Fishing phone hotlines

The recreational fishing hotlines are phasing out in summer 2024. Please read the information below on WDFW's many options to access current fishing and shellfishing regulations and information.

Find up-to-date-fishing regulations

There are many easy ways to find accurate, up-to-date fishing and shellfishing information before heading out. From regional customer service phone lines to the new Fish Washington app, WDFW has options to make it easy for everyone. 

Mobile

Download the newly redesigned Fish Washington mobile application, designed to convey up-to-the-minute fishing regulations for every lake, river, stream and marine area in the state. This app was upgraded in April 2024 with a host of upgraded features and fewer bugs.

Web

Download the latest electronic fishing rules pamphlet that contains information you need to legally fish throughout Washington. 

Visit the fishing regulations webpage for fishing rules, emergency rule changeslicensing information, and more. See the coastal recreational salmon page for coastal fishery updates. 

Print

Pick up a copy of the printed fishing rules pamphlet, available wherever licenses are sold.

Phone

Call WDFW regional customer service phone lines to talk with a customer service representative or request a call back about the latest regulations.

Email 

Sign up to receive email updates including emergency rules, Columbia River Compact fishery notices, news releases, and more. Fishing regulation questions may also be emailed to fishregs@dfw.wa.gov.

Learn more about the hotline changes

What happened to the pre-recorded hotlines? 

For several decades, WDFW provided phone hotlines where people could hear prerecorded messages about fishing seasons and fishing rule changes. In the years since we established the hotlines, WDFW introduced several new options to find accurate, up-to-date fishing information. Our customer service phone, mobile, and web options are designed to deliver accurate and timely information to the public. These options are more efficient for WDFW to maintain, and ensure anglers always receive current information. 

What if I don’t have a mobile phone or computer? 

Anglers can use customer service phone numbers to speak to a representative near them to find information about fishing regulations in their region. 

What about the commercial hotlines? 

WDFW is not phasing out the commercial fishing hotlines. Find commercial hotline numbers on commercial fishery pages

Additional hotline information 

To check on fish consumption advisories: 877-485-7316

To check marine toxins/PSP hotline: 800-562-5632 or visit the shellfish safety map.

To report fish kills, or oil or hazardous material spills: Department of Emergency Management: 800-258-5990

To report poaching: 877-933-9847

To report derelict fishing gear: 855-542-3935

Rules in state and national parks and federal lands

Contact the following national parks for rules and other information that applies within the parks:

State licenses and rules apply on National Forest lands.

An access permit is required to fish waters on the Fort Lewis Military Reservation. Call 253-967-6263 or 253-967-6277.

For rules and other information that apply within state parks, call 360-902-8500.

Rules on Indian reservations

Before fishing on Indian reservations, contact the tribe for the necessary permits and rules.

Rules for Canadian waters

For general inquiries about Canadian fishing regulations and licensing, call 604-666-0384 or send a fax to 604-666-1847.