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Fishing regulations at Hood Canal, 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
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 12 -North of Ayock Point
(see exception for Tarboo Bay, Dosewalips River, Duckabush River, and Hamma Hamma River mouth closures below)
July 10-July 31: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and chum. Bait prohibited and only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
Aug. 1-Oct. 15: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and chum.
Oct. 16-Oct. 31: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook.
Nov. 1-Nov. 30: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and coho.
Area 12 Exceptions
Exposed Tidelands North of Ayock Point
July 1-Sept. 30: North of Ayock Point all waters within channels created by exposed tidelands are CLOSED to fishing for salmon.
Tarboo Bay
Waters of Tarboo Bay north of Broad Spit (northern Dabob Bay).
July 10-Sept. 15: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and chum. Bait prohibited and only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
Sept. 16-Nov. 30: CLOSED.
South of Ayock Point
Skokomish River and Dewatto River mouth closures July 1-Sept. 30: All waters within channels created by exposed tidelands are CLOSED to fishing for salmon.
July 10-Sept. 30: Chinook - min. size 20". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 4. Release chum and wild Chinook. See Mouth Closures on the previous page. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Oct. 1-Oct. 15: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and chum.
Oct. 16-Oct. 31: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook.
Nov. 1-Nov. 30: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and coho.
Hoodsport Hatchery Zone
Waters within a 2,000' arc seaward of the yellow marker buoys at the mouth of Finch Creek. Visitors, please be aware that walk- ing or wading onto private property or tidelands adjacent to the hatchery without permission is considered criminal trespass and will be enforced. Please stay within the state-owned tidelands in front of the hatchery complex. The north and south boundaries are clearly marked by signs and floating buoys for your benefit. Closure of these waters may occur if trespassing continues
July 10-Sept. 30: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release wild Chinook and chum. Night closure.
Oct. 1-Oct. 15: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and chum. Night closure.
Oct 16-Oct. 31: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook. Night closure.
Nov. 1-Nov. 30: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and coho. Night closure.
For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations
ANDERSON 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.
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND STREAMS
all streams on Bainbridge Island
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
BEAVER PONDS
Beaver ponds east of Hwy. 3
- Trout
- First Sat. in June- Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 2.
- Other game fish
- First Sat. in June- Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Beaver ponds on Tahuya Peninsula west of Hwy. 3
- 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.
BIG BEEF CREEK
within 100' of the Seabeck Hwy. NW Big Beef Creek Bridge
- All species
- Selective gear rules. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Aug. 1-Aug. 31
- CLOSED WATERS.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-July 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-July 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
from Seabeck Hwy. Bridge to Lake Symington
- All species
- Selective gear rules. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
from Lake Symington upstream
- 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.
BLACKJACK CREEK
East Kitsap Stream
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
BURLEY CREEK
CRC (708)
- 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.
CHICO CREEK
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CLEAR CREEK
Dyes Inlet Stream
- 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.
DOGFISH CREEK
North Kitsap stream
- 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.
EGLON CREEK
(Silver 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.
GORST CREEK
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
GROVERS CREEK
North Kitsap stream
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
ILLAHEE 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.
KITSAP 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.
LITTLE SCANDIA CREEK
including tributaries
- 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.
OLALLA 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.
SALMONBERRY CREEK
East Kitsap stream
- 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.
WILDCAT 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.
ALEXANDER LAKE
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
BUCK LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
BUFFINGTON POND
- 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.
CARPENTER 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.
ERICKSON POND
- 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.
ERICKSON RESERVOIR
- 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.
HEINS LAKE
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
HORSESHOE LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
KITSAP 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.
KOENEMAN LAKE
(Fern Lake)
- All species
- Selective gear rules. Internal combustion motors prohibited. Two-Pole not allowed.
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Catch-and-release.
LONG 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.
MISSION LAKE
- Smallmouth bass
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 15. Only 1 over 14" may be retained.
- Largemouth bass
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 10. Max. size 12", except 1 over 17" may be retained.
- Channel catfish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 10.
- Walleye
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 16. Only 1 over 22" may be retained.
- Other game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
MISSION LOWER POND
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Min. size 8". Daily limit 2.
- Smallmouth bass
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 15. Only 1 over 14" may be retained.
- Largemouth bass
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 10. Max. size 12", except 1 over 17" may be retained.
- Channel catfish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 10.
- Walleye
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 16. Only 1 over 22" may be retained.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
SPRAGUE POND
- 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.
SYMINGTON, LAKE
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Smallmouth bass
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 15. Only 1 over 14" may be retained.
- Largemouth bass
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 10. Max. size 12", except 1 over 17" may be retained.
- Channel catfish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 10.
- Walleye
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 16. Only 1 over 22" may be retained.
- Other game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
TAHUYA 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.
WILDCAT LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
BIG MISSION 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.
COULTER 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.
TAHUYA RIVER
from mouth to the Belfair Tahuya Rd. Bridge
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
from Belfair Tahuya Rd. Bridge upstream
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
PANTHER LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
TIGER LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
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.
Chinook salmon
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.
WA Snagging
You may not snag or attempt to snag fish. It is unlawful to possess a fish taken from freshwater that was not hooked inside the mouth or on the head. The head is defined as any portion forward of the rear margin of the gill plate.
WA Use of Drugs, Explosives or Poisons
You may not use drugs, explosives, or poison that may kill or injure fish and wildlife.
WA Crossbow
You may not use a crossbow to harvest fish or shellfish.
WA Sale or Barter
You may not offer any recreationally-caught fish or shellfish for sale or barter.
WA All Other Fish
Any fish species not listed are CLOSED to fishing, retaining, or possessing. For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations.
WA Possession and Fishing Rules
You may not fish for or harvest fish or shellfish in an area with catch in your possession that does not meet the rules of that area. However, you may pass through such an area without stopping to fish. Also, you may catch fish in one area and land them at a port in a different area even if that different area is closed or has different rules, with the exception of landing halibut in a closed area, or landing bottom fish caught in Oregon.
WA Harvesting another Person's Limit
You may not harvest any part of another person's daily limit, except for persons who possess a Designated Harvester Companion Card unless otherwise specified.
WA Bait
You may not chum (broadcast feed) to attract Game Fish unless authorized by Special Rules. You many not use salmon, herring, or halibut for anything other than human consumption or fishing bait. It is unlawful to possess or use live aquatic animals as bait, except: (1) Live aquatic animals (other than fish) collected from the water being fished; (2) Live sand shrimp; (3) Live forage fish in the Columbia River (downstream of Rocky Point/Tongue Point).
WA Transport of Live Fish
You may not transport live fish or relocate shellfish or shells into state waters without a permit.
WA Use of a Net
You may not use a net, except when using a dip net to land legally-hooked fish, a forage fish dip net to harvest forage fish.
WA Use of Chemicals
You may not use any type of chemical irritant to harvest fish, or shellfish unless a special exception has been made by the Director.
WA Bow and Arrow, Spear and Spearfishing
You may not fish for Game Fish, salmon, sturgeon, shad, octopus, crab, or other shellfish with bow and arrow, spear, or spearfishing gear unless authorized by Special Rules.
WA Gaff Hooks
You may not use a gaff hook, except to land lingcod (in Marine Areas 1-3 and 4 West of Bonilla-Tatoosh line), halibut, tuna, or dogfish shark that will be retained.
WA Marine All Fishing Gear
All Fishing Gear must be kept in immediate control, and gear may not be left unattended while fishing.
WA Marine Hook & Line Angling
Hook and Line Angling: Unless noted differently, only one line with up to 2 hooks is allowed.
WA Marine Landing a Fish Rules
Landing a Fish: A club or dipnet (landing net) may be used to assist landing a legal fish taken by legal gear. A gaff may only be used to land a legally hooked lingcod (in Marine Areas 1-3 and 4 West of Bonilla-Tatoosh line), halibut, tuna, or dogfish shark that will be retained. Halibut may be shot or harpooned while landing.
WA Marine Downriggers & Rodholders
Downriggers - May be used with a line if the line releases from the downrigger while playing and landing the fish.Rodholders - May be used; the rod must be easily removed without delay; rod may be left in the holder while playing the fish.
WA Marine Electric Reels
Electric Reels: May be used if designed for sport fishing and attached to a fishing rod.
WA Marine Spearfishing
Spearfishing: The diver must be swimming or floating in the water while spearfishing. The use of explosives or bullets attached to the spear ("bang sticks") is prohibited.
WA Cooperation with Data Collection
You must cooperate with data collection or other sampling of fish, shellfish or seaweed upon request of Department of Fish and Wildlife personnel. This includes relinquishing any part of a salmon, steelhead, or other species of fish containing coded-wire tags.
WA Marine Catch & Release
Catch-and-Release Methods: Minimize handling by leaving the fish in the water.Do not net your fish but if you must, use a soft, knotless net or rubber mesh net. Knotless nets are now required in fly fishing only areas and freshwater areas with selective gear rules.Use a hook remover (dehooker) when hooks are imbedded in the mouth or jaw.If a fish has swallowed the hook, cut the leader.Keep fingers away from the eyes and gills of the fish. MARINE AREAS 5 THROUGH 13: It is unlawful to bring wild salmon or a species of salmon aboard a vessel if it is unlawful to retain that salmon (aboard means inside the gunwale of a vessel). MARINE AREA 2-2: It is unlawful to totally remove salmon from the water if it is illegal to retain those fish, except anglers fishing from boats 30 feet or longer as listed on either their state or Coast Guard registration, are exempt.
WA Marine Barbless Hooks
Barbless Hooks are required for all species in Marine Areas 5-13, except forage fish jig gear. When fishing for salmon in Areas 1-13, single-point barbless hooks must be used.
Area 12 -North of Ayock Point
(see exception for Tarboo Bay, Dosewalips River, Duckabush River, and Hamma Hamma River mouth closures below)
July 10-July 31: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and chum. Bait prohibited and only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
Aug. 1-Oct. 15: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and chum.
Oct. 16-Oct. 31: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook.
Nov. 1-Nov. 30: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and coho.
Area 12 Exceptions
Exposed Tidelands North of Ayock Point
July 1-Sept. 30: North of Ayock Point all waters within channels created by exposed tidelands are CLOSED to fishing for salmon.
Tarboo Bay
Waters of Tarboo Bay north of Broad Spit (northern Dabob Bay).
July 10-Sept. 15: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and chum. Bait prohibited and only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
Sept. 16-Nov. 30: CLOSED.
South of Ayock Point
Skokomish River and Dewatto River mouth closures July 1-Sept. 30: All waters within channels created by exposed tidelands are CLOSED to fishing for salmon.
July 10-Sept. 30: Chinook - min. size 20". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 4. Release chum and wild Chinook. See Mouth Closures on the previous page. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Oct. 1-Oct. 15: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and chum.
Oct. 16-Oct. 31: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook.
Nov. 1-Nov. 30: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and coho.
Hoodsport Hatchery Zone
Waters within a 2,000' arc seaward of the yellow marker buoys at the mouth of Finch Creek. Visitors, please be aware that walk- ing or wading onto private property or tidelands adjacent to the hatchery without permission is considered criminal trespass and will be enforced. Please stay within the state-owned tidelands in front of the hatchery complex. The north and south boundaries are clearly marked by signs and floating buoys for your benefit. Closure of these waters may occur if trespassing continues
July 10-Sept. 30: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release wild Chinook and chum. Night closure.
Oct. 1-Oct. 15: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and chum. Night closure.
Oct 16-Oct. 31: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook. Night closure.
Nov. 1-Nov. 30: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and coho. Night closure.
For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations
ANDERSON 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.
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND STREAMS
all streams on Bainbridge Island
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
BEAVER PONDS
Beaver ponds east of Hwy. 3
- Trout
- First Sat. in June- Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 2.
- Other game fish
- First Sat. in June- Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Beaver ponds on Tahuya Peninsula west of Hwy. 3
- 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.
BIG BEEF CREEK
within 100' of the Seabeck Hwy. NW Big Beef Creek Bridge
- All species
- Selective gear rules. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Aug. 1-Aug. 31
- CLOSED WATERS.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-July 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-July 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
from Seabeck Hwy. Bridge to Lake Symington
- All species
- Selective gear rules. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
from Lake Symington upstream
- 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.
BLACKJACK CREEK
East Kitsap Stream
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
BURLEY CREEK
CRC (708)
- 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.
CHICO CREEK
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CLEAR CREEK
Dyes Inlet Stream
- 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.
DOGFISH CREEK
North Kitsap stream
- 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.
EGLON CREEK
(Silver 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.
GORST CREEK
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
GROVERS CREEK
North Kitsap stream
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
ILLAHEE 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.
KITSAP 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.
LITTLE SCANDIA CREEK
including tributaries
- 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.
OLALLA 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.
SALMONBERRY CREEK
East Kitsap stream
- 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.
WILDCAT 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.
ALEXANDER LAKE
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
BUCK LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
BUFFINGTON POND
- 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.
CARPENTER 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.
ERICKSON POND
- 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.
ERICKSON RESERVOIR
- 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.
HEINS LAKE
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
HORSESHOE LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
KITSAP 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.
KOENEMAN LAKE
(Fern Lake)
- All species
- Selective gear rules. Internal combustion motors prohibited. Two-Pole not allowed.
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Catch-and-release.
LONG 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.
MISSION LAKE
- Smallmouth bass
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 15. Only 1 over 14" may be retained.
- Largemouth bass
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 10. Max. size 12", except 1 over 17" may be retained.
- Channel catfish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 10.
- Walleye
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 16. Only 1 over 22" may be retained.
- Other game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
MISSION LOWER POND
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Min. size 8". Daily limit 2.
- Smallmouth bass
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 15. Only 1 over 14" may be retained.
- Largemouth bass
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 10. Max. size 12", except 1 over 17" may be retained.
- Channel catfish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 10.
- Walleye
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 16. Only 1 over 22" may be retained.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
SPRAGUE POND
- 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.
SYMINGTON, LAKE
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Smallmouth bass
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 15. Only 1 over 14" may be retained.
- Largemouth bass
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 10. Max. size 12", except 1 over 17" may be retained.
- Channel catfish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 10.
- Walleye
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 16. Only 1 over 22" may be retained.
- Other game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
TAHUYA 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.
WILDCAT LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
BIG MISSION 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.
COULTER 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.
TAHUYA RIVER
from mouth to the Belfair Tahuya Rd. Bridge
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
from Belfair Tahuya Rd. Bridge upstream
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
PANTHER LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
TIGER LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
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.
Chum 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 12 -North of Ayock Point
(see exception for Tarboo Bay, Dosewalips River, Duckabush River, and Hamma Hamma River mouth closures below)
July 10-July 31: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and chum. Bait prohibited and only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
Aug. 1-Oct. 15: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and chum.
Oct. 16-Oct. 31: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook.
Nov. 1-Nov. 30: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and coho.
Area 12 Exceptions
Exposed Tidelands North of Ayock Point
July 1-Sept. 30: North of Ayock Point all waters within channels created by exposed tidelands are CLOSED to fishing for salmon.
Tarboo Bay
Waters of Tarboo Bay north of Broad Spit (northern Dabob Bay).
July 10-Sept. 15: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and chum. Bait prohibited and only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
Sept. 16-Nov. 30: CLOSED.
South of Ayock Point
Skokomish River and Dewatto River mouth closures July 1-Sept. 30: All waters within channels created by exposed tidelands are CLOSED to fishing for salmon.
July 10-Sept. 30: Chinook - min. size 20". Other salmon species - no min. size. Daily limit 4. Release chum and wild Chinook. See Mouth Closures on the previous page. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement.
Oct. 1-Oct. 15: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and chum.
Oct. 16-Oct. 31: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook.
Nov. 1-Nov. 30: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and coho.
Hoodsport Hatchery Zone
Waters within a 2,000' arc seaward of the yellow marker buoys at the mouth of Finch Creek. Visitors, please be aware that walk- ing or wading onto private property or tidelands adjacent to the hatchery without permission is considered criminal trespass and will be enforced. Please stay within the state-owned tidelands in front of the hatchery complex. The north and south boundaries are clearly marked by signs and floating buoys for your benefit. Closure of these waters may occur if trespassing continues
July 10-Sept. 30: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release wild Chinook and chum. Night closure.
Oct. 1-Oct. 15: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and chum. Night closure.
Oct 16-Oct. 31: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook. Night closure.
Nov. 1-Nov. 30: No min. size. Daily limit 4. Release Chinook and coho. Night closure.
For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations
ANDERSON 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.
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND STREAMS
all streams on Bainbridge Island
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout: min. size 14".
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
BEAVER PONDS
Beaver ponds east of Hwy. 3
- Trout
- First Sat. in June- Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 2.
- Other game fish
- First Sat. in June- Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Beaver ponds on Tahuya Peninsula west of Hwy. 3
- 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.
BIG BEEF CREEK
within 100' of the Seabeck Hwy. NW Big Beef Creek Bridge
- All species
- Selective gear rules. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Aug. 1-Aug. 31
- CLOSED WATERS.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-July 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-July 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
from Seabeck Hwy. Bridge to Lake Symington
- All species
- Selective gear rules. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
from Lake Symington upstream
- 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.
BLACKJACK CREEK
East Kitsap Stream
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
BURLEY CREEK
CRC (708)
- 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.
CHICO CREEK
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
CLEAR CREEK
Dyes Inlet Stream
- 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.
DOGFISH CREEK
North Kitsap stream
- 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.
EGLON CREEK
(Silver 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.
GORST CREEK
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
GROVERS CREEK
North Kitsap stream
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
ILLAHEE 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.
KITSAP 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.
LITTLE SCANDIA CREEK
including tributaries
- 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.
OLALLA 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.
SALMONBERRY CREEK
East Kitsap stream
- 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.
WILDCAT 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.
ALEXANDER LAKE
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
BUCK LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
BUFFINGTON POND
- 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.
CARPENTER 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.
ERICKSON POND
- 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.
ERICKSON RESERVOIR
- 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.
HEINS LAKE
- All species
- CLOSED WATERS.
HORSESHOE LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
KITSAP 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.
KOENEMAN LAKE
(Fern Lake)
- All species
- Selective gear rules. Internal combustion motors prohibited. Two-Pole not allowed.
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Catch-and-release.
LONG 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.
MISSION LAKE
- Smallmouth bass
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 15. Only 1 over 14" may be retained.
- Largemouth bass
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 10. Max. size 12", except 1 over 17" may be retained.
- Channel catfish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 10.
- Walleye
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 16. Only 1 over 22" may be retained.
- Other game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
MISSION LOWER POND
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Min. size 8". Daily limit 2.
- Smallmouth bass
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 15. Only 1 over 14" may be retained.
- Largemouth bass
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 10. Max. size 12", except 1 over 17" may be retained.
- Channel catfish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 10.
- Walleye
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 16. Only 1 over 22" may be retained.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
SPRAGUE POND
- 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.
SYMINGTON, LAKE
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Smallmouth bass
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 15. Only 1 over 14" may be retained.
- Largemouth bass
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 10. Max. size 12", except 1 over 17" may be retained.
- Channel catfish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 10.
- Walleye
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- No min. size. Daily limit 16. Only 1 over 22" may be retained.
- Other game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
TAHUYA 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.
WILDCAT LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
BIG MISSION 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.
COULTER 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.
TAHUYA RIVER
from mouth to the Belfair Tahuya Rd. Bridge
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
- Other game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Aug. 15
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
from Belfair Tahuya Rd. Bridge upstream
- All species
- Selective gear rules.
- All game fish
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
- Trout
- Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout.
PANTHER LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
TIGER LAKE
- All game fish
- 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31
- Statewide min. size/daily limit.
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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