Commercial fishing
Fish and shellfish harvested in Washington waters make their way to markets around the world.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) oversees regulations and management for a variety of fisheries, working to ensure a robust commercial fishing and shellfishing industry for the future.
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Commercial fisheries
Commercial Dungeness crab fishery
Commercial crabbing in Washington takes place in Puget Sound and on the coast.
Commercial Puget Sound salmon fishery
Puget Sound is home to a commercial salmon fishing fleet that includes purse seiners, gillnetters and reef netters.
Commercial Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor gillnet salmon fishery
Information for the Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor commercial gillnet fishery.
Commercial wild stock geoduck clam fishery
WDFW is responsible for biological management and enforcement of regulations for this valuable shellfish.
Commercial Puget Sound herring fishery
See monthly and annual landings from the commercial herring fishery in Puget Sound.
Commercial Puget Sound smelt fishery
A commercial fishery for smelt is allowed in Puget Sound waters using drag (beach) seine gear with area, timing, and gear restrictions.
Commercial razor clam fishery
Commercial harvest of razor clams is an old, but small fishery in Washington.
Commercial sea urchin fishery
Commercial sea urchin regulations, harvest areas, and quotas in Washington.
Commercial sea cucumber fishery
Information about commercial sea cucumber harvest areas and quotas in Washington waters.
Commercial coastal hagfish fishery
A delicacy in some parts of the world, hagfish are harvested both live and frozen in Washington.
Commercial coastal pink shrimp fishery
Washington coastal shrimp fishing activity is split between two ports: Westport and Ilwaco.
Commercial albacore tuna fishery
Fishers in Washington have been harvesting albacore tuna commercially for over 100 years.
Commercial purse seine fishery for Pacific sardine
Information on the commercial purse seine fishery for Pacific sardines.
Commercial coastal salmon fishery
Find additional information and the latest regulations for Washington's coastal salmon fishery.
Columbia River test fishing
WDFW conducts test fishing on the Columbia River to help inform management of this vital waterway.
Commercial fishing guide logbooks
Commercial fishing guides are required to submit information on angler catch and participation in Washington.
Commercial scallop regulations
Find information about the regulations, landings, and health information relevant to the commercial dive fishery for pink and spiny scallops.
Commercial squid
Opal or market squid are generally distributed throughout the Washington coast, Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the San Juan Islands.
Fishing Charters and Guides
Find more information about WDFW's work with fishing charters and guides as well as resources for operating as a guide or charter in Washington state.