Washington Fishing and Shellfishing | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

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Fishing Hotline
360-902-2500

Shellfish Rule
Change Hotline
1-866-880-5431

More Hotline Information...

For more information on
fishing, please contact the
WDFW Fish Program.
360-902-2700

For fishing regulation
questions, e-mail us at:
fishregs@dfw.wa.gov

For all other questions and comments, e-mail us at:
fishpgm@dfw.wa.gov

2012-2013 Fishing in Washington Rules Pamphlet

2012-2013 Sport Fishing
Regulation Pamphlet

•	Download 2012 Rule Pamphlet (rules effective May 1, 2012 - April 30, 2013)
•	Search emergency rule updates

FISHING RULE UPDATES

more rule updates...

FISHING

Anglers enjoy big trout, nice weather on opening day of lowland lakes season
Good weather and big trout helped to boost catch rates on opening day of this year’s lowland lakes fishing season. Learn more >>

•	Fish Washington!
•	Lake Fishing in Washington
•	Trout Stocking Reports
•	Register now for June 7/9 fishing class for adults in Spokane

HALIBUT FISHING
	2012 halibut seasons provide extra fishing days on Puget Sound Sportfishing seasons for halibut will be four days longer in Puget Sound, and more fish will be available for harvest early in the season off the state’s southern coast under catch quotas for 2012 adopted by the International Pacific Halibut Commission. Learn more >>

RECREATIONAL SQUID FISHING

Looking for a healthy choice? Squid, or calamari, is lower in fat and calories than many other protein sources and is beautifully versatile. It can be used for appetizers, soups, salads or main dishes. The best times to catch squid running is from late summer though winter.
Find out more >>

•	Find a public pier or dock for squidding near you
•	Latest squid reports

RECREATIONAL SALMON FISHING

When and Where to Fish for Salmon
Figuring out when and where to fish for salmon is one of the most asked questions for beginning salmon anglers. You will find many useful tools on this website to help you decide when and where to go.

•	Know the 5 species of salmon and how to identify them
•	How salmon seasons are set

Buy Your License Online!

REPORT YOUR CATCH

•	Catch Record Card Questions & Answers
•	Voluntary Salmon Angler Trip Reports
Online Puget Sound Crab Reporting

LATEST NEWS

•	Spring chinook fishery will be open this weekend on lower Columbia River
•	Halibut fishery on north coast will reopen May 31 and June 2
•	Last sections of the Snake River to close for spring chinook fishing
•	Lower two Snake River zones closing early for spring chinook fishing
•	Two sections of Yakima River to open for hatchery spring chinook fishing
•	Tulalip Bay 'bubble' salmon fishery delayed until May 18
•	Prime fishing area on Wind River expands as spring chinook draw near
•	Public invited to propose changes to recreational fisheries
•	Sections of the Snake River will open this month for spring chinook fishing
•	Fish and wildlife enthusiasts invited to share photos

WHERE TO GO

•	Fish Washington!
•	Go fresh, go local — go fishing!
•	Water Access Sites
•	Weekly Catchable Trout Stocking Reports
•	Shellfishing Beach Maps and Regulations
•	Public Fishing Piers of Puget Sound
•	Puget Sound Sport Crab Fishing
•	Boat Launch Sites
•	Accessing Washington's Outdoors

The Weekender Report
The latest in fish and wildlife recreational opportunities across Washington State.

I AM LOOKING FOR...

•	Sport Fishing Regulations and Seasons
•	WDFW Rule Making Activities
•	2012-2013 Sportfishing Rule Change Proposals
•	Columbia River Returns and Forecasts
•	Washington's Offical Boating Portal - boat.wa.gov
•	Creel Reports and Harvest Reports
•	Washington and Oregon Tide Charts
•	WDFW Wildlife Areas & Water Access Points

Wildlife License Plates
Help Support Wildlife Activities in Washington

FEATURES

•	Economic Analysis of the Non-Treaty Commercial and Recreational Fisheries in Washington State
•	Report Derelict Fish Gear Online