Adult salmon daily limit reduced in the Wind River
Action: Reduces the adult salmon daily limit to one fish.
Species affected: Salmon and steelhead.
Location: From the boundary line markers at mouth to 400 feet downstream of Shipherd Falls fish ladder.
Effective dates: March 16, 2026, until further notice.
Rule: The salmon and hatchery steelhead daily limit is six; up to two adults (i.e. adult salmon and hatchery steelhead) may be retained, of which no more than one may be an adult Chinook. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho.
Reason for action: The preseason forecast of spring Chinook returning to the Wind River (6,054 adults) necessitates a reduced adult salmon daily limit to provide spring Chinook angling opportunity and help ensure the broodstock collection goal at Carson National Fish Hatchery is achieved.
Additional information: WDFW will continue to monitor spring Chinook returns with Co-managers and National Fish Hatchery staff to determine if further fishery modification is needed. All other permanent rules and 'Closed Waters' areas remain in effect.
Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website prior to fishing. Refer to the 2025-26 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for fishing rules.
Information contact: Matt Gardner, District Fish Biologist, 360-906-6746