WDFW Sportfishing Rules Updates

Action: Closes retention of sturgeon. Effective date: Jan. 10–April 30, 2026. Species affected: White Sturgeon Location: Columbia River from John Day Dam to McNary Dam and all adjacent Washington tributaries. Reason for action: Based on current catch rates and projected effort, continuing the fishery after Friday, Jan. 9, would exceed the harvest guideline of 105 … Read more

Action: In anticipation of 2026 annual season-setting for recreational clams, mussels, and oysters, WDFW is adjusting early-2026 status for nine Puget Sound beaches. Effective date: Immediately, until further notice. Species affected: All clams, mussels, and oysters. Locations and season changes:  Fort Flagler State Park (Jefferson County); Closed Jan.15, until further notice. Indian Island County Park/Lagoon … Read more

Action:  In anticipation of 2026 annual season-setting for recreational clams, mussels, and oysters, WDFW is adjusting early-2026 status for ten Puget Sound beaches. Effective date: Jan. 1, until further notice. Species affected:  All clams, oysters, and mussels. Locations and season changes:  Fort Flagler State Park (Jefferson County): Closed Jan. 15, until further notice. Indian Island County Park/Lagoon … Read more

Action: Opens salmon retention and game fish catch-and-release fishing. Effective dates: Dec. 24, 2025–Jan. 31, 2026.  Species affected: All species. Location: Nisqually River (Pierce and Thurston counties) from the mouth to Clear Creek (latitude 47.034918, longitude -122.676735). Rules: All species: Open Wednesdays–Saturdays, closed Sundays–Tuesdays. Night closure and anti-snagging rule in effect. Single-point barbless hooks required. Salmon: Daily … Read more

Actions:  Updates single point barbless hook requirements for month of Dec. Maintains previously announced release requirements for wild trout. Maintains previously announced game fish (including trout and steelhead) season closing dates. Maintains previously announced game fish (including trout and steelhead) gear restrictions. Maintains previously announced steelhead daily limits. Effective dates: Dec. 3, 2025–April 30, 2026. Species … Read more

Actions:   Updates wild trout release requirements. Updates game fish (including trout and steelhead) season closing dates. Updates game fish (including trout and steelhead) gear restrictions. Effective dates: Dec. 1, 2025–April 15, 2026. Species affected: All species. Locations, specific dates, and rule changes (shows all changes to rules listed in 2025-26 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet): Bear River (Pacific County), … Read more

Actions:   Updates wild trout release requirements. Updates game fish (including trout and steelhead) season closing dates. Updates game fish (including trout and steelhead) bait restrictions. Updates steelhead daily limits. Effective dates: Dec. 1, 2025–April 30, 2026.  Species affected: All species. Locations, specific dates, and rule changes (shows all changes to rules listed in 2025-26 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet): … Read more

Action: Closes planned Wenatchee River salmon season. Effective dates: Aug. 1 through Sept. 30, 2024. Species affected: Chinook salmon. Location: Wenatchee River (Chelan County) from mouth to the Icicle Road Bridge crossing the Wenatchee River (near Leavenworth). Reason for action: The current and projected hatchery and natural-origin summer Chinook return to the Wenatchee River is below what is needed to … Read more