Fishing in Washington State is a popular pastime, with numerous lakes, rivers, and coastal areas offering a wide range of fishing opportunities. However, to ensure the sustainability of fish populations and the safety of anglers, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has established a set of rules and regulations that must be followed. The WDFW updates its rules and regulations annually, and a pamphlet is available on their website that outlines the specific rules for different types of fishing, including freshwater and marine fishing. It is essential to familiarize yourself with these rules to avoid any fines or penalties. One of the key aspects of fishing in Washington State is the harvest and possession rules. These rules dictate what can and cannot be caught, as well as the minimum and maximum size limits, weight limits, and sex restrictions. Here are some of the key things you need to know:
- Cleaning or portioning fish or shellfish while in the field is allowed, but there are some exceptions.
- Anglers must use a rod holder to keep their rod in place while playing or landing a fish.
- Electric-powered reels are allowed, but downriggers are not.
- Fish in closed waters and retain wild steelhead are prohibited.
- Dolly Varden/bull trout can be retained in certain areas, but this is subject to special rules.
- Pacific lamprey, western brook lamprey, and river lamprey are prohibited, as are the use of these species for bait.
- Harvesting in freshwater is restricted to certain species, including food fish and game fish.
- Certain species, such as canary rockfish and green sturgeon, are protected and cannot be harvested.
- Eulachon (Columbia River Smelt) can only be harvested under emergency regulations.
- Fishing for or possessing fish or shellfish in closed areas is prohibited.
- Intentionally wasting fish or shellfish is a serious offense.
- Using salmon or herring for anything other than human consumption or fishing bait is prohibited.
- Fishing for salmon after the daily limit has been retained is prohibited.
- Fishing for or harassing fish within 400 feet of a man-made dam, fish ladder, or other obstruction is prohibited.
- Harvesting any part of another person’s daily limit is prohibited, except for designated harvester companions.
- Chumming to attract game fish is prohibited unless authorized by special rules.
- Removing eggs from salmon to use or preserve them for bait without retaining the carcass is prohibited.
- Transporting live fish or relocating shellfish or shells into state waters without a permit is prohibited.
- Possessing fish or shellfish that do not meet minimum and maximum size limits, weight limits, or sex restrictions is prohibited.
- Possessing sturgeon eggs in the field without retaining the intact carcass is prohibited.
| Things You May Do | Things You May Not Do |
|---|---|
| Use a rod holder. | Fish in closed waters. |
| Leave your rod in a rod holder while playing or landing a fish. | Retain wild steelhead. |
| Use an electric-powered reel attached to a pole. | Retain Dolly Varden/bull trout except where specially authorized. |
| Use a downrigger if the line releases from the downrigger while playing or landing the fish. | Take, fish for, or possess Pacific lamprey, western brook lamprey, or river lamprey, or use any species of lamprey for bait. |
| Harvest in freshwater any fish not classified as a Food Fish or Game Fish except for Northern pike. | Harvest in freshwater any fish not classified as a Food Fish or Game Fish except for Northern pike. |
| Fish for, retain, or possess canary rockfish (except in Marine Areas 1-3 and 4 West of Bonilla-Tatoosh line), green sturgeon, yelloweye rockfish, sixgill, sevengill, or thresher sharks, pygmy whitefish, margined sculpin, or Olympic mudminnow. | Fish for, retain, or possess canary rockfish (except in Marine Areas 1-3 and 4 West of Bonilla-Tatoosh line), green sturgeon, yelloweye rockfish, sixgill, sevengill, or thresher sharks, pygmy whitefish, margined sculpin, or Olympic mudminnow. |
| Fish for, retain, or possess eulachon (Columbia River Smelt) unless specifically open under emergency regulation. | Fish for, retain, or possess eulachon (Columbia River Smelt) unless specifically open under emergency regulation. |
| 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. | Landing halibut in a closed area (page 108), or landing bottomfish caught in Oregon (page 10). |
| Intentionally waste fish or shellfish. | The intentional killing of fish and shellfish, and then returning them to the water. |
| Use salmon, herring, or halibut for anything other than human consumption or fishing bait. | Use salmon, herring, or halibut for anything other than human consumption or fishing bait. |
| Continue to fish for salmon after the adult portion of the daily limit has been retained. | Continue to fish for salmon after the adult portion of the daily limit has been retained. |
| Fish for (unless authorized by Special Rules) or harass fish within 400 feet downstream of a man-made dam, fish ladder, or other obstruction, or in rearing, holding, or passage facilities. | Fish for (unless authorized by Special Rules) or harass fish within 400 feet downstream of a man-made dam, fish ladder, or other obstruction, or in rearing, holding, or passage facilities. |
| Harvest any part of another person’s daily limit, except for persons who possess a Designated Harvester Companion Card, unless otherwise specified. | Harvest any part of another person’s daily limit, except for persons who possess a Designated Harvester Companion Card, unless otherwise specified. |
| Chum (broadcast feed) to attract Game Fish unless authorized by Special Rules. | Chum (broadcast feed) to attract Game Fish unless authorized by Special Rules. |
| Remove eggs from a salmon to use or preserve them for bait without retaining the carcass. | Remove eggs from a salmon to use or preserve them for bait without retaining the carcass. |
| Transport live fish or relocate shellfish or shells into state waters without a permit. | Transport live fish or relocate shellfish or shells into state waters without a permit. |
| Possess fish or shellfish that do not meet minimum and maximum size limits, weight limits, or sex restrictions, or that are in excess of the daily or possession limit. | Possess fish or shellfish that do not meet minimum and maximum size limits, weight limits, or sex restrictions, or that are in excess of the daily or possession limit. |
| Possess sturgeon eggs in the field without having retained the intact carcass. | Possess sturgeon eggs in the field without having retained the intact carcass. |
“The key to successful fishing in Washington State is to understand and follow the harvest and possession rules. These rules are in place to protect fish populations and ensure the long-term sustainability of our fisheries. By following these rules, you can help preserve the beauty and bounty of our state’s waters for future generations.”
— WDFW
By following these rules, anglers can help ensure the health and sustainability of Washington State’s fisheries. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations before heading out on the water. Remember, the rules are in place to protect the fish and the environment, so always follow them and respect the natural resources.
“Fishing is not just a hobby, it’s a way of life.”
Fishing is a popular pastime that offers a unique combination of relaxation, exercise, and connection with nature. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, fishing in Washington State can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. By understanding and following the harvest and possession rules, anglers can help preserve the beauty and bounty of our state’s waters for future generations. So, grab your rod and reel, and get ready to reel in the fun!
Additional Resources
For more information on fishing in Washington State, including the latest rules and regulations, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website at wdfw.wa.gov. You can also find additional resources and information on the WDFW website, including fishing guides, reports, and educational materials.
