WDFW Sportfishing Rules Updates

WDFW Sportfishing Rules Updates

Official Season Changes, Emergency Rules, and Regulatory Notices

March 16, 2026

Hatchery steelhead season extended on Salmon Creek (Clark County)

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…
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March 10, 2026

Razor clam digs approved for March 17–March 24

Action: Opens Razor clam seasons. Effective dates: March. 17–March 24, 2026. Species affected: Razor Clams. Specific low tides and beaches that are open: Digging allowed…
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March 6, 2026

Adult salmon daily limit reduced in the Wind River

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:…
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February 25, 2026

The Dalles Pool opens for one additional day of sturgeon retention

Action: Opens one additional day of white sturgeon retention (March 3). Species affected: White sturgeon. Location: Columbia River from The Dalles Dam to John Day…
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February 20, 2026

Razor clam digs approved for Feb. 26–March 4

Action: Opens Razor clam seasons. Effective dates: Feb. 26–March 4, 2026. Species affected: Razor Clams. Specific evening low tides and beaches that are open (digging…
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February 20, 2026

Lower Columbia River spring Chinook seasons set

Action: Sets 2026 spring Chinook seasons. Species affected: Spring Chinook, hatchery steelhead, shad Columbia River locations, dates, and rules:  From the Buoy 10 line upstream…
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February 20, 2026

The Dalles Pool opens for two days of sturgeon retention

Action: Opens two days of white sturgeon retention (Feb. 22 and Feb. 26). Species affected: White sturgeon. Location: Columbia River from The Dalles Dam to…
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February 19, 2026

Additional one-day smelt fishery announced for Cowlitz River on Saturday, Feb. 21

Action: Opens one day of eulachon smelt retention in the lower Cowlitz River. Effective date: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. Species…
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February 13, 2026

One day of Eulachon smelt dipping approved for the lower Cowlitz River

Action: Opens one day of Eulachon smelt retention in the lower Cowlitz River. Rules: Daily limit is 10 pounds only. Harvesters may use handheld dipnets…
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February 11, 2026

The Dalles Pool opens for one day of sturgeon retention

Action: Opens one day of white sturgeon retention. Species affected: White sturgeon. Location: Columbia River from The Dalles Dam to John Day Dam and all…
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