Selected WDFW emergency rules with the highest trip impact. Search by water, marine area, species, or rule, then open the official notice before fishing.
The four newest tracked notices, with affected reaches grouped together. Posted dates are publication dates; open a rule for its effective dates.
Selected WDFW rules
Statewide requirements
Rules for boats and aquatic equipment that apply across Washington waters.
1
Aquatic invasive species rule
Live golden mussels prohibited statewide
Applies statewide
Filed April 10, 2026; current statewide prohibition
AreaAll Washington waters and overland transport into or within the state
SpeciesGolden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei)
Prohibited actionsDo not possess, import, buy, sell, propagate, transport, or release live golden mussels without WDFW authorization.
Before you fishClean, drain, and dry your boat and gear. Stop at every mandatory watercraft inspection station, and report a suspected golden mussel rather than moving it.
WDFW classified golden mussels as a Prohibited Level 1 invasive species. They are not known to be established in Washington, but microscopic larvae and attached mussels can move on boats and aquatic equipment.
Selected temporary fishing rules for lakes east of the Cascades.
1
Emergency harvest rule
Fish Lake limits removed before October closure
No limits through Oct. 17
September 1 through October 17, 2026; lake closes October 18
AreaFish Lake, Spokane County
SpeciesAll species
Temporary harvest ruleNo size restrictions or daily limits for any species through October 17. Fishing from a vessel with an internal combustion engine remains prohibited.
Before you fishUse the temporary no-limit rule only through October 17. Do not fish Fish Lake starting October 18, and do not use a vessel equipped with an internal combustion engine.
WDFW removed size and daily limits before a planned rotenone treatment to remove undesirable and illegally stocked fish.
Selected WDFW rules
Lower Columbia River
Selected mainstem salmon changes. Check the reach boundary and date before retaining fish.
1
Emergency salmon limit
Lower Columbia allows three adult hatchery coho
In effect
September 12 through October 31, 2026
AreaBuoy 10 upstream to the west end of Puget Island
SpeciesHatchery coho salmon
Daily adult limitUp to three adult hatchery coho. Release all other salmon and all steelhead. Total salmon limits and minimum sizes differ at the Rocky Point/Tongue Point line and on October 1.
Before you fishUse the reach and date table below. Stop fishing for jack salmon once you retain the daily adult salmon limit. Confirm the official rule and boundary before fishing.
WDFW increased the daily adult hatchery coho limit to three beginning September 12. The rule runs through October 31; total limits and minimum sizes vary by reach and date.
Limits by reach and date, starting September 12
Buoy 10 to Rocky Point/Tongue PointHatchery coho only
September 12 through 30
Daily limit three salmon. Coho minimum size 16 inches. Release all other salmon and all steelhead.
Buoy 10 to Rocky Point/Tongue PointHatchery coho only
October 1 through 31
Daily limit six salmon, including up to three adults. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Release all other salmon and all steelhead.
Rocky Point/Tongue Point to west Puget IslandHatchery coho only
September 12 through October 31
Daily limit six salmon, including up to three adults. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Release all other salmon and all steelhead.
Selected WDFW rules
Puget Sound rivers
Selected Deschutes, Skagit, Cascade, Stillaguamish, Green, and Duwamish River changes to the annual pamphlet.
5
Emergency retention closure
Green River Chinook retention closed
In effect
August 20, 2026 until further notice
AreaGreen (Duwamish) River from Tukwila International Boulevard/Old Highway 99 to the South 212th Street Bridge
SpeciesChinook salmon
Bag and release ruleDaily limit six salmon, including no more than three chum and adult coho combined. Release Chinook.
Before you fishRelease every Chinook in this reach. Other salmon rules remain in effect.
All fishing closes in this reach while Chinook are actively spawning on critical spawning grounds.
Emergency fishing closure and limits
Skagit and Cascade closures and coho limits
Closed reaches
September 14, 2026 until further notice
AreaSkagit River mouth to Marblemount Bridge; Cascade River mouth to Rockport-Cascade Road Bridge
SpeciesAll species in closed reaches; coho salmon in lower Skagit
Bag and release ruleBelow Gilligan Creek, two coho daily, wild or hatchery, minimum size 12 inches. Release all other salmon. Bait is prohibited; use single-point barbless hooks.
Before you fishDo not fish the Skagit from Gilligan Creek to Marblemount Bridge or the listed Cascade reach. Below Gilligan Creek, a night closure applies and Dolly Varden/bull trout fishing is closed. Check the reach table and live rule.
WDFW postpones the upper Skagit and Cascade openings and closes the Skagit above Gilligan Creek to protect Chinook while preserving later coho opportunity.
Rules by reach from September 14
Skagit mouth to Gilligan CreekCoho retention
September 14 until further notice
Two coho daily, wild or hatchery, minimum 12 inches. Release other salmon. No bait; single-point barbless hooks. Night closure; Dolly Varden/bull trout closed.
Skagit, Gilligan Creek to Marblemount BridgeAll fishing closed
September 14 until further notice
Do not fish for any species. The upper-river season opening is postponed.
Cascade mouth to Rockport-Cascade Road BridgeAll fishing closed
September 14 until further notice
Do not fish for any species. The scheduled opening is postponed.
Emergency fishing closure
Stillaguamish mainstem and North Fork closed to all fishing
All fishing closed
September 18, 2026 until further notice
AreaNorth Fork Stillaguamish from the mouth to Highway 530 (Cicero Bridge) near Oso; Stillaguamish mainstem from Marine Drive to the North and South Fork confluence
SpeciesAll species
Before you fishDo not fish either listed reach. WDFW has not announced a reopening date; recheck the official notice before planning a coho trip.
WDFW closes North Fork fishing and postpones the mainstem opening. Low flows are holding Chinook in the lower river, increasing encounters before fish can reach spawning grounds.
Closed Stillaguamish reaches
North Fork Stillaguamish: mouth to Highway 530 (Cicero Bridge) near OsoAll fishing closed
September 18 until further notice
No recreational fishing for any species in this reach.
Stillaguamish mainstem: Marine Drive to the confluence of the North and South forksOpening postponed
September 18 until further notice
Remains closed to recreational fishing for all species. No reopening date is announced.
Emergency fishing closure
Lower Deschutes River closed to all fishing
All fishing closed
September 22 through October 31, 2026
AreaDeschutes River, Thurston County, from the mouth at a line 400 feet downstream of the lower Tumwater Falls fish ladder to the Old Highway 99 (Capital Boulevard Southeast) Bridge
SpeciesAll species
Before you fishDo not fish this reach through October 31. Capital Lake, between the downtown Olympia 5th Avenue Bridge and the line 400 feet below the lower Tumwater Falls fish ladder, is closed to fishing year round.
WDFW closed this reach to protect the public from dangerous conditions and fall Chinook staging for Tumwater Falls Hatchery. Brewery Park does not allow shore fishing.
Selected WDFW rules
Puget Sound lakes
Selected lake and connected river rules in the Puget Sound basin. Check each notice for the affected waters.
1
Emergency salmon reopening
Lake Washington salmon fishing reopened
Open under permanent rules
September 18 through October 31, 2026
AreaLake Washington north of Highway 520 Bridge and east of Montlake Bridge, including the Sammamish River near Kenmore downstream of the 68th Avenue NE Bridge
SpeciesCoho salmon
Before you fishSalmon fishing has reopened in the listed waters. Follow permanent rules for the season, limits, gear, and release requirements. The September 16 salmon closure has been superseded.
WDFW reopened salmon fishing immediately on September 18 after improved Ballard Locks coho counts. The listed waters return to permanent Washington Sport Fishing Rules.
Selected salmon and gear rules for Washington's south coast.
5
Emergency salmon schedule
Marine Area 1 salmon fishing closed through September
Closed now
September 1 through September 30, 2026, with a five-day opening
AreaMarine Area 1 (Ilwaco), outside the nearshore salmon closure area
SpeciesSalmon
September 4 through 8 open-water limitDaily limit two hatchery coho; coho minimum size 16 inches. Release Chinook and wild coho. Chinook possession aboard a vessel is prohibited.
Before you fishFrom September 9 through 30, do not fish for salmon or possess salmon aboard a vessel anywhere in Marine Area 1. Check the north jetty exception against the live Buoy 10 rule before fishing from shore.
WDFW added five days of hatchery coho retention after current catch estimates showed enough quota remained. The defined nearshore salmon area stays closed.
September schedule by area
Marine Area 1 outside the nearshore closureClosed
September 1 through 3 and September 9 through 30
No salmon fishing or salmon possession aboard a vessel.
Marine Area 1 outside the nearshore closureOpen for hatchery coho
September 4 through 8
Daily limit two; release Chinook and wild coho. Chinook possession aboard a vessel is prohibited.
Nearshore salmon closure areaClosed
September 1 through 30
The area north of 46° 15′ N and east of 124° 08.667′ W remains closed to salmon fishing.
Emergency salmon restriction
Marine Area 2 Chinook retention closes
In effect
August 22 through September 30, 2026
AreaMarine Area 2, including the Grays Harbor Control Zone and Area 2-2 west of the Buoy 13 line
SpeciesChinook salmon
Bag and release ruleDaily limit two; coho minimum 16 inches; release Chinook and wild coho.
Before you fishStarting August 22, release Chinook and wild coho and do not possess Chinook aboard the vessel.
Chinook retention and possession aboard a vessel close because the area is approaching its Chinook guideline.
2026 salmon season
Willapa Bay salmon season open outside North River closure
In effect
August 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027, with the North River area closed through September 30
AreaMarine Area 2.1 (Willapa Bay), including the Willapa Bay Control Zone and North River closure area
SpeciesSalmon
Bag and release ruleMinimum size 12 inches. Daily limit six salmon, including no more than two adults. Release wild Chinook.
Before you fishRelease wild Chinook and stay south of the North River closure line through September 30. A Two-Pole Endorsement allows two poles in the open water.
WDFW lists the current Marine Area 2.1 season separately from the ocean Area 2 emergency rules. The Willapa Bay Control Zone is open, but the North River area is closed to salmon angling through September 30.
Where the Willapa Bay salmon rule changes
Willapa Bay Control ZoneOpen
August 1 through September 30
Follow the Marine Area 2.1 limit and release rules shown above.
North River areaClosed
August 1 through September 30
No salmon angling north of the line from Toke Point channel marker 3 through Willapa Harbor channel marker 13 to the power pole at 46° 43.19N, 123° 50.83W.
Gear allowance
Two polesAnglers with a valid Two-Pole Endorsement may fish with two poles.
Emergency gear change
Lower Naselle suspended-gear requirement ends October 15
Starts October 15
October 15 through October 31, 2026
AreaNaselle River from the South Fork confluence upstream to the Highway 4 bridge
SpeciesAll species
Gear changeBeginning October 15, bait or a lure no longer has to be suspended below a float in the listed reach. Check the WDFW rule for the trolling exception.
Before you fishFollow the suspended-gear requirement through October 14. From October 15 through October 31, use the corrected rule and check the official notice before fishing or trolling from a floating device.
WDFW corrected an end date that was changed inadvertently during steelhead and trout rule making. The suspended-gear restriction is intended for the earlier low-water hatchery Chinook period.
Emergency season opening
Summer halibut fishery open daily while quota remains
In effect
August 8 or 16 through September 30, 2026, depending on marine area
AreaMarine Areas 1 and 2 from August 8; Marine Areas 3 through 10 from August 16; Marine Areas 11 through 13 remain closed
SpeciesPacific halibut
Bag and release ruleDaily limit one; annual limit six; no minimum size. Record retained halibut immediately on a catch record card.
Before you fishConfirm the area is still open before leaving. Keep the carcass if you clean or portion a halibut before coming ashore.
WDFW set the 2026 ocean season with a 2,200-Chinook guideline and a 2,680 hatchery-coho quota. The fishery may close early if either is met.
Emergency salmon closure
Marine Area 4 closes to salmon fishing
Closed now
Closure August 24 through September 30, 2026; transport and Neah Bay landing exception August 26 through September 30
AreaAll waters of Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay)
SpeciesSalmon
Closure scopeSalmon fishing remains closed. Starting August 26, salmon legally caught in Canada or Marine Areas 5 through 13 may pass through Marine Area 4 and be landed in Neah Bay.
Before you fishDo not fish for salmon in Marine Area 4. You may pass through and land at Neah Bay only with salmon legally caught in Canada or Marine Areas 5 through 13.
WDFW kept the August 24 salmon closure but added a possession exception so anglers can transport legal Canadian and eastern-area catch through Marine Area 4 and land it at Neah Bay.
Emergency all-species closure
Quillayute River closed to all fishing
Closed now
September 9, 2026 until further notice
AreaQuillayute River in Clallam County, from the Olympic National Park boundary to the Sol Duc and Bogachiel river confluence
SpeciesAll species
Current ruleClosed to all fishing until WDFW changes or lifts the emergency rule.
Before you fishDo not fish anywhere in the listed Quillayute reach until WDFW posts a reopening. Check the live emergency-rule page before every trip because the closure has no scheduled end date.
WDFW replaced the remaining single-day closures with a continuous closure after recent rain failed to resolve low flows. Chinook and coho are holding in the lower river and are more vulnerable to harvest and handling mortality.
Emergency salmon release rule
Quillayute and lower Sol Duc require wild jack release
In effect
May 1, 2026 until further notice
AreaQuillayute River from the Olympic National Park boundary to the Sol Duc and Bogachiel confluence; Sol Duc River from its mouth to the concrete pump station at the Sol Duc Hatchery
SpeciesChinook, coho, and sockeye salmon
Bag and release ruleDaily limit two salmon. Release wild Chinook, wild coho, and sockeye, including wild jack Chinook and coho.
Before you fishRelease every wild Chinook, wild coho, and sockeye in the listed reaches. The release rule includes fish under the adult-size threshold.
Selected emergency fishing changes in Grays Harbor tributaries, including the Satsop River and Stevens Creek.
2
Emergency fishing closure
Satsop River closed to fishing
Fishing closed
September 16 through September 30, 2026
AreaSatsop River, Grays Harbor County, from the mouth to Bingham Creek Hatchery dam, including the final 400 feet below the dam, CRC 329A
SpeciesGame fish
Before you fishDo not fish from the mouth to Bingham Creek Hatchery dam through September 30. The closure includes the final 400 feet below the dam. Check current rules before the scheduled October 1 salmon opening.
WDFW closes fishing to protect natural-origin Chinook during low flows after enforcement patrols observed anglers targeting salmon before the scheduled October season.
Emergency fishing closure
Stevens Creek closes to fishing in September
All fishing closed
September 1 through September 30, 2026
AreaStevens Creek in Grays Harbor County, from the mouth to the U.S. Highway 101 Bridge
SpeciesAll game fish
Closure scopeClosed to all fishing.
Before you fishDo not fish from the mouth to the Highway 101 Bridge during September. The annual rules also close this reach in October and November.
WDFW closed the reach for September because low flows leave Chinook staging below Humptulips Salmon Hatchery vulnerable to fishing pressure and recent broodstock goals have often gone unmet.
Selected WDFW rules
Puget Sound marine areas
Selected salmon, crab, shrimp, and molluscan shellfish changes in Puget Sound marine waters.
6
Emergency salmon limit
Marine Area 8-2 salmon daily limit reduced
In effect
September 21 through 25, 2026
AreaMarine Area 8-2 (Port Susan and Port Gardner, except the Tulalip Terminal Area)
SpeciesSalmon
Bag and release ruleOne salmon daily. No minimum size. Release Chinook and chum.
Before you fishFrom September 21 through 25, keep at most one salmon daily and release all Chinook and chum. This change excludes the Tulalip Terminal Area. Check permanent rules and later emergency notices for dates outside this window.
WDFW reduces the daily salmon limit to one beginning September 21 to protect Stillaguamish and Snohomish coho returns.
Emergency salmon limit
Marine Area 9 salmon daily limit reduced
In effect
September 21 through 30, 2026
AreaMarine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet)
SpeciesSalmon
Bag and release ruleOne salmon daily. No minimum size. Release Chinook and chum.
Before you fishFrom September 21 through 30, keep at most one salmon daily and release all Chinook and chum. Check permanent rules and later emergency notices for dates outside this window.
Partial health closure
September 3, 2026 until further notice; Point Whitney oysters through September 30
AreaMarine Area 9 public beaches south of Foulweather Bluff to Olele Point, and Marine Area 12 public beaches with the listed exceptions
SpeciesClams, mussels, and oysters
Closed beaches and exceptionsSouth Admiralty Inlet stays closed. Hood Canal public beaches stay closed except Belfair State Park and beaches with current harvest seasons in Dabob and Quilcene bays north of the Seal Rock Campground southern boundary to Zelatched Point line. Butter and varnish clams remain under a DOH closure in Dabob and Quilcene bays.
Before you fishCheck both the WDFW beach season and the DOH safety map before harvesting. The reopening does not cover every beach or species. Do not harvest butter or varnish clams in Dabob and Quilcene bays.
WDFW lifted the biotoxin-related closure for some species in Dabob and Quilcene bays and for all species at Belfair State Park. Point Whitney Tidelands and Lagoon are open to oysters through September 30 but remain closed to clam harvest for population recovery.
WDFW opened Marine Area 7 North after legal-size Dungeness crab met the hardshell harvest criteria.
Compare nearby Puget Sound summer crab schedules
Marine Area 7 NorthOpen Thu–Mon
August 15 through September 28
This is the season summarized by this card. Gear must be out of the water on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Marine Area 7 SouthOpen Thu–Mon
July 16 through September 28
Use WDFW's Village Point, Matia Island, Clements Reef, Patos Island, Point Francis, and Inati Bay boundary.
Marine Areas 4 east, 5, 6, 8-1, 8-2, and 9Open Thu–Mon
July 2 through September 7
Marine Area 4 applies only east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line.
Marine Area 10Open Sun–Mon
July 5 through September 7
Gear must be out of the water Tuesday through Saturday.
Marine Area 12 north of Ayock PointOpen Thu–Mon
July 2 through September 7
The dividing line projects due east from Ayock Point.
Marine Area 12 south of Ayock Point and Marine Area 13Closed
Closed until further notice
Do not set crab gear in these waters.
Emergency shellfish season update
Puget Sound shrimp seasons vary by marine area
In effect
Through October 15, 2026
AreaMarine Areas 4 east of Bonilla-Tatoosh and 5 are open for all shrimp; Marine Area 6 outside Discovery Bay, 7 East, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 11, and 13 are open for non-spot shrimp; other listed Puget Sound areas are closed
SpeciesSpot and non-spot shrimp
Bag and release ruleAll-shrimp areas: 80 spot shrimp and 10 pounds total. Non-spot-only areas: 10 pounds total; release spot shrimp immediately.
Before you fishFind your marine area below before setting gear. In a non-spot-only area, use at least 1/2-inch mesh, release spot shrimp immediately, and stay within the listed depth limit.
WDFW opened Marine Area 6 outside Discovery Bay for non-spot shrimp from August 3 through October 15 with a 175-foot depth limit. Six other marine areas remain open for non-spot shrimp with area-specific depth limits, while Marine Areas 4 east and 5 remain open for all shrimp until October 15.
Current area breakdown
Marine Area 4 east and Marine Area 5Open: all shrimp
Daily through October 15
Daylight hours only; 1-inch minimum pot mesh
Marine Area 6 outside Discovery BayOpen: non-spot only
August 3 through October 15
Maximum depth: 175 feet
Discovery Bay, 7 South, 7 West, 10, and 12Closed
No current all-shrimp or non-spot opening
Do not set or pull shrimp gear
Marine Area 7 East, 8-1, and 8-2Open: non-spot only
Through October 15
Maximum depth: 200 feet in 7 East; 175 feet in 8-1 and 8-2
Marine Area 9, 11, and 13Open: non-spot only
Expected through October 15
Maximum depth: 150 feet in 9 and 11; 200 feet in 13
Selected fall Chinook and hatchery steelhead rules in Washington-managed Snake River reaches. Limits change September 18.
4
Before fishing these Snake River reaches
Barbless hooks are required, and two-pole fishing is not allowed during these fisheries.
After your daily limitStop fishing for Chinook after retaining your adult Chinook daily limit. Stop fishing for steelhead after retaining your steelhead daily limit.
Boundary-water licensesUse the fishing privileges of only one state's license at a time. Washington-licensed anglers may not fish from or wade from the Idaho shore.
Changing state licensesReturn fish kept under another state's license to shore before using a Washington license or fishing Washington-only water.
Handling and recording fishKeep salmon and steelhead that will be released in the water. Record retained adult and jack fall Chinook immediately on your catch record card when using a Washington license.
EndorsementAnglers age 15 and older need a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement in addition to a valid fishing license.
Closed watersWaters listed as closed in the annual Washington fishing pamphlet remain closed. A Washington license does not allow fishing Idaho-side sloughs or tributaries.
Date-specific Chinook limits
Clarkston Snake River adult Chinook limits
Hatchery adults only
August 18 through October 15, 2026; wild adult retention ends after September 17
AreaSnake River from the downstream edge of the large power lines upstream of West Evans Road near Clarkston to the Washington/Idaho state line
SpeciesChinook salmon
Bag and release rule3 adult hatchery Chinook daily; release wild adults. Wild and hatchery jacks remain allowed with no daily limit. Minimum size 12 inches.
Before you fishFish daily during the listed season. Retain only hatchery adults, up to 3 daily. Use barbless hooks, do not use two poles, and stop all Chinook fishing, including for jacks, after retaining your adult limit.
WDFW closed wild adult Chinook retention September 18 to reduce impacts on natural-origin fish. The jack allowance remains in effect. Adults are at least 24 inches long; jacks are less than 24 inches. Release all salmon other than the Chinook allowed for the date.
Chinook limits before and after September 18
Snake River from the downstream edge of the large power lines upstream of West Evans Road near Clarkston to the Washington/Idaho state linePast rule: ended September 17
September 17, 2026
3 adult Chinook daily, including at most one wild adult. No daily limit for wild or hatchery jacks. Minimum size 12 inches.
Snake River from the downstream edge of the large power lines upstream of West Evans Road near Clarkston to the Washington/Idaho state lineRelease wild adults
September 18 through October 15, 2026; daily
3 adult hatchery Chinook daily. Release wild adults and other salmon. No daily limit for wild or hatchery jack Chinook. Minimum size 12 inches.
Date-specific Chinook limits
Snake River state-boundary adult Chinook limits
Hatchery adults only
August 18 through October 31, 2026; wild adult retention ends after September 17
AreaSnake River from the Washington/Idaho state line to the Oregon state line, Catch Record Card area 650
SpeciesChinook salmon
Bag and release rule3 adult hatchery Chinook daily; release wild adults. Wild and hatchery jacks remain allowed with no daily limit. Minimum size 12 inches.
Before you fishFish daily during the listed season. Retain only hatchery adults, up to 3 daily. Use barbless hooks, do not use two poles, and stop all Chinook fishing, including for jacks, after retaining your adult limit.
WDFW closed wild adult Chinook retention September 18 to reduce impacts on natural-origin fish. The jack allowance remains in effect. Adults are at least 24 inches long; jacks are less than 24 inches. Release all salmon other than the Chinook allowed for the date.
Chinook limits before and after September 18
Snake River from the Washington/Idaho state line to the Oregon state line, Catch Record Card area 650Past rule: ended September 17
September 17, 2026
3 adult Chinook daily, including at most one wild adult. No daily limit for wild or hatchery jacks. Minimum size 12 inches.
Snake River from the Washington/Idaho state line to the Oregon state line, Catch Record Card area 650Release wild adults
September 18 through October 31, 2026; daily
3 adult hatchery Chinook daily. Release wild adults and other salmon. No daily limit for wild or hatchery jack Chinook. Minimum size 12 inches.
Date-specific Chinook limits
Lyons Ferry Bubble adult Chinook limits
Hatchery adults only
Thursdays through Sundays, September 3 through October 25, 2026; wild adult retention ends after September 17
AreaLyons Ferry Bubble from red river marker 28 on the south shore upstream to the Highway 261 bridge
SpeciesChinook salmon
Bag and release rule2 adult hatchery Chinook daily; release wild adults. Wild and hatchery jacks remain allowed with no daily limit. Minimum size 12 inches.
Before you fishFish Thursday through Sunday only. Retain only hatchery adults, up to 2 daily. Use barbless hooks, do not use two poles, and stop all Chinook fishing, including for jacks, after retaining your adult limit.
WDFW closed wild adult Chinook retention September 18 to reduce impacts on natural-origin fish. The jack allowance remains in effect. Adults are at least 24 inches long; jacks are less than 24 inches. Release all salmon other than the Chinook allowed for the date.
Chinook limits before and after September 18
Lyons Ferry Bubble from red river marker 28 on the south shore upstream to the Highway 261 bridgePast rule: ended September 17
September 17, 2026
2 adult Chinook daily, including at most one wild adult. No daily limit for wild or hatchery jacks. Minimum size 12 inches.
Lyons Ferry Bubble from red river marker 28 on the south shore upstream to the Highway 261 bridgeRelease wild adults
September 18 through October 25, 2026; Thursday through Sunday only
2 adult hatchery Chinook daily. Release wild adults and other salmon. No daily limit for wild or hatchery jack Chinook. Minimum size 12 inches.
Emergency steelhead limits
Snake River hatchery steelhead limits
In effect
September 18, 2026 until further notice
AreaSnake River from Burbank to Pasco railroad bridge at river mile 1.25 to the Oregon state line; limit changes at Lower Granite Dam
SpeciesHatchery steelhead
Bag and release ruleOne hatchery steelhead daily below Lower Granite Dam, CRC areas 640, 642, 644 and 646. Two daily from Lower Granite Dam to the Oregon state line, CRC areas 648 and 650.
Before you fishUse barbless hooks and no more than one pole. Stop fishing for steelhead after retaining your daily limit. Keep released salmonids in the water. Washington license holders must follow Washington boundary-water rules and need the Columbia River endorsement at age 15 or older.
WDFW reduces hatchery steelhead daily limits after a September 14 downgrade of expected steelhead returns. Both listed reaches are open daily from September 18 until further notice, subject to permanent closed waters.
September 18 until further notice
Mouth boundary is the Burbank to Pasco railroad bridge at river mile 1.25. Open daily; barbless hooks required.
Lower Granite Dam to Oregon state line, CRC 648, 650Two hatchery steelhead daily
September 18 until further notice
Open daily; barbless hooks required. Follow Washington rules when using a Washington license.
Selected WDFW rules
North Central rivers
Selected salmon changes in Chelan County rivers.
1
Emergency salmon closure
Entiat River closes to salmon fishing
Salmon fishing closed
August 31, 2026 until further notice
AreaEntiat River from the mouth at the railroad bridge to the Mad River Road Bridge near Ardenvoir
SpeciesChinook salmon
Closure scopeClosed to salmon fishing. Other annual Entiat River rules remain in effect.
Before you fishDo not fish for salmon in the listed reach. The closure remains in effect until further notice. Check the live rule before treating it as lifted.
WDFW ends the summer Chinook fishery after sediment and debris flows linked to rain over the Little Giant Fire caused fish deaths and poor river conditions sharply reduced Chinook presence and angler activity.
Selected WDFW rules
Yakima River
Selected lower Yakima salmon rules. Confirm reach boundaries and the Chandler Powerhouse closure.
1
Emergency salmon opening
Lower Yakima salmon retention open through October 31
Open now
September 15 through October 31, 2026
AreaHighway 240 bridge in Richland, river mile 2.1, to Grant Avenue Bridge in Prosser, river mile 47.0
SpeciesChinook and coho salmon
Bag and release ruleOne adult salmon daily; no limit on jacks. Minimum size 12 inches. Release salmon other than Chinook and coho.
Before you fishUse barbless hooks and observe the night closure. Stop fishing for salmon once you retain the adult daily limit, including fishing for jacks. Anglers age 15 and older need a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement. Stay out of the closed 200-foot reach on each side of Chandler Powerhouse.
Selected hatchery steelhead rules from the mouth to the Tucannon Hatchery Road bridge.
1
Emergency steelhead limit
Tucannon hatchery steelhead limit
In effect
September 18, 2026 until further notice
AreaTucannon River from the mouth to the Tucannon Hatchery Road bridge
SpeciesHatchery steelhead
Bag and release ruleOne hatchery steelhead daily. Release all fall Chinook adults and jacks.
Before you fishUse barbless hooks and stop fishing for steelhead after retaining one hatchery steelhead. Two-pole fishing is allowed under this rule; follow license and validation requirements. Keep released salmonids in the water. Anglers age 15 and older need the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement.
WDFW reduces the hatchery steelhead daily limit after a September 14 downgrade of expected steelhead returns. The listed reach is open daily from September 18 until further notice.
Boat ramps, docks, or vehicle entry are unavailable or limited.
Robert & Anna BellCle Elum Lake, Kittitas CountyAccess site closedThe full WDFW access site is temporarily closed because of the Three Queens Fire and U.S. Forest Service fire restrictions. WDFW has not posted a reopening date.
WDFW lists since Aug 27, 2026
WDFW Closure · verified
Open WDFW noticePlummer LakeThurston CountyParking and bathroom closedThe parking lot and bathroom are closed. The site remains open for walk-in access only.
WDFW lists since Aug 26, 2026
WDFW Closure · verified
Open WDFW noticeLake SylviaLake Sylvia State ParkTrailer launch closedLow water has closed the launch to trailered boats for the rest of the season. Carry-in and hand-launched vessels may still use it.
WDFW lists May 15 to Oct 31
Open WDFW noticeToad LakeWhatcom CountyDock and float closedThe damaged boarding float and fishing dock are closed until WDFW can replace them.
WDFW lists Apr 24 to Apr 23, 2027
Open WDFW noticeChehalis River-OakvilleDavis Creek UnitBoat launch closedFlooding and erosion have closed the boat launch for public safety. WDFW says it will remain closed while staff monitor the site.Open WDFW noticeBlue StillyStillaguamish River, Snohomish CountyVehicle entry restrictedVehicle entry is open only when fishing is open on the adjacent river section. Walk-in access remains allowed, and vehicles must not block the gate.Open WDFW noticeBen Howard HoleSkykomish RiverRamp closed out of seasonThe ramp is blocked outside the adjacent river's fishing seasons. During open seasons, use the established lot and do not park on the gravel bar.Open WDFW noticeOld White BridgeWDFW water access areaBoat ramp closedDamage has closed the boat ramp. The rest of the access area remains open to public use.Open WDFW noticeFourth of July LakeLincoln CountySeasonal accessWDFW says the access area opens with the fishing season on the first Friday after Thanksgiving. Do not plan to use the site before the seasonal opening.
WDFW lists since Aug 13, 2025
WDFW Closure · verified
Open WDFW notice
Caution or changed use 9
The site is usable, but conditions or allowed activities have changed.
Drano LakeColumbia River Gorge, Skamania CountyPeak-use parking and launch cautionKeep Highway 14 and the launch clear. Use designated spaces or carpool from Home Valley Park or Heritage Plaza Park and Ride, and follow posted hatchery restrictions. Keep each retained fish identifiable, including its head, until you are ashore for the day, and do not clean fish at the launch.
WDFW lists since Aug 31, 2026
WDFW Caution · verified
Open WDFW noticeLewis RiverNorth Fork Lewis River near Woodland, East CC Street bridge to one mile above the mouthWeekly seining work cautionWDFW expects beach-seining work about once a week for three to four weeks beginning as early as September 8. No river or access closures are expected, but boaters and anglers should slow down and give crews room while they deploy or retrieve the 200-foot seine.
WDFW lists Sep 4 to Oct 1. Recheck in 9 daysWDFW Caution · verified
Open WDFW noticeNugents CornerNooksack RiverLaunch cautionA river-bottom drop-off begins at the end of the boat ramp following 2025 flooding. Use caution when launching.Open WDFW noticeVernita BridgeColumbia RiverDay use onlyCamping is no longer allowed. WDFW will mark day-use-only areas for the 2026 fall Chinook season.Open WDFW noticeRingold SpringsColumbia River, Franklin CountyCleaning station availableA waterless self-service CD3 station lets boaters clean, drain, and dry watercraft before leaving the access area, reducing the risk of moving aquatic invasive species.Open WDFW noticeBig LakeSkagit CountyTreatment cautionThe access area remains open, but herbicide or algae treatment may occur through October 31. Check posted signs at the lake before launching or fishing.
WDFW lists May 12 to Oct 31
Open WDFW noticeNorth BayMason CountySeason-only parkingThe parking lot opens only during regulated shellfish seasons. Walk-in access to WDFW tidelands remains open year-round.
WDFW lists since Jul 9, 2024
WDFW Caution · verified
Open WDFW noticeHof BarWhatcom CountyPublic use restrictedThis access area is on private property. Public use is limited to a 25-foot strip bordering and extending along the river.
WDFW lists since Aug 14, 2025
WDFW Caution · verified
Open WDFW noticeWallace BarCowlitz RiverPedestrian access onlyPublic access is limited to pedestrian travel within a 25-foot strip of land along the Cowlitz River. Check WDFW's map before entering.
WDFW lists since Jan 20, 2023
WDFW Caution · verified
Open WDFW notice
No tracked access notices match. Check WDFW for the complete list.
Official WDFW checks and shellfish safetyEmergency rule search, the Fish Washington app, email alerts, and the Department of Health beach map.
Verify your Washington trip
This page tracks selected high-impact WDFW emergency rules. It is not a complete list. Check the official WDFW emergency-rule page or Fish Washington app for the water and date you plan to fish.
A WDFW-open season does not mean a beach is safe for shellfish harvest. Department of Health closures for biotoxins or pollution can change during the day.