North Coast/Olympic Peninsula rivers and tributaries fishing rules update

December 2, 2024

Action:  

  • Updates rules for fishing from a floating device in Quillayute and Hoh river systems.
  • Implements Selective Gear Rules (Selective Gear Rules prohibit the use of bait including scents or scented materials) with only one single-point barbless hook allowed in all areas open to fishing.
  • Requires release of wild rainbow trout.
  • Reduces steelhead daily limit for the Quillayute system and Hoh River.

Effective date:  Immediately, through March 31, 2025.

Species affected:  All species.

Rules:

All species:  Fishing from a floating device is prohibited in areas noted below in the Quillayute River system (Bogachiel, Calawah, Dickey, and Sol Duc rivers.) and in the Hoh system (South Fork Hoh).

All species:  Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only one single-point barbless hook is allowed. 

Hatchery steelhead daily limit is two. 

Rainbow trout:  Release all wild rainbow trout.

Locations (The rules listed above are implemented for the following waters in areas and during times open for fishing under permanent Washington Sport Fishing RulesAdditional water-body-specific rules are listed with waterbody below):

  • Big River (Clallam Co.). 
  • Bogachiel River (Clallam Co.). Fishing from a floating device is prohibited upstream of the mouth of Mill Creek (located approximately ¾ mi. above the Bogachiel Hatchery).  See vessel fishing boundaries.
  • Calawah River (Clallam Co.). Fishing from a floating device is prohibited upstream of the Highway 101 Bridge. See vessel fishing boundaries.
  • Calawah River, South Fork (Clallam Co.). Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
  • Cedar Creek (Jefferson Co.).
  • Dickey River, including East and West forks (Clallam Co.). Fishing from a floating device is prohibited. 
  • Goodman Creek (Jefferson Co.).
  • Hoh River (Jefferson Co.). Fishing from a floating device is prohibited from Morgans Crossing boat launch to the Olympic National Park boundary below the mouth of South Fork Hoh River.
  • Hoh River, South Fork (Jefferson Co.). Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
  • Kalaloch Creek (Jefferson Co.).
  • Mosquito Creek (Jefferson Co.).
  • Quillayute River (Clallam Co.).
  • Sol Duc River (Clallam Co.). Fishing from a floating device prohibited upstream of the concrete pump station at the Sol Duc Hatchery. 
  • Sooes River (Clallam Co.).
  • Thunder Creek (Clallam Co.).

Additional information:  Anglers are reminded that Big River does not open for fishing until Jan. 1. 

Information contact:  Region 6 – Montesano Office, 360-249-4628

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.