How to Use These eRegulations

These regulations are effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 and contains information you need to legally fish throughout Washington State (see WAC summary information below).

1. Read the General Information Pages. Read the Licensing and Catch Record Card information. Read the Selective Fishing and Fish Handling information (page 12). Also be sure to look at the “Update from WDFW”.
2. Read the Statewide General Rules.
3. Read the Freshwater, Marine Area, or Shellfish/Seaweed Section. Read Statewide General Rules pertaining to the section in which you intend to fish.
4. Read the Special Rules for Area and Species You Intend to Fish. These rule modifications supersede the General Rules and are listed as they apply to specific areas or species. This pamphlet is a summary of WDFW regulations. Before fishing in a National Park or on an Indian reservation, contact the Park or Tribe to check their regulations.
5. Check for Emergency Rules. Emergency rules may occur throughout the year and will supersede the rules contained in this pamphlet. Changes can be found by contacting statewide customer service (360) 902-2700 (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mon. - Fri.). For the latest fishing regulation updates, review the Washington fishing emergency rules and closures page.

WAC Summary Information

This pamphlet is a summary of fishing regulations (Chapters 220-200, 220-220, 220-300, through 220-303, 220-305, 220-310, through 220-316, 220-320, and 220-330 of the Washington Administrative Code, adopted by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission; and Title 77 of the Revised Code of Washington, adopted by the Legislature). This pamphlet does not contain nor is it intended to contain all Department regulations.

This program receives Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is the policy of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to adhere to the following: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The U.S. Department of the Interior and its bureaus prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability and sex (in educational programs). If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, services, or facility, please contact the The Civil Rights Coordinator at (833) 885-1012, email, or by mail at P.O. Box 43139, Olympia, WA 98504, or write to: Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights, US Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, Washington DC 20240.

Request this information in an alternative format or language through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife accommodation request page, (833) 885-1012, TTY (711), or by email.

Be Respectful – WDFW Code of Conduct

WDFW staff and volunteers serve the public while protecting Washington’s fish, wildlife, and habitats. Please treat them with courtesy, give them space to work, and cooperate when asked. Harassment or interference will not be tolerated.

Learn more about expected behavior and participation guidelines on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Code of Conduct page.