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Fishing regulations at Hale Passage, 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
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.
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
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.
Area 13
Entire Area
Waters and bedlands beginning at the extreme low water line on the northeast side of Fox Island at 47°14.56'N, 122°35.98'W, then 0.5 nautical mile northwesterly along the extreme low water line to 47°14.96'N, 122°36.37'W, then northeast to the 85' contour line, southeast along 85' contour, then southeast along the 85' depth contour to a point on a due northeast-southwest line through the point of origin, then southwest to the point of origin, CLOSED to all harvest, except for fly fishing for salmon allowed.
July 1-Sept. 30: Chinook - min. size 20". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Oct. 1-June 30: Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Area 13 Exceptions
Minter Creek Mouth Area
Waters at Minter Creek mouth within 1,000' of outer oyster stakes.
Apr. 16-Sept. 15: CLOSED
Sept. 16-Sept. 30: Chinook - min. size 20". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Oct. 1-April 15: Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Toliva Shoal
June 16-Apr. 30: closed to fishing for fin fish in waters within 500 yards of the buoy on Toliva Shoal.
May 1-June 15: Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Northern Budd Inlet
Waters of Budd Inlet south of a line projected true west from the KGY Radio Station Tower to the western shore of the inlet and north of a line from the northwest corner of the Thriftway Market building to a point 100 yards north of the railroad bridge located on the western side of the inlet
July 1-July 15: Chinook - min. size 20". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
July 16-Sept. 30: Chinook - min. size 20". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Night closure and anti-snagging rule. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Oct. 1-Oct. 31: Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Night closure and anti-snagging rule. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Nov. 1-June 30: Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Southern Budd Inlet
Waters between the Fourth Ave. Bridge and a line from the northwest corner of the Thriftway Market building to a point 100 yards north of the railroad bridge located on the western side of the inlet
July 1-July 15: Chinook - min. size 20". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
July 16-Oct. 31: CLOSED.
Nov. 1-June 30: Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Fox Island Public Fishing Pier
May 1-June 30: Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2 including no more than 1 Chinook. Release chum.
July 1-Sept. 30: Chinook - min. size 20". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2 including no more than 1 Chinook. Release chum.
Oct. 1-Apr. 30: Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2 including no more than 1 Chinook. Release chum.
For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations
CARBON RIVER
from mouth to Voight Creek CRC (802)
- All species
- Sept. 1-Oct. 31
- Barbless hooks required. Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
- Sept. 1-Sept. 30
- Open Wednesdays through Saturdays only.
- Dec. 1-Jan. 15
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sept. 1-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Dec. 1-Jan. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sept. 1-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Dec. 1-Jan. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Sept. 1-Oct. 31
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adults. Release wild Chinook and chum.
from Voight Creek to Hwy. 162 Bridge CRC (802)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Dec. 1-Jan. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Dec. 1-Jan. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CHAMBERS CREEK
from mouth (Burlington-Northern RR Bridge) to markers 400' below the Boise- Cascade Dam CRC (714)
- All species
- Selective gear rules. Night closure.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Nov. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Nov. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- July 1-Nov. 15
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 4 adults. Release wild coho, wild Chinook and chum.
from markers 400' below the Boise-Cascade Dam to the dam
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from Boise-Cascade Dam to Steilacoom Lake CRC (714)
- All species
- Night closure. 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.
CLARKS CREEK
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
CRESCENT CREEK
- 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.
MASHEL RIVER
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
MINTER CREEK
from mouth to boundary markers (approx. 50' downstream of the hatchery rack) CRC (778)
- All species
- Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Closed.
- Salmon
- Sept. 1-Dec. 31
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6. Up to 4 adults including no more than 2 Chinook or 2 coho or 1 of each may be retained. Release wild coho.
NISQUALLY RIVER
Nisqually River tributaries downstream of Alder Dam unless otherwise listed
- 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.
from mouth to the military tank crossing bridge (located 1 mile upstream of mouth of Muck Creek) CRC (786)
- All species
- Night closure. Barbless hooks required. Anti-snagging rule.
- Aug. 6-Aug. 30
- CLOSED to all fishing Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays; and Aug. 31.
- Sept. 3-Nov. 15
- CLOSED to all fishing Sundays and Mondays.
- Trout
- July 1-Nov. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- July 1-Nov. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- July 1-Nov. 15
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adults. Release wild Chinook, wild coho, and chum.
from the military tank crossing bridge (located 1 mile upstream of mouth of Muck Creek, river mile 12) to 400' below LaGrande Powerhouse CRC (786)
- 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.
PUYALLUP RIVER
from the 11th St. Bridge to 400' downstream of Clark's Creek CRC (804)
- All species
- Aug. 16-Sept. 30
- CLOSED Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Night closure. Anti-snagging rule. Barbless hooks required.
- Trout
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6. Up to 4 adults including no more than 2 Chinook or 2 coho or 1 of each may be retained. Release chum and wild Chinook.
from 400' downstream to 400' upstream of Clark's Creek
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from 400' upstream of Clark's Creek to East Main Bridge CRC (804)
- All species
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Barbless hooks required. Night closure. Anti-snagging rule.
- Aug. 16-Sept. 30
- CLOSED Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.
- Trout
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6. Up to 4 adults including no more than 2 Chinook or 2 coho or 1 of each may be retained. Release chum and wild Chinook.
from East Main Bridge to Carbon River CRC (804)
- All species
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Barbless hooks required. Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
- Aug. 16-Sept. 30
- CLOSED Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.
- Trout
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6. Up to 4 adults including no more than 2 Chinook or 2 coho or 1 of each may be retained. Release chum and wild Chinook.
from Carbon River upstream CRC (804)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
SOUTH PRAIRIE CREEK
from mouth to the City of Buckley diversion dam
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
VOIGHT CREEK
From the mouth to Hwy. 162 Bridge
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
WILKESON CREEK
from mouth to the confluence with Gale Creek
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
AMERICAN LAKE
- All species
- Chumming permitted.
- Kokanee
- Year-round
- No min. size. Combined daily limit of trout and kokanee is 5.
- Trout
- Year-round
- No min. size. Combined daily limit of trout and kokanee is 5.
- Other game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
BRADLEY LAKE
- All species
- Two-Pole not allowed. Open for juvenile anglers, senior anglers and anglers with a disability who possess a designated harvester companion card only.
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CHAMBERS LAKE
within Military reservation: contact Joint-Base Lewis/McCord at 253-967-6277 for a land use permit
- All species
- Selective gear rules. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Trout
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- 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.
CLEAR LAKE
- All species
- Chumming permitted.
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CRESCENT LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
DE COURSEY POND
- All species
- Open for juvenile anglers, senior anglers and anglers with a disability who possess a designated harvester companion card only. Two-Pole not allowed.
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
JACKSON LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
LAKE KAPOWSIN
- 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.
MUCK LAKES
- 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.
OHOP LAKE
- All species
- Two-Pole not allowed.
- 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.
RAPJOHN LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
SILVER LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
SPANAWAY LAKE AND OUTLET
downstream to the dam (approx. 800')
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
STEILACOOM 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.
TANWAX LAKE
- All species
- Two-Pole not allowed.
- Crappie
- Year-round
- Min. size 9". Daily limit 10.
- Other game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
TAPPS, LAKE (RESERVOIR)
and intake canal (open area includes intake canal to within 400' of screen at Dingle Basin)
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
WAPATO LAKE
- All species
- Two-Pole not allowed. Open for juvenile anglers, senior anglers and anglers with a disability who possess a designated harvester companion card only.
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CASCADE WATER ALLIANCE CANAL
from R St. Bridge to Hwy. 410 Bridge at Buckley CRC (808)
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
CLEARWATER RIVER
- 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.
GREENWATER RIVER
from mouth to Greenwater Lakes
- Whitefish
- Dec. 1-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Whitefish gear rules.
WHITE (STUCK) RIVER
whole stream, except the Cascade Water Alliance canal CRC (808)
- All game fish
- Oct. 1-Oct. 31
- Night closure. Catch-and-release. Selective gear rules.
- Whitefish
- Dec. 1-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Whitefish gear rules.
Cascade Water Alliance canal, including the screen bypass channel above the screen at Dingle Basin
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
ROCKY CREEK
- 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.
CARNEY LAKE
- All species
- Launching boats with internal combustion motors prohibited.
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Landlocked salmon rules.
Coho 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.
Area 13
Entire Area
Waters and bedlands beginning at the extreme low water line on the northeast side of Fox Island at 47°14.56'N, 122°35.98'W, then 0.5 nautical mile northwesterly along the extreme low water line to 47°14.96'N, 122°36.37'W, then northeast to the 85' contour line, southeast along 85' contour, then southeast along the 85' depth contour to a point on a due northeast-southwest line through the point of origin, then southwest to the point of origin, CLOSED to all harvest, except for fly fishing for salmon allowed.
July 1-Sept. 30: Chinook - min. size 20". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Oct. 1-June 30: Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Area 13 Exceptions
Minter Creek Mouth Area
Waters at Minter Creek mouth within 1,000' of outer oyster stakes.
Apr. 16-Sept. 15: CLOSED
Sept. 16-Sept. 30: Chinook - min. size 20". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Oct. 1-April 15: Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Toliva Shoal
June 16-Apr. 30: closed to fishing for fin fish in waters within 500 yards of the buoy on Toliva Shoal.
May 1-June 15: Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Northern Budd Inlet
Waters of Budd Inlet south of a line projected true west from the KGY Radio Station Tower to the western shore of the inlet and north of a line from the northwest corner of the Thriftway Market building to a point 100 yards north of the railroad bridge located on the western side of the inlet
July 1-July 15: Chinook - min. size 20". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
July 16-Sept. 30: Chinook - min. size 20". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Night closure and anti-snagging rule. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Oct. 1-Oct. 31: Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Night closure and anti-snagging rule. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Nov. 1-June 30: Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Southern Budd Inlet
Waters between the Fourth Ave. Bridge and a line from the northwest corner of the Thriftway Market building to a point 100 yards north of the railroad bridge located on the western side of the inlet
July 1-July 15: Chinook - min. size 20". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
July 16-Oct. 31: CLOSED.
Nov. 1-June 30: Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2. Release chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Fox Island Public Fishing Pier
May 1-June 30: Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2 including no more than 1 Chinook. Release chum.
July 1-Sept. 30: Chinook - min. size 20". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2 including no more than 1 Chinook. Release chum.
Oct. 1-Apr. 30: Chinook - min. size 22". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 2 including no more than 1 Chinook. Release chum.
For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations
CARBON RIVER
from mouth to Voight Creek CRC (802)
- All species
- Sept. 1-Oct. 31
- Barbless hooks required. Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
- Sept. 1-Sept. 30
- Open Wednesdays through Saturdays only.
- Dec. 1-Jan. 15
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sept. 1-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Dec. 1-Jan. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sept. 1-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Dec. 1-Jan. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Sept. 1-Oct. 31
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adults. Release wild Chinook and chum.
from Voight Creek to Hwy. 162 Bridge CRC (802)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Dec. 1-Jan. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Dec. 1-Jan. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CHAMBERS CREEK
from mouth (Burlington-Northern RR Bridge) to markers 400' below the Boise- Cascade Dam CRC (714)
- All species
- Selective gear rules. Night closure.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Nov. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Nov. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- July 1-Nov. 15
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 4 adults. Release wild coho, wild Chinook and chum.
from markers 400' below the Boise-Cascade Dam to the dam
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from Boise-Cascade Dam to Steilacoom Lake CRC (714)
- All species
- Night closure. 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.
CLARKS CREEK
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
CRESCENT CREEK
- 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.
MASHEL RIVER
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
MINTER CREEK
from mouth to boundary markers (approx. 50' downstream of the hatchery rack) CRC (778)
- All species
- Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Closed.
- Salmon
- Sept. 1-Dec. 31
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6. Up to 4 adults including no more than 2 Chinook or 2 coho or 1 of each may be retained. Release wild coho.
NISQUALLY RIVER
Nisqually River tributaries downstream of Alder Dam unless otherwise listed
- 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.
from mouth to the military tank crossing bridge (located 1 mile upstream of mouth of Muck Creek) CRC (786)
- All species
- Night closure. Barbless hooks required. Anti-snagging rule.
- Aug. 6-Aug. 30
- CLOSED to all fishing Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays; and Aug. 31.
- Sept. 3-Nov. 15
- CLOSED to all fishing Sundays and Mondays.
- Trout
- July 1-Nov. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- July 1-Nov. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- July 1-Nov. 15
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adults. Release wild Chinook, wild coho, and chum.
from the military tank crossing bridge (located 1 mile upstream of mouth of Muck Creek, river mile 12) to 400' below LaGrande Powerhouse CRC (786)
- 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.
PUYALLUP RIVER
from the 11th St. Bridge to 400' downstream of Clark's Creek CRC (804)
- All species
- Aug. 16-Sept. 30
- CLOSED Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Night closure. Anti-snagging rule. Barbless hooks required.
- Trout
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6. Up to 4 adults including no more than 2 Chinook or 2 coho or 1 of each may be retained. Release chum and wild Chinook.
from 400' downstream to 400' upstream of Clark's Creek
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
from 400' upstream of Clark's Creek to East Main Bridge CRC (804)
- All species
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Barbless hooks required. Night closure. Anti-snagging rule.
- Aug. 16-Sept. 30
- CLOSED Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.
- Trout
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6. Up to 4 adults including no more than 2 Chinook or 2 coho or 1 of each may be retained. Release chum and wild Chinook.
from East Main Bridge to Carbon River CRC (804)
- All species
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Barbless hooks required. Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
- Aug. 16-Sept. 30
- CLOSED Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.
- Trout
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- Aug. 16-Oct. 31
- Min. size 12". Daily limit 6. Up to 4 adults including no more than 2 Chinook or 2 coho or 1 of each may be retained. Release chum and wild Chinook.
from Carbon River upstream CRC (804)
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Jan. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
SOUTH PRAIRIE CREEK
from mouth to the City of Buckley diversion dam
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
VOIGHT CREEK
From the mouth to Hwy. 162 Bridge
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
WILKESON CREEK
from mouth to the confluence with Gale Creek
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
AMERICAN LAKE
- All species
- Chumming permitted.
- Kokanee
- Year-round
- No min. size. Combined daily limit of trout and kokanee is 5.
- Trout
- Year-round
- No min. size. Combined daily limit of trout and kokanee is 5.
- Other game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
BRADLEY LAKE
- All species
- Two-Pole not allowed. Open for juvenile anglers, senior anglers and anglers with a disability who possess a designated harvester companion card only.
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CHAMBERS LAKE
within Military reservation: contact Joint-Base Lewis/McCord at 253-967-6277 for a land use permit
- All species
- Selective gear rules. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Trout
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- 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.
CLEAR LAKE
- All species
- Chumming permitted.
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CRESCENT LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
DE COURSEY POND
- All species
- Open for juvenile anglers, senior anglers and anglers with a disability who possess a designated harvester companion card only. Two-Pole not allowed.
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
JACKSON LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
LAKE KAPOWSIN
- 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.
MUCK LAKES
- 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.
OHOP LAKE
- All species
- Two-Pole not allowed.
- 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.
RAPJOHN LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
SILVER LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
SPANAWAY LAKE AND OUTLET
downstream to the dam (approx. 800')
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
STEILACOOM 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.
TANWAX LAKE
- All species
- Two-Pole not allowed.
- Crappie
- Year-round
- Min. size 9". Daily limit 10.
- Other game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
TAPPS, LAKE (RESERVOIR)
and intake canal (open area includes intake canal to within 400' of screen at Dingle Basin)
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
WAPATO LAKE
- All species
- Two-Pole not allowed. Open for juvenile anglers, senior anglers and anglers with a disability who possess a designated harvester companion card only.
- All game fish
- Year-round
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CASCADE WATER ALLIANCE CANAL
from R St. Bridge to Hwy. 410 Bridge at Buckley CRC (808)
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
CLEARWATER RIVER
- 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.
GREENWATER RIVER
from mouth to Greenwater Lakes
- Whitefish
- Dec. 1-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Whitefish gear rules.
WHITE (STUCK) RIVER
whole stream, except the Cascade Water Alliance canal CRC (808)
- All game fish
- Oct. 1-Oct. 31
- Night closure. Catch-and-release. Selective gear rules.
- Whitefish
- Dec. 1-Last Day of Feb.
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Whitefish gear rules.
Cascade Water Alliance canal, including the screen bypass channel above the screen at Dingle Basin
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
ROCKY CREEK
- 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.
CARNEY LAKE
- All species
- Launching boats with internal combustion motors prohibited.
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Salmon
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Landlocked salmon rules.
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