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.
Phone
Call WDFW regional customer service phone lines to talk with a customer service representative or request a call back about the latest regulations.
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 changes, licensing information, and more.
Pick up a copy of the printed fishing rules pamphlet, available wherever licenses are sold.
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.
WDFW commercial shellfish rule change hotline
This hotline offers information about commercial shellfishing rules and regulations.
Dial 866-880-5431, then select from the following options:
- Ext. 6: Puget Sound commercial crab
- Ext. 7: Commercial shrimp trawl
- Ext. 8: Commercial shrimp pot
To check on Fish Consumption Advisories: 877-485-7316
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:
- Olympic National Park: 360-452-4501
- Gifford Pinchot National Forest: 360-891-5009
- Mt. Rainier National Park: 360-569-2211
- North Cascades National Park: 360-856-5700
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.
- Quinault Indian Nation: 360-276-8211
- Colville Confederated Tribes: 509-634-4711
- Puyallup Tribe of Indians: 253-845-9225
- Yakama Nation: 509-865-5121
- Lummi Tribe: 360-384-1489
- Swinomish Tribal Community: 360-466-7228
- Makah Tribe: 360-645-2201
- Kalispell Tribe: 509-445-1147
- Swinomish Tribal Community: 360-466-7228
- Makah Tribe: 360-645-2201
- Kalispell Tribe: 509-445-1147
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.