WDFW Sportfishing Rules Updates
Official Season Changes, Emergency Rules, and Regulatory Notices
September 25, 2026
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Stillaguamish River mainstem to open for recreational fishing
Action: Returns Stillaguamish River mainstem to permanent rules listed in the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet, opening salmon and game fish seasons. Maintains previously announced…
September 25, 2026
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Skagit and Cascade River fishing updates
Action: Opens fishing in portions of Skagit River and Cascade River. This rule also reduces the daily limit of coho on the upper Skagit River,…
September 24, 2026
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Lower Columbia River salmon and steelhead fishery update
Action: Opens Chinook retention from Buoy 10 to the Highway 395 Bridge at Pasco and coho retention from the west end of Puget Island to…
September 22, 2026
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Upper Snohomish River to remain closed to all fishing until Nov. 2, 2026
Action: Closes all fishing. Species affected: All species. Effective dates: Sept. 26–Nov. 1, 2026. Location: Snohomish River, from the railroad bridge upstream of the Lincoln…
September 22, 2026
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Hanford Reach fall Chinook fishery update
Action: Closes retention of wild (unmarked) adult Chinook in the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River beginning Sept. 23, 2026. Effective date: Sept. 23–Dec. 31,…
September 21, 2026
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Lower Deschutes River (Thurston County) closed to all fishing
Action: Closes all fishing. Effective date: Sept. 22–Oct. 31, 2026. Species affected: All species. Location: Deschutes River in Thurston County from the mouth (a line…
September 18, 2026
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Puget Sound marine areas 8-2 and 9 salmon fishing update
Action: Reduces the salmon daily limit to one effective Monday, Sept. 21. Species affected: Salmon. Location and effective dates: Marine Area 8-2 (Port Susan and…
September 18, 2026
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Lake Washington reopens for salmon fishing
Action: Returns Lake Washington to permanent rules listed in the Washington Sport Fishing Rules, reopening salmon fishing. Effective dates: Immediately through Oct. 31, 2026. Species…
September 17, 2026
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North Fork Stillaguamish to close to all fishing and Stillaguamish River mainstem to remain closed until further notice
Action: Closes recreational fishing in the North Fork Stillaguamish River and postpones the opening of the mainstem Stillaguamish River. Species affected: All species. Effective dates:…
September 16, 2026
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Tucannon River hatchery steelhead fishing update
Action: Reduces hatchery steelhead daily limit. Species affected: Hatchery steelhead. Location: Tucannon River from the mouth to the Tucannon Hatchery Road bridge. Effective dates: Sept.…