WDFW Sportfishing Rules Updates
Official Season Changes, Emergency Rules, and Regulatory Notices
May 29, 2026
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Icicle River opening scheduled for May 31 is postponed
Action: Rescinds scheduled salmon season opener. Icicle River salmon season will not open as previously announced on May 31 and will remain closed until further…
May 29, 2026
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20-fathom depth restriction coordinate change in Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay)
Action: Redefines the 20 fathom depth restriction line for bottomfish as follows: 48°25.00’N. lat., 124°44.06’W. long. (new coordinate) 48°25.00’N. lat., 120°45.22’W. long. (new coordinate) 48°23.90’N.…
May 29, 2026
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Lewis River opens for hatchery Chinook salmon retention
Action: Opens the Lewis River to hatchery Chinook retention. All other permanent rules remain in effect. Effective date: June 1–July 31, 2026. Species affected: Chinook…
May 28, 2026
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Wind River salmon and steelhead fisheries return to permanent rules
Action: Restores Wind River salmon and steelhead angling rules to permanent rules listed in the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. All other permanent rules remain…
May 27, 2026
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Icicle River to open for hatchery spring Chinook
Action: Opens the Icicle River to retention of hatchery spring Chinook. Effective date: One hour before official sunrise on Sunday, May 31, 2026, until further…
May 21, 2026
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Snake River spring Chinook fishery change
Action: Opens one additional day of spring Chinook salmon fishing in the Snake River at Little Goose Dam. Effective date: May 25, 2026, only. Species…
May 20, 2026
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Columbia River to open for additional spring Chinook retention days
Action: Extends spring Chinook seasons in the mainstem Columbia River from Rocky Point/Tongue Point upstream to Bonneville Dam (one retention day) and from Bonneville Dam…
May 20, 2026
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Marine Area 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island) salmon season opens daily beginning June 1
Action: Opens salmon fishing season seven days per week. Effective date: June 1–30, 2026. Species affected: Salmon Location: Marine Area 11, except year-round piers (Des…
May 19, 2026
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The Cascade River to open for hatchery spring Chinook May 22–26, then reopen June 3–July 15 Wednesdays–Saturdays only
Action: Opens a portion of the Cascade River to fishing for hatchery spring Chinook. Effective dates: May 22–May 26. And June 3–July 15 on Wednesdays–Saturdays…
May 19, 2026
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North Fork Nooksack River to open for hatchery spring Chinook
Action: Opens a section of the North Fork Nooksack River to hatchery spring Chinook fishing and retention. Effective dates: May 23 – June 30, 2026…