Skagit River

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Washington, United States

4.1·539 catches

539

Logged catches

4.1

Top fish species at Skagit River

Coho salmon

Pink salmon

Chinook salmon

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Skagit River fishing reports

Mountain whitefish

length · weight

Mountain whitefish

length · weight

Steelhead

length · weight

Dolly varden

10 in · 5 oz

Dolly varden

length · weight

Spotted sucker

length · weight

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Fishing regulations at Skagit River, 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.

Local laws and licenses

Washington fishing license

Get license

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round

Coho salmon

Regulation boundaryWA Washington State Waters

Bag limit0

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.

Restrictions & requirements

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. 

Additional information

See special areas for limits.

For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations

Anglers may not continue to fish for salmon after the adult portion of the daily limit has been retained.

Possession limit — 2 daily limits in fresh form. An additional 40 pounds of salmon may be possessed in frozen or processed form. Atlantic salmon may be retained during any open trout or salmon fishery. There is no size limit or daily limit for Atlantic salmon.

For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations

It is unlawful to totally remove a salmon, steelhead, Dolly Varden/bull trout from the water if it is unlawful to retain or if the angler subsequently releases the fish, except within the Columbia River downstream from a line between Rocky Point and Tongue Point.

For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations

You must fill out your Catch Record Card immediately upon retaining salmon, steelhead, halibut, or sturgeon and return your Catch Record Card when you are done fishing or by the date printed on your card, even if nothing was caught.

For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations

You may not land both a Canadian and a Washington limit of salmon on the same day (one or the other, but not both).

For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations

You may not remove eggs from a salmon to use or preserve them for bait without retaining the carcass from which the eggs were removed or possess sturgeon eggs in the field without having retained the intact carcass of the fish from which the eggs were removed.

For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations

Edibility

Very good

Synonyms

Oncorhynchus kisutch, Silver Salmon

Location specific information

BIG BEAVER CREEK

from 1/4 mile upstream of Ross Lake markers to headwaters, including tributary streams and beaver ponds

All species
Selective gear rules.
Trout
July 1-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
Other game fish
July 1-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

CHANNEL CREEK

(Baker River tributary)

All game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

DAKOTA CREEK

from mouth (a line from the outermost headland of the south bank to a house at 1285 Runge Ave., Blaine, Washington, approx. 1/4 mile downstream from the Blaine Rd. Bridge) to Giles Rd. Bridge CRC (724)

All species
Selective gear rules.
All game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Dec. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

KENDALL CREEK

from mouth through the hatchery to the hatchery boundary fence

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

NOOKSACK RIVER

from the Lummi Indian Reservation boundary to the Hwy. 544 Bridge in Everson CRC (794)

All species
Sat. before Memorial Day-Dec. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Steelhead (hatchery)
Jan. 1-Jan. 31
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Sat. before Memorial Day-Sept. 30
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Closed.
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Aug. 1-Sept. 30
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release wild Chinook, pink, and chum.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum and pink.

from the Hwy. 544 Bridge in Everson to the yellow marker at the FFA high school barn in Deming CRC (794)

All species
Aug. 1-Dec. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
Trout
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Steelhead (hatchery)
Jan. 1-Jan. 31
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Closed.
Other game fish
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Aug. 1-Sept. 30
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release wild Chinook, pink, and chum.
Oct. 1-Oct. 31
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum and pink.
Nov. 1-Nov. 30
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho and no more than 1 chum.
Dec. 1-Dec. 31
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum.

from yellow marker at the FFA high school barn in Deming to confluence of North and South forks CRC (794)

All species
Aug. 1-Dec. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
Trout
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Steelhead (hatchery)
Jan. 1-Jan. 31
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Closed.
Other game fish
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Oct. 1-Oct. 31
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum and pink.
Nov. 1-Nov. 30
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho and no more than 1 chum.
Dec. 1-Dec. 31
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum.

NOOKSACK RIVER, MIDDLE FORK

from mouth to the former City of Bellingham diversion Dam CRC (788)

All species
Selective gear rules.
Nov. 1-Jan. 31
Motors prohibited.
Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

NOOKSACK RIVER, NORTH FORK

from mouth to Hwy. 9

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

from the Hwy. 9 Bridge to the yellow marker at the upstream side of Kendall Hatchery CRC (790)

All species
Sat. before Memorial Day-Dec. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
Nov. 1-Feb. 15
Motors prohibited.
Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-Feb. 15
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Steelhead (hatchery)
Jan. 1-Feb. 15
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Sat. before Memorial Day-Sept. 30
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Closed.
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Feb. 15
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum and pink.

from the yellow marker at the upstream side of Kendall Hatchery to Maple Creek CRC (790)

All species
Sat. before Memorial Day-Dec. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
Nov. 1-Feb. 15
Motors prohibited.
Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-Feb. 15
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Steelhead (hatchery)
Jan. 1-Feb. 15
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Closed.
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Feb. 15
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum and pink.

from Maple Creek to Nooksack Falls CRC (790)

All species
Selective gear rules.
Nov. 1-Jan. 31
Motors prohibited.
Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

NOOKSACK RIVER, SOUTH FORK

from mouth to Skookum Creek CRC (792)

All species
Internal combustion motors prohibited.
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Only 1 single-point hook allowed.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Night closure.
Trout
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Steelhead (hatchery)
Jan. 1-Jan. 31
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Closed.
Other game fish
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Oct. 1-Oct. 15
Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 wild coho or 2 hatchery Chinook or 1 of each. Release chum, pink and wild Chinook.
Oct. 16-Dec. 31
Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 wild coho or 2 Chinook or 1 of each. Release chum.

from Skookum Creek upstream to Wanlick Creek

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

from Wanlick Creek upstream including Wanlick Creek and all tributaries CRC (792)

All species
Fly fishing only.
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.

ROSS LAKE TRIBUTARY STREAMS

and their tributaries from 1 mile upstream of Ross Lake to headwaters (except Ruby and Big Beaver creeks).

All game fish
July 1-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

RUBY CREEK

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

STETATTLE CREEK

from mouth to Bucket Creek

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

THORNTON CREEK

Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: No min. size/ daily limit for cutthroat trout.
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

WHATCOM CREEK

from mouth (a line from the flashing light at the southwest end of the Port of Bellingham North Terminal to the southernmost point of the dike surrounding the Georgia Pacific treatment pond) to the markers below footbridge below Dupont St. in Bellingham CRC (884)

Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-July 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-July 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Aug. 4-Sept. 10
Min. size 12". Daily limit 1. Night closure. Antisnagging rule. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only.

from the markers below the footbridge below Dupont St. upstream to the footbridge

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

from footbridge below Dupont St. in Bellingham to stone bridge at Whatcom Falls Park CRC (884)

All species
Aug. 1-Oct. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
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.

from stone bridge at Whatcom Falls Park to Lake Whatcom CRC (884)

All species
Juvenile Anglers Only (under 15 years old).
Trout
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
No min. size. Daily limit 2.
Other game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

WHATCOM, LAKE TRIBUTARIES

all tributaries and that portion of Lake Whatcom between Electric Ave. Bridge and outlet dam

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

BAKER LAKE

CRC (825)

All species
Chumming permitted.
Kokanee
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Min. size 8". Max. size 18". Daily limit 10.
Other game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
July 15-Aug. 31
Min. size 18". Daily limit 3. Release all salmon other than sockeye. Each angler aboard a vessel may deploy salmon angling gear until the salmon limit for all anglers aboard has been achieved.

200' radius around pump discharge at the south end of lake

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

CAIN LAKE

All game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

DIABLO LAKE

All species
Two-Pole not allowed.
All game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

FAZON LAKE

All species
First Fri. in October-Jan. 27
Fishing from any floating device prohibited.
All game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

GORGE LAKE

All species
Two-Pole not allowed.
All game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

HOZOMEEN LAKE

All species
Unlawful to use lead weights or lead jigs measuring 1 1/2" or less along the longest axis.
All game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

KEEFE LAKE

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.

PADDEN LAKE

All game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

ROSS LAKE

refer to Ross Lake Tributaries for more information

All species
Selective gear rules. Two-Pole not allowed.
Eastern brook trout
July 1-Oct. 31
No min. size. Daily limit 5.
Other trout
July 1-Oct. 31
Min. size 16". Daily limit 1.
Other game fish
July 1-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

SAMISH, LAKE

Cutthroat trout
Year-round
Min. size 14". Daily limit 2. Cutthroat count toward trout daily limit.
Other trout
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
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.

SILVER LAKE

All game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

SQUALICUM LAKE

All species
Two-Pole not allowed. Motors prohibited. Fly fishing only.
Trout
Year-round
Min. size 14". Daily limit 2.
Other game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

SUNSET LAKE

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.

TENNANT LAKE

All species
First Fri. in October-Jan. 27
Fishing from any floating device prohibited.
All game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

TERRELL, LAKE

All species
First Sat. after Labor Day-Fri. Following First Sat. after Labor Day
Fishing from any floating device except a dock prohibited.
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Fishing from any floating device except a dock prohibited.
All game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

THORNTON LAKE, LOWER

Trout
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: No min. size/ daily limit for cutthroat trout.
Other game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

TOAD LAKE

All game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

WHATCOM, LAKE

that portion of Lake Whatcom between Electric Ave. Bridge and outlet dam

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

above Electric Ave. Bridge

All species
Two-Pole not allowed.
Year-round
See DOH Fish Consumption Advisories page 24.
Trout
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat.
Other game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

BAKER RIVER

from mouth to the lower Baker Dam

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

SKAGIT RIVER

from Cascade River Rd. (Marblemount Bridge) to Gorge powerhouse at Newhalem CRC (830)

All species
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Selective gear rules.
All game fish
June 1-Jan. 31
Catch-and-release. Except: 2 hatchery steelhead may be retained.

SHANNON, LAKE

All species
Chumming permitted.
Kokanee
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Min. size 8". Daily limit 10.
Other game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

Season open: year-round

Pink salmon

Regulation boundaryWA Washington State Waters

Bag limit0

Restrictions & requirements

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

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 Wild Steelhead Trout

Wild steelhead must be released. Hatchery Steelhead – May be caught and released until the daily limit is retained. If a fish has swallowed the hook or is hooked in the gill, eye, or tongue, it should be kept if legal to do so. Hatchery Fish = adipose or ventral fin clipped and a healed scar at the location of the clipped fin. Wild Fish = adipose and ventral fins intact.

WA Possession and Fishing Rules

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

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

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

Additional information

See special areas for limits.

For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations

Anglers may not continue to fish for salmon after the adult portion of the daily limit has been retained.

For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations

You may not land both a Canadian and a Washington limit of salmon on the same day (one or the other, but not both).

For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations

Synonyms

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Location specific information

BIG BEAVER CREEK

from 1/4 mile upstream of Ross Lake markers to headwaters, including tributary streams and beaver ponds

All species
Selective gear rules.
Trout
July 1-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
Other game fish
July 1-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

CHANNEL CREEK

(Baker River tributary)

All game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

DAKOTA CREEK

from mouth (a line from the outermost headland of the south bank to a house at 1285 Runge Ave., Blaine, Washington, approx. 1/4 mile downstream from the Blaine Rd. Bridge) to Giles Rd. Bridge CRC (724)

All species
Selective gear rules.
All game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Dec. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

KENDALL CREEK

from mouth through the hatchery to the hatchery boundary fence

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

NOOKSACK RIVER

from the Lummi Indian Reservation boundary to the Hwy. 544 Bridge in Everson CRC (794)

All species
Sat. before Memorial Day-Dec. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Steelhead (hatchery)
Jan. 1-Jan. 31
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Sat. before Memorial Day-Sept. 30
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Closed.
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Aug. 1-Sept. 30
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release wild Chinook, pink, and chum.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum and pink.

from the Hwy. 544 Bridge in Everson to the yellow marker at the FFA high school barn in Deming CRC (794)

All species
Aug. 1-Dec. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
Trout
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Steelhead (hatchery)
Jan. 1-Jan. 31
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Closed.
Other game fish
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Aug. 1-Sept. 30
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release wild Chinook, pink, and chum.
Oct. 1-Oct. 31
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum and pink.
Nov. 1-Nov. 30
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho and no more than 1 chum.
Dec. 1-Dec. 31
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum.

from yellow marker at the FFA high school barn in Deming to confluence of North and South forks CRC (794)

All species
Aug. 1-Dec. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
Trout
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Steelhead (hatchery)
Jan. 1-Jan. 31
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Closed.
Other game fish
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Oct. 1-Oct. 31
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum and pink.
Nov. 1-Nov. 30
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho and no more than 1 chum.
Dec. 1-Dec. 31
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum.

NOOKSACK RIVER, MIDDLE FORK

from mouth to the former City of Bellingham diversion Dam CRC (788)

All species
Selective gear rules.
Nov. 1-Jan. 31
Motors prohibited.
Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

NOOKSACK RIVER, NORTH FORK

from mouth to Hwy. 9

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

from the Hwy. 9 Bridge to the yellow marker at the upstream side of Kendall Hatchery CRC (790)

All species
Sat. before Memorial Day-Dec. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
Nov. 1-Feb. 15
Motors prohibited.
Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-Feb. 15
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Steelhead (hatchery)
Jan. 1-Feb. 15
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Sat. before Memorial Day-Sept. 30
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Closed.
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Feb. 15
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum and pink.

from the yellow marker at the upstream side of Kendall Hatchery to Maple Creek CRC (790)

All species
Sat. before Memorial Day-Dec. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
Nov. 1-Feb. 15
Motors prohibited.
Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-Feb. 15
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Steelhead (hatchery)
Jan. 1-Feb. 15
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Closed.
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Feb. 15
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum and pink.

from Maple Creek to Nooksack Falls CRC (790)

All species
Selective gear rules.
Nov. 1-Jan. 31
Motors prohibited.
Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

NOOKSACK RIVER, SOUTH FORK

from mouth to Skookum Creek CRC (792)

All species
Internal combustion motors prohibited.
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Only 1 single-point hook allowed.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Night closure.
Trout
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Steelhead (hatchery)
Jan. 1-Jan. 31
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Closed.
Other game fish
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Oct. 1-Oct. 15
Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 wild coho or 2 hatchery Chinook or 1 of each. Release chum, pink and wild Chinook.
Oct. 16-Dec. 31
Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 wild coho or 2 Chinook or 1 of each. Release chum.

from Skookum Creek upstream to Wanlick Creek

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

from Wanlick Creek upstream including Wanlick Creek and all tributaries CRC (792)

All species
Fly fishing only.
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.

ROSS LAKE TRIBUTARY STREAMS

and their tributaries from 1 mile upstream of Ross Lake to headwaters (except Ruby and Big Beaver creeks).

All game fish
July 1-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

RUBY CREEK

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

STETATTLE CREEK

from mouth to Bucket Creek

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

THORNTON CREEK

Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: No min. size/ daily limit for cutthroat trout.
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

WHATCOM CREEK

from mouth (a line from the flashing light at the southwest end of the Port of Bellingham North Terminal to the southernmost point of the dike surrounding the Georgia Pacific treatment pond) to the markers below footbridge below Dupont St. in Bellingham CRC (884)

Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-July 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-July 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Aug. 4-Sept. 10
Min. size 12". Daily limit 1. Night closure. Antisnagging rule. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only.

from the markers below the footbridge below Dupont St. upstream to the footbridge

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

from footbridge below Dupont St. in Bellingham to stone bridge at Whatcom Falls Park CRC (884)

All species
Aug. 1-Oct. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
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.

from stone bridge at Whatcom Falls Park to Lake Whatcom CRC (884)

All species
Juvenile Anglers Only (under 15 years old).
Trout
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
No min. size. Daily limit 2.
Other game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

WHATCOM, LAKE TRIBUTARIES

all tributaries and that portion of Lake Whatcom between Electric Ave. Bridge and outlet dam

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

BAKER LAKE

CRC (825)

All species
Chumming permitted.
Kokanee
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Min. size 8". Max. size 18". Daily limit 10.
Other game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
July 15-Aug. 31
Min. size 18". Daily limit 3. Release all salmon other than sockeye. Each angler aboard a vessel may deploy salmon angling gear until the salmon limit for all anglers aboard has been achieved.

200' radius around pump discharge at the south end of lake

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

CAIN LAKE

All game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

DIABLO LAKE

All species
Two-Pole not allowed.
All game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

FAZON LAKE

All species
First Fri. in October-Jan. 27
Fishing from any floating device prohibited.
All game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

GORGE LAKE

All species
Two-Pole not allowed.
All game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

HOZOMEEN LAKE

All species
Unlawful to use lead weights or lead jigs measuring 1 1/2" or less along the longest axis.
All game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

KEEFE LAKE

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.

PADDEN LAKE

All game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

ROSS LAKE

refer to Ross Lake Tributaries for more information

All species
Selective gear rules. Two-Pole not allowed.
Eastern brook trout
July 1-Oct. 31
No min. size. Daily limit 5.
Other trout
July 1-Oct. 31
Min. size 16". Daily limit 1.
Other game fish
July 1-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

SAMISH, LAKE

Cutthroat trout
Year-round
Min. size 14". Daily limit 2. Cutthroat count toward trout daily limit.
Other trout
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
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.

SILVER LAKE

All game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

SQUALICUM LAKE

All species
Two-Pole not allowed. Motors prohibited. Fly fishing only.
Trout
Year-round
Min. size 14". Daily limit 2.
Other game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

SUNSET LAKE

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.

TENNANT LAKE

All species
First Fri. in October-Jan. 27
Fishing from any floating device prohibited.
All game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

TERRELL, LAKE

All species
First Sat. after Labor Day-Fri. Following First Sat. after Labor Day
Fishing from any floating device except a dock prohibited.
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Fishing from any floating device except a dock prohibited.
All game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

THORNTON LAKE, LOWER

Trout
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: No min. size/ daily limit for cutthroat trout.
Other game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

TOAD LAKE

All game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

WHATCOM, LAKE

that portion of Lake Whatcom between Electric Ave. Bridge and outlet dam

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

above Electric Ave. Bridge

All species
Two-Pole not allowed.
Year-round
See DOH Fish Consumption Advisories page 24.
Trout
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat.
Other game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

BAKER RIVER

from mouth to the lower Baker Dam

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

SKAGIT RIVER

from Cascade River Rd. (Marblemount Bridge) to Gorge powerhouse at Newhalem CRC (830)

All species
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Selective gear rules.
All game fish
June 1-Jan. 31
Catch-and-release. Except: 2 hatchery steelhead may be retained.

SHANNON, LAKE

All species
Chumming permitted.
Kokanee
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Min. size 8". Daily limit 10.
Other game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

Season open: year-round

Chinook salmon

Regulation boundaryWA Washington State Waters

Bag limit0

Restrictions & requirements

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

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

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

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

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

Additional information

See special areas for limits.

For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations

Anglers may not continue to fish for salmon after the adult portion of the daily limit has been retained.

For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations

You may not land both a Canadian and a Washington limit of salmon on the same day (one or the other, but not both).

For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations

Synonyms

Chinook, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Location specific information

BIG BEAVER CREEK

from 1/4 mile upstream of Ross Lake markers to headwaters, including tributary streams and beaver ponds

All species
Selective gear rules.
Trout
July 1-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
Other game fish
July 1-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

CHANNEL CREEK

(Baker River tributary)

All game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

DAKOTA CREEK

from mouth (a line from the outermost headland of the south bank to a house at 1285 Runge Ave., Blaine, Washington, approx. 1/4 mile downstream from the Blaine Rd. Bridge) to Giles Rd. Bridge CRC (724)

All species
Selective gear rules.
All game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Dec. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

KENDALL CREEK

from mouth through the hatchery to the hatchery boundary fence

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

NOOKSACK RIVER

from the Lummi Indian Reservation boundary to the Hwy. 544 Bridge in Everson CRC (794)

All species
Sat. before Memorial Day-Dec. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Steelhead (hatchery)
Jan. 1-Jan. 31
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Sat. before Memorial Day-Sept. 30
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Closed.
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Aug. 1-Sept. 30
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release wild Chinook, pink, and chum.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum and pink.

from the Hwy. 544 Bridge in Everson to the yellow marker at the FFA high school barn in Deming CRC (794)

All species
Aug. 1-Dec. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
Trout
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Steelhead (hatchery)
Jan. 1-Jan. 31
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Closed.
Other game fish
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Aug. 1-Sept. 30
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release wild Chinook, pink, and chum.
Oct. 1-Oct. 31
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum and pink.
Nov. 1-Nov. 30
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho and no more than 1 chum.
Dec. 1-Dec. 31
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum.

from yellow marker at the FFA high school barn in Deming to confluence of North and South forks CRC (794)

All species
Aug. 1-Dec. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
Trout
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Steelhead (hatchery)
Jan. 1-Jan. 31
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Closed.
Other game fish
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Oct. 1-Oct. 31
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum and pink.
Nov. 1-Nov. 30
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho and no more than 1 chum.
Dec. 1-Dec. 31
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum.

NOOKSACK RIVER, MIDDLE FORK

from mouth to the former City of Bellingham diversion Dam CRC (788)

All species
Selective gear rules.
Nov. 1-Jan. 31
Motors prohibited.
Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

NOOKSACK RIVER, NORTH FORK

from mouth to Hwy. 9

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

from the Hwy. 9 Bridge to the yellow marker at the upstream side of Kendall Hatchery CRC (790)

All species
Sat. before Memorial Day-Dec. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
Nov. 1-Feb. 15
Motors prohibited.
Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-Feb. 15
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Steelhead (hatchery)
Jan. 1-Feb. 15
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Sat. before Memorial Day-Sept. 30
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Closed.
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Feb. 15
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum and pink.

from the yellow marker at the upstream side of Kendall Hatchery to Maple Creek CRC (790)

All species
Sat. before Memorial Day-Dec. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
Nov. 1-Feb. 15
Motors prohibited.
Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-Feb. 15
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Steelhead (hatchery)
Jan. 1-Feb. 15
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Closed.
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Feb. 15
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Min. size 12". Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho. Release chum and pink.

from Maple Creek to Nooksack Falls CRC (790)

All species
Selective gear rules.
Nov. 1-Jan. 31
Motors prohibited.
Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

NOOKSACK RIVER, SOUTH FORK

from mouth to Skookum Creek CRC (792)

All species
Internal combustion motors prohibited.
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Only 1 single-point hook allowed.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Night closure.
Trout
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Steelhead (hatchery)
Jan. 1-Jan. 31
Min. size 20". Daily limit 2.
Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Closed.
Other game fish
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Oct. 1-Oct. 15
Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 wild coho or 2 hatchery Chinook or 1 of each. Release chum, pink and wild Chinook.
Oct. 16-Dec. 31
Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 wild coho or 2 Chinook or 1 of each. Release chum.

from Skookum Creek upstream to Wanlick Creek

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

from Wanlick Creek upstream including Wanlick Creek and all tributaries CRC (792)

All species
Fly fishing only.
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.

ROSS LAKE TRIBUTARY STREAMS

and their tributaries from 1 mile upstream of Ross Lake to headwaters (except Ruby and Big Beaver creeks).

All game fish
July 1-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

RUBY CREEK

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

STETATTLE CREEK

from mouth to Bucket Creek

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

THORNTON CREEK

Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: No min. size/ daily limit for cutthroat trout.
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

WHATCOM CREEK

from mouth (a line from the flashing light at the southwest end of the Port of Bellingham North Terminal to the southernmost point of the dike surrounding the Georgia Pacific treatment pond) to the markers below footbridge below Dupont St. in Bellingham CRC (884)

Trout
Sat. before Memorial Day-July 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
Other game fish
Sat. before Memorial Day-July 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
Aug. 4-Sept. 10
Min. size 12". Daily limit 1. Night closure. Antisnagging rule. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only.

from the markers below the footbridge below Dupont St. upstream to the footbridge

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

from footbridge below Dupont St. in Bellingham to stone bridge at Whatcom Falls Park CRC (884)

All species
Aug. 1-Oct. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
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.

from stone bridge at Whatcom Falls Park to Lake Whatcom CRC (884)

All species
Juvenile Anglers Only (under 15 years old).
Trout
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
No min. size. Daily limit 2.
Other game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

WHATCOM, LAKE TRIBUTARIES

all tributaries and that portion of Lake Whatcom between Electric Ave. Bridge and outlet dam

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

BAKER LAKE

CRC (825)

All species
Chumming permitted.
Kokanee
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Min. size 8". Max. size 18". Daily limit 10.
Other game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Salmon
July 15-Aug. 31
Min. size 18". Daily limit 3. Release all salmon other than sockeye. Each angler aboard a vessel may deploy salmon angling gear until the salmon limit for all anglers aboard has been achieved.

200' radius around pump discharge at the south end of lake

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

CAIN LAKE

All game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

DIABLO LAKE

All species
Two-Pole not allowed.
All game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

FAZON LAKE

All species
First Fri. in October-Jan. 27
Fishing from any floating device prohibited.
All game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

GORGE LAKE

All species
Two-Pole not allowed.
All game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

HOZOMEEN LAKE

All species
Unlawful to use lead weights or lead jigs measuring 1 1/2" or less along the longest axis.
All game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

KEEFE LAKE

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.

PADDEN LAKE

All game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

ROSS LAKE

refer to Ross Lake Tributaries for more information

All species
Selective gear rules. Two-Pole not allowed.
Eastern brook trout
July 1-Oct. 31
No min. size. Daily limit 5.
Other trout
July 1-Oct. 31
Min. size 16". Daily limit 1.
Other game fish
July 1-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

SAMISH, LAKE

Cutthroat trout
Year-round
Min. size 14". Daily limit 2. Cutthroat count toward trout daily limit.
Other trout
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.
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.

SILVER LAKE

All game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

SQUALICUM LAKE

All species
Two-Pole not allowed. Motors prohibited. Fly fishing only.
Trout
Year-round
Min. size 14". Daily limit 2.
Other game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

SUNSET LAKE

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.

TENNANT LAKE

All species
First Fri. in October-Jan. 27
Fishing from any floating device prohibited.
All game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

TERRELL, LAKE

All species
First Sat. after Labor Day-Fri. Following First Sat. after Labor Day
Fishing from any floating device except a dock prohibited.
Oct. 1-Jan. 31
Fishing from any floating device except a dock prohibited.
All game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

THORNTON LAKE, LOWER

Trout
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: No min. size/ daily limit for cutthroat trout.
Other game fish
Year-round
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

TOAD LAKE

All game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

WHATCOM, LAKE

that portion of Lake Whatcom between Electric Ave. Bridge and outlet dam

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

above Electric Ave. Bridge

All species
Two-Pole not allowed.
Year-round
See DOH Fish Consumption Advisories page 24.
Trout
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat.
Other game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

BAKER RIVER

from mouth to the lower Baker Dam

All species
CLOSED WATERS.

SKAGIT RIVER

from Cascade River Rd. (Marblemount Bridge) to Gorge powerhouse at Newhalem CRC (830)

All species
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Selective gear rules.
All game fish
June 1-Jan. 31
Catch-and-release. Except: 2 hatchery steelhead may be retained.

SHANNON, LAKE

All species
Chumming permitted.
Kokanee
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Min. size 8". Daily limit 10.
Other game fish
4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
Statewide min. size/daily limit.

Local laws and licenses

Washington fishing license

Get license

Cities nearby

25.6 miles away

33.8 miles away

37.1 miles away

40.8 miles away

45.8 miles away

46.9 miles away

47.3 miles away

50.0 miles away

50.3 miles away

51.0 miles away

53.2 miles away

54.0 miles away

54.3 miles away

55.4 miles away

57.8 miles away

58.9 miles away

59.3 miles away

60.2 miles away

63.6 miles away

63.8 miles away

64.2 miles away

66.8 miles away

67.3 miles away

68.2 miles away

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FAQ about Skagit River fishing

📍 Where is the Skagit River located?

the Skagit River is a stream located in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. It is also intersecting with Skagit County, Washington. Its coordinates are:

48°48′22.9″N 121°02′48.8″W

🎣 Where on the Skagit River is it best to fish?

Find the best fishing spots on the Skagit River by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.

🐟 What species are in the Skagit River?

The most common species in the Skagit River are:

Coho salmon - 81 members reported to have caught this fish
Pink salmon - 89 members reported to have caught this fish
Chinook salmon - 31 members reported to have caught this fish

📢 What are the latest Skagit River fishing reports?

The latest Skagit River fishing reports are:

@joserangel7258 reported a nice Mountain whitefish.
@joserangel7258 reported a nice Mountain whitefish.
@joserangel7258 reported a nice Steelhead.
@Maverick_Legg reported a nice Dolly varden.
@Claylub reported a nice Dolly varden.

🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at the Skagit River?

Fishing in Washington requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Licenses include resident and non-resident, annual, short-term, and combination options, purchasable online or at authorized vendors.

In Washington, no fishing license is required for anglers under 15. Residents 70 and older qualify for a discounted license. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license
Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations
Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

Get license

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Skagit River

Top fish species at Skagit River

Skagit River fishing reports

General info

Location

Fishing regulations at Skagit River, WA

Regulations for top species

Coho salmon

BIG BEAVER CREEK

from 1/4 mile upstream of Ross Lake markers to headwaters, including tributary streams and beaver ponds

CHANNEL CREEK

(Baker River tributary)

DAKOTA CREEK

from mouth (a line from the outermost headland of the south bank to a house at 1285 Runge Ave., Blaine, Washington, approx. 1/4 mile downstream from the Blaine Rd. Bridge) to Giles Rd. Bridge CRC (724)

KENDALL CREEK

from mouth through the hatchery to the hatchery boundary fence

NOOKSACK RIVER

from the Lummi Indian Reservation boundary to the Hwy. 544 Bridge in Everson CRC (794)

from the Hwy. 544 Bridge in Everson to the yellow marker at the FFA high school barn in Deming CRC (794)

from yellow marker at the FFA high school barn in Deming to confluence of North and South forks CRC (794)

NOOKSACK RIVER, MIDDLE FORK

from mouth to the former City of Bellingham diversion Dam CRC (788)

NOOKSACK RIVER, NORTH FORK

from mouth to Hwy. 9

from the Hwy. 9 Bridge to the yellow marker at the upstream side of Kendall Hatchery CRC (790)

from the yellow marker at the upstream side of Kendall Hatchery to Maple Creek CRC (790)

from Maple Creek to Nooksack Falls CRC (790)

NOOKSACK RIVER, SOUTH FORK

from mouth to Skookum Creek CRC (792)

from Skookum Creek upstream to Wanlick Creek

from Wanlick Creek upstream including Wanlick Creek and all tributaries CRC (792)

ROSS LAKE TRIBUTARY STREAMS

and their tributaries from 1 mile upstream of Ross Lake to headwaters (except Ruby and Big Beaver creeks).

RUBY CREEK

STETATTLE CREEK

from mouth to Bucket Creek

THORNTON CREEK

WHATCOM CREEK

from mouth (a line from the flashing light at the southwest end of the Port of Bellingham North Terminal to the southernmost point of the dike surrounding the Georgia Pacific treatment pond) to the markers below footbridge below Dupont St. in Bellingham CRC (884)

from the markers below the footbridge below Dupont St. upstream to the footbridge

from footbridge below Dupont St. in Bellingham to stone bridge at Whatcom Falls Park CRC (884)

from stone bridge at Whatcom Falls Park to Lake Whatcom CRC (884)

WHATCOM, LAKE TRIBUTARIES

all tributaries and that portion of Lake Whatcom between Electric Ave. Bridge and outlet dam

BAKER LAKE

CRC (825)

200' radius around pump discharge at the south end of lake

CAIN LAKE

DIABLO LAKE

FAZON LAKE

GORGE LAKE

HOZOMEEN LAKE

KEEFE LAKE

PADDEN LAKE

ROSS LAKE

refer to Ross Lake Tributaries for more information

SAMISH, LAKE

SILVER LAKE

SQUALICUM LAKE

SUNSET LAKE

TENNANT LAKE

TERRELL, LAKE

THORNTON LAKE, LOWER

TOAD LAKE

WHATCOM, LAKE

that portion of Lake Whatcom between Electric Ave. Bridge and outlet dam

above Electric Ave. Bridge

BAKER RIVER

from mouth to the lower Baker Dam

SKAGIT RIVER

from Cascade River Rd. (Marblemount Bridge) to Gorge powerhouse at Newhalem CRC (830)

SHANNON, LAKE

Pink salmon

BIG BEAVER CREEK

from 1/4 mile upstream of Ross Lake markers to headwaters, including tributary streams and beaver ponds

CHANNEL CREEK

(Baker River tributary)

DAKOTA CREEK

from mouth (a line from the outermost headland of the south bank to a house at 1285 Runge Ave., Blaine, Washington, approx. 1/4 mile downstream from the Blaine Rd. Bridge) to Giles Rd. Bridge CRC (724)

KENDALL CREEK