Washington Dept. of Fish and WildlifeWA State Fishing and Shellfishing Regulations FAQ
FAQ

Summary of Washington State General Fishing Seasons
These are general seasons summaries only. For specific information regarding
2008-2009 fishing seasons, gear rules, and limits, please refer to the Fishing in Washington 2008-2009 Sport Fishing Regulation Pamphlet.

Lakes, Ponds, Reservoirs

Note Seasonal Lake openings

Game Fish
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
April
 
           
 
 
       
 
   
Landlocked Salmon
See specific seasons in fishing pamphlet

Rivers, Streams, Beaver Ponds Game Fish
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
Dec
 
 
           
Salmon
See specific seasons in fishing pamphlet
Sturgeon
See specific seasons in fishing pamphlet

Marine Areas Game Fish
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
April
   
Salmon
See specific seasons in fishing pamphlet
Sturgeon
   
Rockfish
Areas 1-4
(Ocean/ Neah Bay)
   
Rockfish
Areas 5-7, 9
(Straits of Juan de Fuca)
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
April
   
             
Rockfish
Areas 8, 10-13
(Puget Sound)
Open during lingcod or salmon seasons
Lingcod
Areas 1-3
(Ocean)
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
April
1 May
18 Oct  
           
14 Mar
Lingcod
Area 4
(Ocean/Neah Bay)
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
April
1 May
15 Oct  
             
16 Apr
Lingcod
Area 5-13
(Puget Sound)
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
April
 
15 June  
                     
Divers only May 21-June 15
Pacific Halibut Areas 1-5
See specific seasons in fishing pamphlet
Pacific Halbut Areas 6-11 and 13
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
April
 
13 June  
                   
 
Crab
Areas 4East 5-13
(Puget Sound)
See specific seasons in fishing pamphlet
Crab
Columbia River
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
April
   
Crab
Areas 1-4West
(Ocean)
   
Shrimp
Areas 4East, 5-13
(Puget Sound)
May 3 until quota
Shrimp
Areas 1-3, 4West
(Ocean)
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
April
   
Razor Clams
Closed unless open by emergency rule
Other Clams,
Mussels
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
April
   

WARNING - General Seasons Only. Before going fishing, always consult the 2008-2009 Fishing in Washington Sportfishing Regulation
Pamphlet for specific seasons, gear rules, and limits; and check the sportfishing hotline at (360) 902-2500, and the shellfishing hotline at 1-866-880-5431, for emergency changes to these general rules.


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