Chinook may be retained.
- Dec. 1-Dec. 15
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 1. Release all salmon other than coho.
from Dept. of Natural Resource's Oxbow Campground boat launch to Morgans Cross- ing boat launch CRC (348)
- All species
- Only 1 single-point barbless hook allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Bait prohibited.
- Sept. 16-Oct. 15
- Bait prohibited.
- Dec. 1-Mar. 31
- Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Oct. 16-Nov. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 4. Up to 2 adults including no more than 1 Chinook may be retained.
- Dec. 1-Dec. 15
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 1. Release all salmon other than coho.
from Morgans Crossing boat launch site to Olympic National Park boundary below mouth of South Fork Hoh CRC (348)
- All species
- Only 1 single-point barbless hook allowed. Fishing from any floating device prohibited. Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
HOH RIVER, SOUTH FORK
outside Olympic National Park CRC (352)
- All species
- Bait prohibited. Only 1 single-point barbless hook allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Trout
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
KALALOCH CREEK
outside Olympic National Park CRC (369)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
LITTLE QUILCENE RIVER
mouth to Hwy. 101 Bridge. CRC (766)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
MATHENY CREEK
outside Olympic National Park
- All species
- Only 1 barbless hook allowed. Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
MOSQUITO CREEK
from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to Goodman 3000 Mainline Bridge CRC (373)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
ROCKY BROOK
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
SALMON RIVER
outside Quinault Indian Reservation and Olympic National Park CRC (396)
- All species
- Only 1 barbless hook allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Sept. 30
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Dec. 1-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Steelhead (hatchery)
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Sept. 30
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. It is permissible to retain steelhead with a dorsal fin height of less than 2 1/8" or with an adipose or ventral fin clipped.
- Dec. 1-Last Day of Feb.
- Min. size 20". Daily limit 3. It is permissible to retain steelhead with a dorsal fin height of less than 2 1/8" or with an adipose or ventral fin clipped.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Sept. 30
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Dec. 1-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Sept. 1-Nov. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults including no more than 1 Chinook may be retained.
SNAHAPISH RIVER
- All species
- Bait prohibited. Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 barbless hook allowed.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
SNOW CREEK
and tributaries
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
SOLLEKS RIVER
- All species
- Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 barbless hook allowed. Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
TARBOO CREEK
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CROCKER LAKE
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: CLOSED to trout fishing.
GIBBS LAKE
- All species
- Two-Pole not allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited. Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Year-round
- Min. size 18". Daily limit 1.
- Smallmouth bass
- Year-round
- No min. size. Daily limit 15. Only 1 over 14" may be retained.
- Largemouth bass
- Year-round
- No min. size. Daily limit 10. Max. size 12", except 1 over 17" may be retained.
- Channel catfish
- Year-round
- No min. size. Daily limit 10.
- Walleye
- Year-round
- No min. size. Daily limit 16. Only 1 over 22" may be retained.
- Other game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
HORSESHOE LAKE
- All species
- Two-Pole not allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited. Foot access only on Pope Resources land. Selective gear rules.
- 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.
LENA LAKE, LOWER
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS inlet stream from mouth upstream to footbridge (about 100').
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
SANDYSHORE LAKE
- All species
- Access via Pope Resources private roads only.
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
SILENT LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
TARBOO LAKE
- All species
- Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
TEAL LAKE
- All species
- Selective gear rules. Two-Pole not allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Trout
- Year-round
- Min. size 18". Daily limit 1.
- Other game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
ELWHA RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
Elwha River and all tributaries CRC (742)
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
SALMON CREEK AND ALL FORKS
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
QUEETS RIVER
CRC (394)
- All species
- Year-round
- Contact Olympic National Park for regulations. (360) 565-3000. www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/ fishing.htm.
QUINAULT RIVER, UPPER
from mouth at upper end of Quinault Lake upstream to Olympic National Park boundary CRC (412)
- All species
- Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 barbless hook allowed.
- Feb. 16-Apr. 15
- Bait prohibited.
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Sept. 30
- Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Steelhead (hatchery)
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. It is permissible to retain steelhead with a dorsal fin height of less than 2 1/8" or with an adipose or ventral fin clipped.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- July 1-Sept. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 jacks. Release adult salmon.
- Oct. 1-Nov. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adults. Release sockeye and chum.
Chinook salmon
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 individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.
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 All Other Fish
Any fish species not listed are CLOSED to fishing, retaining, or possessing. For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations.
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 Marine All Fishing Gear
All Fishing Gear must be kept in immediate control, and gear may not be left unattended while fishing.
WA Marine Hook & Line Angling
Hook and Line Angling: Unless noted differently, only one line with up to 2 hooks is allowed.
WA Marine Landing a Fish Rules
Landing a Fish: A club or dipnet (landing net) may be used to assist landing a legal fish taken by legal gear. A gaff may only be used to land a legally hooked lingcod (in Marine Areas 1-3 and 4 West of Bonilla-Tatoosh line), halibut, tuna, or dogfish shark that will be retained. Halibut may be shot or harpooned while landing.
WA Marine Downriggers & Rodholders
Downriggers - May be used with a line if the line releases from the downrigger while playing and landing the fish.Rodholders - May be used; the rod must be easily removed without delay; rod may be left in the holder while playing the fish.
WA Marine Electric Reels
Electric Reels: May be used if designed for sport fishing and attached to a fishing rod.
WA Marine Spearfishing
Spearfishing: The diver must be swimming or floating in the water while spearfishing. The use of explosives or bullets attached to the spear ("bang sticks") is prohibited.
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.
WA Marine Catch & Release
Catch-and-Release Methods: Minimize handling by leaving the fish in the water.Do not net your fish but if you must, use a soft, knotless net or rubber mesh net. Knotless nets are now required in fly fishing only areas and freshwater areas with selective gear rules.Use a hook remover (dehooker) when hooks are imbedded in the mouth or jaw.If a fish has swallowed the hook, cut the leader.Keep fingers away from the eyes and gills of the fish. MARINE AREAS 5 THROUGH 13: It is unlawful to bring wild salmon or a species of salmon aboard a vessel if it is unlawful to retain that salmon (aboard means inside the gunwale of a vessel). MARINE AREA 2-2: It is unlawful to totally remove salmon from the water if it is illegal to retain those fish, except anglers fishing from boats 30 feet or longer as listed on either their state or Coast Guard registration, are exempt.
WA Marine Barbless Hooks
Barbless Hooks are required for all species in Marine Areas 5-13, except forage fish jig gear. When fishing for salmon in Areas 1-13, single-point barbless hooks must be used.
Entire Area
(see exceptions for Edmonds Public Fishing Pier and Hood Canal Fishery below and Admiralty Head Marine Preserve and Keystone Conservation Area)
July 13-July 31
Open Thursdays through Saturdays only. Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2 including no more than 1 Chinook.
Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook.
Aug. 1-Sept. 17 No min. size. Daily limit 2.
Release chum, wild coho, and Chinook.
Sept. 18-Sept. 30 No min. size. Daily limit 2.
Release Chinook and chum.
Edmonds Public Fishing Pier
Oct. 1-July 31 Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2 including no more than 1 Chinook.
Aug. 1-Sept. 30 Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2 including no more than 1 Chinook. Release chum.
Northern Hood Canal Fishery
July 13-July 31 CLOSED.
Aug. 1-Sept. 17 No min. size. Daily limit 2. Release Chinook, chum, and wild coho.
Sept. 18-Sept. 30 No min. size. Daily limit 2. Release Chinook and chum.
Admiralty Head Marine Preserve and Keystone Conservation Area
Year-round Closed
For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations
BIG QUILCENE RIVER
From the mouth to the downstream terminus of WDFW public access easement (lat 47.816759, long -122.89084) CRC (812)
- All species
- WDFW access easement is from Hwy. 101 Bridge downstream approx. 1 mile on north side of the river only. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Aug. 16-Aug. 31
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 4. Night closure. Anti-snagging rule. Release all salmon other than coho.
From the downstream terminus of WDFW public access easement to Hwy. 101 Bridge
- All species
- Internal combustion motors prohibited. WDFW access easement is from Hwy. 101 Bridge downstream approx. 1 mile on north side of the river only.
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 4. Night closure. Anti-snagging rule. Release all salmon other than coho.
from Hwy. 101 Bridge to the weir at Quilcene National Fish Hatchery
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from the weir at Quilcene National Fish Hatchery to upper boundary of Falls View Campground CRC (812)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CEDAR CREEK
outside Olympic National Park CRC (311)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CHIMACUM CREEK
from mouth to Ness's Corner Rd.
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
from Ness's Corner Rd. upstream, including all forks
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CLEARWATER RIVER
from mouth to Snahapish River CRC (392)
- All species
- Only 1 barbless hook allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Feb. 16-Aug. 31
- Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Sept. 1-Nov. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 3. Up to 2 adults including no more than 1 Chinook may be retained.
from Snahapish River upstream CRC (392)
- All species
- Internal combustion motors prohibited. Bait prohibited. Only 1 barbless hook allowed.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
DOSEWALLIPS RIVER
from mouth to Hwy. 101 Bridge CRC (734)
- All species
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Nov. 1-Dec. 15
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than chum.
from Hwy. 101 Bridge to the Olympic National Park boundary about 3/4 mile down- stream of falls CRC (734)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
DUCKABUSH RIVER
from mouth to Mason Co. PUD #1 overhead electrical distribution line CRC (736)
- All species
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Nov. 1-Dec. 15
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than chum.
from Mason Co. PUD #1 overhead electrical distribution line to the Olympic National Park boundary CRC (736)
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Selective gear rules. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Selective gear rules.
FULTON CREEK
from mouth to falls at river mile 0.8
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
GOODMAN CREEK
outside Olympic National Park CRC (345)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
HOH RIVER
from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to Dept. of Natural Resource's Oxbow Campground boat launch CRC (350)
- All species
- Only 1 single-point barbless hook allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Feb. 16-Apr. 15
- Bait prohibited.
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Steelhead (hatchery)
- Feb. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Sept. 16-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Nov. 1-Feb. 15
- Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.
- Other game fish
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Sept. 16-Nov. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 4. Up to 2 adults including no more than 1 Chinook may be retained.
- Dec. 1-Dec. 15
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 1. Release all salmon other than coho.
from Dept. of Natural Resource's Oxbow Campground boat launch to Morgans Cross- ing boat launch CRC (348)
- All species
- Only 1 single-point barbless hook allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Bait prohibited.
- Sept. 16-Oct. 15
- Bait prohibited.
- Dec. 1-Mar. 31
- Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Oct. 16-Nov. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 4. Up to 2 adults including no more than 1 Chinook may be retained.
- Dec. 1-Dec. 15
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 1. Release all salmon other than coho.
from Morgans Crossing boat launch site to Olympic National Park boundary below mouth of South Fork Hoh CRC (348)
- All species
- Only 1 single-point barbless hook allowed. Fishing from any floating device prohibited. Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
HOH RIVER, SOUTH FORK
outside Olympic National Park CRC (352)
- All species
- Bait prohibited. Only 1 single-point barbless hook allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Trout
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
KALALOCH CREEK
outside Olympic National Park CRC (369)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
LITTLE QUILCENE RIVER
mouth to Hwy. 101 Bridge. CRC (766)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
MATHENY CREEK
outside Olympic National Park
- All species
- Only 1 barbless hook allowed. Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
MOSQUITO CREEK
from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to Goodman 3000 Mainline Bridge CRC (373)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
ROCKY BROOK
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
SALMON RIVER
outside Quinault Indian Reservation and Olympic National Park CRC (396)
- All species
- Only 1 barbless hook allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Sept. 30
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Dec. 1-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Steelhead (hatchery)
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Sept. 30
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. It is permissible to retain steelhead with a dorsal fin height of less than 2 1/8" or with an adipose or ventral fin clipped.
- Dec. 1-Last Day of Feb.
- Min. size 20". Daily limit 3. It is permissible to retain steelhead with a dorsal fin height of less than 2 1/8" or with an adipose or ventral fin clipped.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Sept. 30
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Dec. 1-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Sept. 1-Nov. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults including no more than 1 Chinook may be retained.
SNAHAPISH RIVER
- All species
- Bait prohibited. Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 barbless hook allowed.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
SNOW CREEK
and tributaries
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
SOLLEKS RIVER
- All species
- Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 barbless hook allowed. Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
TARBOO CREEK
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CROCKER LAKE
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: CLOSED to trout fishing.
GIBBS LAKE
- All species
- Two-Pole not allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited. Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Year-round
- Min. size 18". Daily limit 1.
- Smallmouth bass
- Year-round
- No min. size. Daily limit 15. Only 1 over 14" may be retained.
- Largemouth bass
- Year-round
- No min. size. Daily limit 10. Max. size 12", except 1 over 17" may be retained.
- Channel catfish
- Year-round
- No min. size. Daily limit 10.
- Walleye
- Year-round
- No min. size. Daily limit 16. Only 1 over 22" may be retained.
- Other game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
HORSESHOE LAKE
- All species
- Two-Pole not allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited. Foot access only on Pope Resources land. Selective gear rules.
- 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.
LENA LAKE, LOWER
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS inlet stream from mouth upstream to footbridge (about 100').
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
SANDYSHORE LAKE
- All species
- Access via Pope Resources private roads only.
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
SILENT LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
TARBOO LAKE
- All species
- Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
TEAL LAKE
- All species
- Selective gear rules. Two-Pole not allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Trout
- Year-round
- Min. size 18". Daily limit 1.
- Other game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
ELWHA RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
Elwha River and all tributaries CRC (742)
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
SALMON CREEK AND ALL FORKS
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
QUEETS RIVER
CRC (394)
- All species
- Year-round
- Contact Olympic National Park for regulations. (360) 565-3000. www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/ fishing.htm.
QUINAULT RIVER, UPPER
from mouth at upper end of Quinault Lake upstream to Olympic National Park boundary CRC (412)
- All species
- Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 barbless hook allowed.
- Feb. 16-Apr. 15
- Bait prohibited.
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Sept. 30
- Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Steelhead (hatchery)
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. It is permissible to retain steelhead with a dorsal fin height of less than 2 1/8" or with an adipose or ventral fin clipped.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- July 1-Sept. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 jacks. Release adult salmon.
- Oct. 1-Nov. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adults. Release sockeye and chum.
Lake char
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.
Lake Trout: No min. size. No daily limit.
For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations
BIG QUILCENE RIVER
From the mouth to the downstream terminus of WDFW public access easement (lat 47.816759, long -122.89084) CRC (812)
- All species
- WDFW access easement is from Hwy. 101 Bridge downstream approx. 1 mile on north side of the river only. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Aug. 16-Aug. 31
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 4. Night closure. Anti-snagging rule. Release all salmon other than coho.
From the downstream terminus of WDFW public access easement to Hwy. 101 Bridge
- All species
- Internal combustion motors prohibited. WDFW access easement is from Hwy. 101 Bridge downstream approx. 1 mile on north side of the river only.
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 4. Night closure. Anti-snagging rule. Release all salmon other than coho.
from Hwy. 101 Bridge to the weir at Quilcene National Fish Hatchery
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from the weir at Quilcene National Fish Hatchery to upper boundary of Falls View Campground CRC (812)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CEDAR CREEK
outside Olympic National Park CRC (311)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CHIMACUM CREEK
from mouth to Ness's Corner Rd.
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
from Ness's Corner Rd. upstream, including all forks
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CLEARWATER RIVER
from mouth to Snahapish River CRC (392)
- All species
- Only 1 barbless hook allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Feb. 16-Aug. 31
- Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Sept. 1-Nov. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 3. Up to 2 adults including no more than 1 Chinook may be retained.
from Snahapish River upstream CRC (392)
- All species
- Internal combustion motors prohibited. Bait prohibited. Only 1 barbless hook allowed.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
DOSEWALLIPS RIVER
from mouth to Hwy. 101 Bridge CRC (734)
- All species
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Nov. 1-Dec. 15
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than chum.
from Hwy. 101 Bridge to the Olympic National Park boundary about 3/4 mile down- stream of falls CRC (734)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
DUCKABUSH RIVER
from mouth to Mason Co. PUD #1 overhead electrical distribution line CRC (736)
- All species
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Nov. 1-Dec. 15
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than chum.
from Mason Co. PUD #1 overhead electrical distribution line to the Olympic National Park boundary CRC (736)
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Selective gear rules. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Selective gear rules.
FULTON CREEK
from mouth to falls at river mile 0.8
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
GOODMAN CREEK
outside Olympic National Park CRC (345)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
HOH RIVER
from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to Dept. of Natural Resource's Oxbow Campground boat launch CRC (350)
- All species
- Only 1 single-point barbless hook allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Feb. 16-Apr. 15
- Bait prohibited.
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Steelhead (hatchery)
- Feb. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Sept. 16-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Nov. 1-Feb. 15
- Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.
- Other game fish
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Sept. 16-Nov. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 4. Up to 2 adults including no more than 1 Chinook may be retained.
- Dec. 1-Dec. 15
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 1. Release all salmon other than coho.
from Dept. of Natural Resource's Oxbow Campground boat launch to Morgans Cross- ing boat launch CRC (348)
- All species
- Only 1 single-point barbless hook allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Bait prohibited.
- Sept. 16-Oct. 15
- Bait prohibited.
- Dec. 1-Mar. 31
- Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Oct. 16-Nov. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 4. Up to 2 adults including no more than 1 Chinook may be retained.
- Dec. 1-Dec. 15
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 1. Release all salmon other than coho.
from Morgans Crossing boat launch site to Olympic National Park boundary below mouth of South Fork Hoh CRC (348)
- All species
- Only 1 single-point barbless hook allowed. Fishing from any floating device prohibited. Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
HOH RIVER, SOUTH FORK
outside Olympic National Park CRC (352)
- All species
- Bait prohibited. Only 1 single-point barbless hook allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Trout
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- June 1-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Sept. 16-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
KALALOCH CREEK
outside Olympic National Park CRC (369)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
LITTLE QUILCENE RIVER
mouth to Hwy. 101 Bridge. CRC (766)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
MATHENY CREEK
outside Olympic National Park
- All species
- Only 1 barbless hook allowed. Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
MOSQUITO CREEK
from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to Goodman 3000 Mainline Bridge CRC (373)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
ROCKY BROOK
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
SALMON RIVER
outside Quinault Indian Reservation and Olympic National Park CRC (396)
- All species
- Only 1 barbless hook allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Sept. 30
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Dec. 1-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Steelhead (hatchery)
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Sept. 30
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. It is permissible to retain steelhead with a dorsal fin height of less than 2 1/8" or with an adipose or ventral fin clipped.
- Dec. 1-Last Day of Feb.
- Min. size 20". Daily limit 3. It is permissible to retain steelhead with a dorsal fin height of less than 2 1/8" or with an adipose or ventral fin clipped.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Sept. 30
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Dec. 1-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Sept. 1-Nov. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults including no more than 1 Chinook may be retained.
SNAHAPISH RIVER
- All species
- Bait prohibited. Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 barbless hook allowed.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
SNOW CREEK
and tributaries
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
SOLLEKS RIVER
- All species
- Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 barbless hook allowed. Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
TARBOO CREEK
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CROCKER LAKE
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: CLOSED to trout fishing.
GIBBS LAKE
- All species
- Two-Pole not allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited. Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Year-round
- Min. size 18". Daily limit 1.
- Smallmouth bass
- Year-round
- No min. size. Daily limit 15. Only 1 over 14" may be retained.
- Largemouth bass
- Year-round
- No min. size. Daily limit 10. Max. size 12", except 1 over 17" may be retained.
- Channel catfish
- Year-round
- No min. size. Daily limit 10.
- Walleye
- Year-round
- No min. size. Daily limit 16. Only 1 over 22" may be retained.
- Other game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
HORSESHOE LAKE
- All species
- Two-Pole not allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited. Foot access only on Pope Resources land. Selective gear rules.
- 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.
LENA LAKE, LOWER
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS inlet stream from mouth upstream to footbridge (about 100').
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
SANDYSHORE LAKE
- All species
- Access via Pope Resources private roads only.
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
SILENT LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
TARBOO LAKE
- All species
- Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
TEAL LAKE
- All species
- Selective gear rules. Two-Pole not allowed. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Trout
- Year-round
- Min. size 18". Daily limit 1.
- Other game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
ELWHA RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
Elwha River and all tributaries CRC (742)
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
SALMON CREEK AND ALL FORKS
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
QUEETS RIVER
CRC (394)
- All species
- Year-round
- Contact Olympic National Park for regulations. (360) 565-3000. www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/ fishing.htm.
QUINAULT RIVER, UPPER
from mouth at upper end of Quinault Lake upstream to Olympic National Park boundary CRC (412)
- All species
- Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 barbless hook allowed.
- Feb. 16-Apr. 15
- Bait prohibited.
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Sept. 30
- Bait prohibited.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release wild rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout min. size 14".
- Steelhead (hatchery)
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. It is permissible to retain steelhead with a dorsal fin height of less than 2 1/8" or with an adipose or ventral fin clipped.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Apr. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- July 1-Sept. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 jacks. Release adult salmon.
- Oct. 1-Nov. 30
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adults. Release sockeye and chum.
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