Top fish species at Potholes Canal

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Coho salmon

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Smallmouth bass

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Walleye

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Rainbow trout

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Rainbow trout

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General info

Potholes Canal is a swamp located in Franklin County, Washington, United States. It is also intersecting with Benton County, Washington. It is most popular for fishing Rainbow trout, Largemouth bass, and Coho salmon.

Location

46°31′14″N 119°09′43.5″W
Directions

When are Largemouth Bass biting on Potholes Canal?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Potholes Canal. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.

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Fishing regulations at Potholes 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

Season open: year-round
Rainbow trout

Rainbow trout

Regulation boundaryWA Washington State Waters
Bag limit2

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.

Min size8" (Total Length)

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.

Aggregate limit2

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Restrictions & requirements

WA Non-game and Food Fish

You may not harvest in freshwater any fish not classified as a Food Fish or Game Fish except for Northern pike.

WA Snagging

You may not snag or attempt to snag fish. It is unlawful to possess a fish taken from freshwater that was not hooked inside the mouth or on the head. The head is defined as any portion forward of the rear margin of the gill plate.

WA Use of Drugs, Explosives or Poisons

You may not use drugs, explosives, or poison that may kill or injure fish and wildlife.

WA Crossbow

You may not use a crossbow to harvest fish or shellfish.

WA Sale or Barter

You may not offer any recreationally-caught fish or shellfish for sale or barter.

WA Possession and Fishing Rules

You may not fish for or harvest fish or shellfish in an area with catch in your possession that does not meet the rules of that area. However, you may pass through such an area without stopping to fish. Also, you may catch fish in one area and land them at a port in a different area even if that different area is closed or has different rules, with the exception of landing halibut in a closed area, or landing bottom fish caught in Oregon.

WA Harvesting another Person's Limit

You may not harvest any part of another person's daily limit, except for persons who possess a Designated Harvester Companion Card unless otherwise specified. 

WA Bait

You may not chum (broadcast feed) to attract Game Fish unless authorized by Special Rules. You many not use salmon, herring, or halibut for anything other than human consumption or fishing bait. It is unlawful to possess or use live aquatic animals as bait, except: (1) Live aquatic animals (other than fish) collected from the water being fished; (2) Live sand shrimp; (3) Live forage fish in the Columbia River (downstream of Rocky Point/Tongue Point).

WA Transport of Live Fish

You may not transport live fish or relocate shellfish or shells into state waters without a permit.

WA Use of a Net

You may not use a net, except when using a dip net to land legally-hooked fish, a forage fish dip net to harvest forage fish.

WA Use of Chemicals

You may not use any type of chemical irritant to harvest fish, or shellfish unless a special exception has been made by the Director. 

WA Bow and Arrow, Spear and Spearfishing

You may not fish for Game Fish, salmon, sturgeon, shad, octopus, crab, or other shellfish with bow and arrow, spear, or spearfishing gear unless authorized by Special Rules.

WA Gaff Hooks

You may not use a gaff hook, except to land lingcod (in Marine Areas 1-3 and 4 West of Bonilla-Tatoosh line), halibut, tuna, or dogfish shark that will be retained. 

WA Season for Fishing Rivers Streams and Beaver Ponds

Rivers, streams and beaver ponds are open the Saturday before Memorial Day through October 31. Beaver ponds located within or connected to streams listed as open to trout and other game fish follow the same rules as the stream. Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs are open to fishing for game fish (except Dolly Varden/bull trout and grass carp) year-round.

WA Hook and Line Angling

Hook and line angling only. Barbed or barbless hooks may be used, and a hook may be single- point, double, or treble, but not more than one line with up to three hooks per angler may be used. 

WA Cooperation with Data Collection

You must cooperate with data collection or other sampling of fish, shellfish or seaweed upon request of Department of Fish and Wildlife personnel. This includes relinquishing any part of a salmon, steelhead, or other species of fish containing coded-wire tags. 

Additional information
The combined daily limit for an angler that fishes in both rivers and lakes on the same day is 5 trout, no more than 2 may be from rivers. Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Golden Trout, Tiger Trout, and Grayling:In rivers, streams, and beaver ponds: Min. size 8". Daily limit 2.In lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: No min. size.Daily limit 5. When fishing with bait, all trout that are lawful to possess and are equal to or greater than the minimum size are counted as part of the daily limit whether kept or released.For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations
Edibility
Excellent
Synonyms
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Location specific information
ESQUATZEL COULEEAll game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit. ESQUATZEL COULEE, WEST BRANCHAll game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit. RINGOLD SPRINGS HATCHERY CREEKAll speciesCLOSED WATERS. SOUTH COLUMBIA BASIN IRRIGATION PE 16.4 SPILLWAYfrom the South Columbia Basin Irrigation PE16.4 spillway at the Ringold Springs access downstream 400' towards the Columbia River (46°30'20.0"N 119°15'28.7"W)All speciesCLOSED WATERS. POWERLINE LAKETroutYear-roundMin. size 14". Daily limit 2.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit. PALOUSE RIVERfrom mouth to the base of Palouse Falls CRC (652)All speciesJune 16-Aug. 31Two-Pole allowed. Except: It is not permissible to fish with two poles for steelhead.TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 16-July 31Closed.Aug. 1-Apr. 15Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.upstream of Palouse Falls, including tributaries (Washington waters only) except Rock Creek and Hog Canyon Creek CRC (652)All game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit. SNAKE RIVERA W fisa hsh din owgt no sn rl eic ae mn s Se i as r ee q Ru (ir we ed State Hwy. 128 95 to t n k . s t o A i In Def n /tt WhI Ih ud dee Ara eCs h bdt lo oa e tt al uoe i rc w fieb dsn ao ahatsu re e ytn r i d ws R ena .r Sr e ty ntq ol rui sn ki .r ee le ) Rd. t no efi s ish Cla r Wk 1s 2Aton , e k a n SI I I I I I II eI I I I I I I I II I I II C 1le a mrw ia l,t ee Ir DRiver R A n a h o r W s h i g n i c e s v i L w i s t o n r q i o n h a e a . r e 0from the Burbank to Pasco railroad bridge at Snake River mile 1.25 to the down- stream end of Goose Island CRC (640)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.from the downstream end of Goose Island to 400' below Ice Harbor Dam CRC (640)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonMay 1-Aug. 31Closed.Sept. 1-Apr. 30Catch-and-release. Night closure.within 400' of the base of Ice Harbor DamAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.Ice Harbor Dam to 400' below Lower Monument Dam CRC (642)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.400' below Lower Monument DamAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.Lower Monument Dam to Little Goose Dam CRC (644)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.400' radius around the fish ladder entrance at Lyons Ferry HatcheryAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.an area 1,200' downstream from the base of the west lock gate at Little Goose Dam on the south bank of the Snake River and 100' out into the river from said river bankAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.400' below Little Goose DamAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.Little Goose Dam to Lower Granite Dam CRC (646)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.400' below Lower Granite DamAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.Lower Granite Dam to Washington/Idaho state line in Clarkston CRC (648)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.200' radius upstream of the fish ladder exit above Lower Granite DamAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.from WA/ID state line in Clarkston to Bridge St. Bridge (Blue Bridge) in Clarkston CRC (650)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.from Bridge St. Bridge (Blue Bridge) in Clarkston to OR/ID border CRC (650)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.
Season open: year-round
Largemouth bass

Largemouth bass

Regulation boundaryWA Washington State Waters
Bag limit5

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.

Max size12" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.

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.

Memorable / trophy limits1 > 17

The maximum number of trophy individuals legally harvested per harvester per day. A trophy is any individual of a length greater than the max size limit. Trophy individuals are included in the daily bag limit unless stated otherwise.

Restrictions & requirements

WA Non-game and Food Fish

You may not harvest in freshwater any fish not classified as a Food Fish or Game Fish except for Northern pike.

WA Snagging

You may not snag or attempt to snag fish. It is unlawful to possess a fish taken from freshwater that was not hooked inside the mouth or on the head. The head is defined as any portion forward of the rear margin of the gill plate.

WA Use of Drugs, Explosives or Poisons

You may not use drugs, explosives, or poison that may kill or injure fish and wildlife.

WA Crossbow

You may not use a crossbow to harvest fish or shellfish.

WA Sale or Barter

You may not offer any recreationally-caught fish or shellfish for sale or barter.

WA Possession and Fishing Rules

You may not fish for or harvest fish or shellfish in an area with catch in your possession that does not meet the rules of that area. However, you may pass through such an area without stopping to fish. Also, you may catch fish in one area and land them at a port in a different area even if that different area is closed or has different rules, with the exception of landing halibut in a closed area, or landing bottom fish caught in Oregon.

WA Harvesting another Person's Limit

You may not harvest any part of another person's daily limit, except for persons who possess a Designated Harvester Companion Card unless otherwise specified. 

WA Bait

You may not chum (broadcast feed) to attract Game Fish unless authorized by Special Rules. You many not use salmon, herring, or halibut for anything other than human consumption or fishing bait. It is unlawful to possess or use live aquatic animals as bait, except: (1) Live aquatic animals (other than fish) collected from the water being fished; (2) Live sand shrimp; (3) Live forage fish in the Columbia River (downstream of Rocky Point/Tongue Point).

WA Transport of Live Fish

You may not transport live fish or relocate shellfish or shells into state waters without a permit.

WA Use of a Net

You may not use a net, except when using a dip net to land legally-hooked fish, a forage fish dip net to harvest forage fish.

WA Use of Chemicals

You may not use any type of chemical irritant to harvest fish, or shellfish unless a special exception has been made by the Director. 

WA Bow and Arrow, Spear and Spearfishing

You may not fish for Game Fish, salmon, sturgeon, shad, octopus, crab, or other shellfish with bow and arrow, spear, or spearfishing gear unless authorized by Special Rules.

WA Gaff Hooks

You may not use a gaff hook, except to land lingcod (in Marine Areas 1-3 and 4 West of Bonilla-Tatoosh line), halibut, tuna, or dogfish shark that will be retained. 

WA Season for Fishing Rivers Streams and Beaver Ponds

Rivers, streams and beaver ponds are open the Saturday before Memorial Day through October 31. Beaver ponds located within or connected to streams listed as open to trout and other game fish follow the same rules as the stream. Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs are open to fishing for game fish (except Dolly Varden/bull trout and grass carp) year-round.

WA Hook and Line Angling

Hook and line angling only. Barbed or barbless hooks may be used, and a hook may be single- point, double, or treble, but not more than one line with up to three hooks per angler may be used. 

WA Cooperation with Data Collection

You must cooperate with data collection or other sampling of fish, shellfish or seaweed upon request of Department of Fish and Wildlife personnel. This includes relinquishing any part of a salmon, steelhead, or other species of fish containing coded-wire tags. 

Additional information
No min. size in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Only largemouth bass less than 12" may be retained, except 1 over 17" may be retained. Daily limit 5. No size restriction/daily limit in rivers, streams, and beaver ponds.For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations
Edibility
Very good Catch, Clean, Cook Largemouth Bass by BlueGabe
Synonyms
Micropterus nigricans
Location specific information
ESQUATZEL COULEEAll game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit. ESQUATZEL COULEE, WEST BRANCHAll game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit. RINGOLD SPRINGS HATCHERY CREEKAll speciesCLOSED WATERS. SOUTH COLUMBIA BASIN IRRIGATION PE 16.4 SPILLWAYfrom the South Columbia Basin Irrigation PE16.4 spillway at the Ringold Springs access downstream 400' towards the Columbia River (46°30'20.0"N 119°15'28.7"W)All speciesCLOSED WATERS. POWERLINE LAKETroutYear-roundMin. size 14". Daily limit 2.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit. PALOUSE RIVERfrom mouth to the base of Palouse Falls CRC (652)All speciesJune 16-Aug. 31Two-Pole allowed. Except: It is not permissible to fish with two poles for steelhead.TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 16-July 31Closed.Aug. 1-Apr. 15Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.upstream of Palouse Falls, including tributaries (Washington waters only) except Rock Creek and Hog Canyon Creek CRC (652)All game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit. SNAKE RIVERA W fisa hsh din owgt no sn rl eic ae mn s Se i as r ee q Ru (ir we ed State Hwy. 128 95 to t n k . s t o A i In Def n /tt WhI Ih ud dee Ara eCs h bdt lo oa e tt al uoe i rc w fieb dsn ao ahatsu re e ytn r i d ws R ena .r Sr e ty ntq ol rui sn ki .r ee le ) Rd. t no efi s ish Cla r Wk 1s 2Aton , e k a n SI I I I I I II eI I I I I I I I II I I II C 1le a mrw ia l,t ee Ir DRiver R A n a h o r W s h i g n i c e s v i L w i s t o n r q i o n h a e a . r e 0from the Burbank to Pasco railroad bridge at Snake River mile 1.25 to the down- stream end of Goose Island CRC (640)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.from the downstream end of Goose Island to 400' below Ice Harbor Dam CRC (640)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonMay 1-Aug. 31Closed.Sept. 1-Apr. 30Catch-and-release. Night closure.within 400' of the base of Ice Harbor DamAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.Ice Harbor Dam to 400' below Lower Monument Dam CRC (642)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.400' below Lower Monument DamAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.Lower Monument Dam to Little Goose Dam CRC (644)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.400' radius around the fish ladder entrance at Lyons Ferry HatcheryAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.an area 1,200' downstream from the base of the west lock gate at Little Goose Dam on the south bank of the Snake River and 100' out into the river from said river bankAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.400' below Little Goose DamAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.Little Goose Dam to Lower Granite Dam CRC (646)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.400' below Lower Granite DamAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.Lower Granite Dam to Washington/Idaho state line in Clarkston CRC (648)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.200' radius upstream of the fish ladder exit above Lower Granite DamAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.from WA/ID state line in Clarkston to Bridge St. Bridge (Blue Bridge) in Clarkston CRC (650)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.from Bridge St. Bridge (Blue Bridge) in Clarkston to OR/ID border CRC (650)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.
Season open: year-round
Coho salmon

Coho salmon

Regulation boundaryWA Washington State Waters
Bag limit0

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Restrictions & requirements

WA Non-game and Food Fish

You may not harvest in freshwater any fish not classified as a Food Fish or Game Fish except for Northern pike.

WA Snagging

You may not snag or attempt to snag fish. It is unlawful to possess a fish taken from freshwater that was not hooked inside the mouth or on the head. The head is defined as any portion forward of the rear margin of the gill plate.

WA Use of Drugs, Explosives or Poisons

You may not use drugs, explosives, or poison that may kill or injure fish and wildlife.

WA Crossbow

You may not use a crossbow to harvest fish or shellfish.

WA Sale or Barter

You may not offer any recreationally-caught fish or shellfish for sale or barter.

WA Possession and Fishing Rules

You may not fish for or harvest fish or shellfish in an area with catch in your possession that does not meet the rules of that area. However, you may pass through such an area without stopping to fish. Also, you may catch fish in one area and land them at a port in a different area even if that different area is closed or has different rules, with the exception of landing halibut in a closed area, or landing bottom fish caught in Oregon.

WA Harvesting another Person's Limit

You may not harvest any part of another person's daily limit, except for persons who possess a Designated Harvester Companion Card unless otherwise specified. 

WA Bait

You may not chum (broadcast feed) to attract Game Fish unless authorized by Special Rules. You many not use salmon, herring, or halibut for anything other than human consumption or fishing bait. It is unlawful to possess or use live aquatic animals as bait, except: (1) Live aquatic animals (other than fish) collected from the water being fished; (2) Live sand shrimp; (3) Live forage fish in the Columbia River (downstream of Rocky Point/Tongue Point).

WA Transport of Live Fish

You may not transport live fish or relocate shellfish or shells into state waters without a permit.

WA Use of a Net

You may not use a net, except when using a dip net to land legally-hooked fish, a forage fish dip net to harvest forage fish.

WA Use of Chemicals

You may not use any type of chemical irritant to harvest fish, or shellfish unless a special exception has been made by the Director. 

WA Bow and Arrow, Spear and Spearfishing

You may not fish for Game Fish, salmon, sturgeon, shad, octopus, crab, or other shellfish with bow and arrow, spear, or spearfishing gear unless authorized by Special Rules.

WA Gaff Hooks

You may not use a gaff hook, except to land lingcod (in Marine Areas 1-3 and 4 West of Bonilla-Tatoosh line), halibut, tuna, or dogfish shark that will be retained. 

WA Season for Fishing Rivers Streams and Beaver Ponds

Rivers, streams and beaver ponds are open the Saturday before Memorial Day through October 31. Beaver ponds located within or connected to streams listed as open to trout and other game fish follow the same rules as the stream. Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs are open to fishing for game fish (except Dolly Varden/bull trout and grass carp) year-round.

WA Hook and Line Angling

Hook and line angling only. Barbed or barbless hooks may be used, and a hook may be single- point, double, or treble, but not more than one line with up to three hooks per angler may be used. 

WA Cooperation with Data Collection

You must cooperate with data collection or other sampling of fish, shellfish or seaweed upon request of Department of Fish and Wildlife personnel. This includes relinquishing any part of a salmon, steelhead, or other species of fish containing coded-wire tags. 

Additional information
See special areas for limits.For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations Anglers may not continue to fish for salmon after the adult portion of the daily limit has been retained.Possession limit — 2 daily limits in fresh form. An additional 40 pounds of salmon may be possessed in frozen or processed form. Atlantic salmon may be retained during any open trout or salmon fishery. There is no size limit or daily limit for Atlantic salmon.For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations It is unlawful to totally remove a salmon, steelhead, Dolly Varden/bull trout from the water if it is unlawful to retain or if the angler subsequently releases the fish, except within the Columbia River downstream from a line between Rocky Point and Tongue Point.For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations You must fill out your Catch Record Card immediately upon retaining salmon, steelhead, halibut, or sturgeon and return your Catch Record Card when you are done fishing or by the date printed on your card, even if nothing was caught. For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations You may not land both a Canadian and a Washington limit of salmon on the same day (one or the other, but not both).For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations You may not remove eggs from a salmon to use or preserve them for bait without retaining the carcass from which the eggs were removed or possess sturgeon eggs in the field without having retained the intact carcass of the fish from which the eggs were removed. For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations
Edibility
Very good
Synonyms
Oncorhynchus kisutch, Silver Salmon
Location specific information
ESQUATZEL COULEEAll game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit. ESQUATZEL COULEE, WEST BRANCHAll game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit. RINGOLD SPRINGS HATCHERY CREEKAll speciesCLOSED WATERS. SOUTH COLUMBIA BASIN IRRIGATION PE 16.4 SPILLWAYfrom the South Columbia Basin Irrigation PE16.4 spillway at the Ringold Springs access downstream 400' towards the Columbia River (46°30'20.0"N 119°15'28.7"W)All speciesCLOSED WATERS. POWERLINE LAKETroutYear-roundMin. size 14". Daily limit 2.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit. PALOUSE RIVERfrom mouth to the base of Palouse Falls CRC (652)All speciesJune 16-Aug. 31Two-Pole allowed. Except: It is not permissible to fish with two poles for steelhead.TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 16-July 31Closed.Aug. 1-Apr. 15Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.upstream of Palouse Falls, including tributaries (Washington waters only) except Rock Creek and Hog Canyon Creek CRC (652)All game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit. SNAKE RIVERA W fisa hsh din owgt no sn rl eic ae mn s Se i as r ee q Ru (ir we ed State Hwy. 128 95 to t n k . s t o A i In Def n /tt WhI Ih ud dee Ara eCs h bdt lo oa e tt al uoe i rc w fieb dsn ao ahatsu re e ytn r i d ws R ena .r Sr e ty ntq ol rui sn ki .r ee le ) Rd. t no efi s ish Cla r Wk 1s 2Aton , e k a n SI I I I I I II eI I I I I I I I II I I II C 1le a mrw ia l,t ee Ir DRiver R A n a h o r W s h i g n i c e s v i L w i s t o n r q i o n h a e a . r e 0from the Burbank to Pasco railroad bridge at Snake River mile 1.25 to the down- stream end of Goose Island CRC (640)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.from the downstream end of Goose Island to 400' below Ice Harbor Dam CRC (640)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonMay 1-Aug. 31Closed.Sept. 1-Apr. 30Catch-and-release. Night closure.within 400' of the base of Ice Harbor DamAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.Ice Harbor Dam to 400' below Lower Monument Dam CRC (642)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.400' below Lower Monument DamAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.Lower Monument Dam to Little Goose Dam CRC (644)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.400' radius around the fish ladder entrance at Lyons Ferry HatcheryAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.an area 1,200' downstream from the base of the west lock gate at Little Goose Dam on the south bank of the Snake River and 100' out into the river from said river bankAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.400' below Little Goose DamAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.Little Goose Dam to Lower Granite Dam CRC (646)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.400' below Lower Granite DamAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.Lower Granite Dam to Washington/Idaho state line in Clarkston CRC (648)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.200' radius upstream of the fish ladder exit above Lower Granite DamAll speciesCLOSED WATERS.from WA/ID state line in Clarkston to Bridge St. Bridge (Blue Bridge) in Clarkston CRC (650)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.from Bridge St. Bridge (Blue Bridge) in Clarkston to OR/ID border CRC (650)All speciesBarbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).TroutSat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31Statewide min. size/daily limit.Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial DayClosed.Steelhead (hatchery)Apr. 1-June 30Closed.July 1-Aug. 31Catch-and-release.Sept. 1-Mar. 31Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.Other game fishYear-roundStatewide min. size/daily limit.SturgeonYear-roundCatch-and-release.
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FAQ about Potholes Canal fishing

📍 Where is Potholes Canal located?
Potholes Canal is a swamp located in Franklin County, Washington, United States. It is also intersecting with Benton County, Washington. Its coordinates are:
46°31′14″N 119°09′43.5″W
.
🎣 Where on Potholes Canal is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Potholes Canal by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in Potholes Canal?
The most common species in Potholes Canal are:
📢 What are the latest Potholes Canal fishing reports?
The latest Potholes Canal fishing reports are:
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at Potholes Canal?

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

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

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

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

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