Emergency rules, health closures, and launch access
25 selected emergency changes plus 18 access notices for ramps and docks.
Washington
Pick an activity, check the selected current changes, then confirm the exact date and place with WDFW.
Checked
40
tracked rules and access alerts
Start with your activity
Land closures, fire restrictions, and field work
15 selected WDFW land, road, wildfire, and field-operation alerts, searchable by GMU and trip date.
Four checks before you leave
Each one answers a different question. No single WDFW page covers all four.
Fishing
Check 01
Use all three rule layers
WDFW tells anglers to read the 2026–2027 annual pamphlet, check emergency changes for the water and date, and use the Fish Washington app for current location-based rules.
Before you go: The printed pamphlet alone can be out of date. Check emergency rules again before leaving cell service.
Hunting
Check 02
Check the season and the ground separately
A legal season does not confirm that a wildlife area, road, launch, or private access program is open. Check WDFW hunting rules and the current access-alert list.
Before you go: Confirm the land manager too when your route crosses DNR, federal, county, tribal, or private land.
Shellfish
Check 03
Check health status on harvest day
Washington Department of Health says to check its Shellfish Safety Map for beach closures and advisories on the day you plan to harvest. WDFW seasons and limits are a separate check.
Before you go: Toxic shellfish can look, smell, and taste normal. The recorded biotoxin-closure hotline is 1-800-562-5632.
Parking
Check 04
Match the pass to the land manager
A Vehicle Access Pass comes with eligible annual hunting, trapping, or fishing licenses and covers WDFW land only. A Discover Pass also covers DNR and Washington State Parks recreation lands.
Before you go: Annual razor clam and shellfish or seaweed licenses do not include a Vehicle Access Pass.
Selected coverage.
Wildlf tracks selected high-impact changes. Use the official WDFW rules, access alerts, and license account for the exact place and date of your trip.
Contact WDFW