Queets, Quinault, and Grays Harbor rivers and tributaries fishing rules update

January 2, 2025

Action: Sets early closure dates in many areas. Maintains Selective Gear Rules with only one single-point barbless hook allowed and requires release of wild rainbow trout in areas that are open.

Effective date: Jan. 2, 2025, until further notice.

Species affected: All species.

Rules and locations: 

  • Chehalis River (Grays Harbor County), from mouth to the confluence of the Skookumchuck River:
    • Jan. 2-Feb. 28: Selective Gear Rules in effect for all species, except only one single-point barbless hook is allowed. Release wild rainbow trout.
    • March 1, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Chehalis River (Grays Harbor County), from the confluence of the Skookumchuck River upstream, including all forks:
    • Jan. 2, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Clearwater River (Jefferson County), from the mouth to Snahapish River:
    • Jan. 2-Feb. 28: Selective Gear Rules in effect for all species, except only one single-point barbless hook is allowed. Release wild rainbow trout.
  • March 1, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Cloquallum Creek (Grays Harbor/Mason County):
    • Jan. 2, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Copalis River (Grays Harbor County):
    • Jan. 2-Feb. 28: Selective Gear Rules in effect for all species, except only one single-point barbless hook is allowed. Release wild rainbow trout.
  • Elk Creek (Lewis/Pacific County):
    • Jan. 2, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Elk River (Grays Harbor County):
    • Jan. 2, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Hoquiam River including West and East forks (Grays Harbor County):
    • Jan. 2, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Humptulips River (Grays Harbor County), from the mouth to the Highway 101 bridge:
    • Jan. 2-Feb. 2, 2025: Selective Gear Rules in effect for all species, except only one single-point barbless hook is allowed. Release wild rainbow trout.
    • Feb. 3, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Humptulips River (Grays Harbor County), from the Highway 101 bridge upstream:
    • Jan. 2, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Humptulips River, West Fork (Grays Harbor County):
    • Jan. 2, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Johns River (Grays Harbor County):
    • Jan. 2, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Moclips River (Grays Harbor County), from mouth to Quinault Indian Reservation boundary:
    • Jan. 2-Feb. 28: Selective Gear Rules in effect for all species, except only one single-point barbless hook is allowed. Release wild rainbow trout.
  • Newaukum River, including South, Middle, and North forks (Lewis County):
    • Jan. 2, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Queets River (Grays Harbor/Jefferson County):
  • Quinault River, Upper (Grays Harbor/Jefferson County), from the mouth at upper end of Quinault Lake upstream to Olympic National Park boundary:
    • Jan. 2-March 31: Selective Gear Rules in effect for all species, except only one single-point barbless hook is allowed. Release wild rainbow trout.
    • April 1, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Salmon River (Jefferson County):
    • Jan. 2-Feb. 28: Selective Gear Rules in effect for all species, except only one single-point barbless hook is allowed. Release wild rainbow trout.
  • Satsop River and East Fork (Grays Harbor County), from the mouth to bridge at Schafer State Park, and from 400 feet below Bingham Creek Hatchery dam to the dam:
    • Jan. 2-Feb. 28: Selective Gear Rules in effect for all species, except only one single-point barbless hook is allowed. Release wild rainbow trout.
    • March 1, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Satsop River Middle and West forks (Grays Harbor County):
    • Jan. 2, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Skookumchuck River (Lewis/Thurston County), from mouth to 100 feet below outlet of TransAlta/WDFW steelhead rearing pond located at the base of Skookumchuck Dam:
    • Jan. 2-Feb. 28: Selective Gear Rules in effect for all species, except only one single-point barbless hook is allowed. Release wild rainbow trout.
    • March 1, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Stevens Creek (Grays Harbor County), from mouth to cable crossing downstream of WDFW hatchery outlet:
    • Jan. 2-Feb. 2, 2025: Selective Gear Rules in effect for all species, except only one single-point barbless hook is allowed. Release wild rainbow trout.
    • Feb. 3, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Stevens Creek (Grays Harbor County), from WDFW hatchery outlet upstream:
    • Jan. 2, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Van Winkle Creek (Grays Harbor County):
    • Jan. 2, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Wishkah River (Grays Harbor County):
    • Jan. 2, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Wynoochee River (Grays Harbor County), from mouth to 7400 Line Bridge:
    • Jan. 2-Feb. 28: Selective Gear Rules in effect for all species, except only one single-point barbless hook is allowed. Release wild rainbow trout.
    • March 1, until further notice: closed waters.
  • Wynoochee River (Grays Harbor County), from 7400 Line Bridge upstream:
    • Jan. 2, until further notice: closed waters.

Information contact: Coastal Region, 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.