Action: Opens retention of hatchery steelhead.
Effective dates: Immediately–May 22, 2026.
Species affected: Hatchery steelhead.
Location: Salmon Creek (Clark County) from the mouth to the Northeast 182nd Avenue Bridge.
Rules: Daily limit is three hatchery steelhead. Minimum size is 20 inches. Selective gear rules are in effect, except use of barbed hooks is allowed. Anglers must release wild steelhead and all species other than hatchery steelhead.
Reason for action: Changes to the Salmon Creek hatchery steelhead program under the Mitchell Act Biological Opinion replaced early returning winter steelhead stocks with local stocks that return later in the season. This rule aligns fishing opportunity with the updated run timing and provides additional opportunity to harvest hatchery steelhead in Salmon Creek.
Additional information: Hatchery steelhead releases into Salmon Creek ended with the final release in spring 2025 following the closure of Skamania Hatchery. Fish from recent releases will continue to return for several years. Selective gear rules are outlined in the annual fishing pamphlet. Salmon Creek will return to permanent rules on May 23, 2026.
Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website before fishing. Refer to the 2025–2026 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for current regulations. Download the Fish Washington® mobile app to stay up to date on the go.
Information contact: Matt Gardner, District Fish Biologist, 360-906-6746.