Washington fishing updates

This selected digest covers high-impact WDFW emergency rules. Search by water, marine area, species, or rule, then open the official source before fishing.

Rule type
Matches exact closure days when WDFW lists them. Read each card for area-specific details.

Showing all 24 tracked rules.

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Tracked regions10
Tracked items24
CoverageSelected rules
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Current closures with the highest trip impact

These tracked closures stop fishing or harvest in the listed water. Open the rule for its exact boundary and exceptions.

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.

Need help interpreting a rule? Call WDFW Fish Program at 360-902-2700
Shellfish safety

Check both the season and the beach

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.

Season and limitsCheck WDFW rules Health status todayCheck the DOH safety map

Check the launch before you leave

These current WDFW notices affect access, not the fishing rule. A legal season does not guarantee that a dock, ramp, or campsite is usable.

See all WDFW access alerts

Showing all 17 tracked access notices.

Closed or restricted 9

Boat ramps, docks, or vehicle entry are unavailable or limited.

Robert & Anna BellCle Elum Lake, Kittitas County Access site closed The 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 notice
Plummer LakeThurston County Parking and bathroom closed The 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 notice
Lake SylviaLake Sylvia State Park Trailer launch closed Low 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 notice
Toad LakeWhatcom County Dock and float closed The damaged boarding float and fishing dock are closed until WDFW can replace them. WDFW lists Apr 24 to Apr 23, 2027 Open WDFW notice
Chehalis River-OakvilleDavis Creek Unit Boat launch closed Flooding and erosion have closed the boat launch for public safety. WDFW says it will remain closed while staff monitor the site. Open WDFW notice
Blue StillyStillaguamish River, Snohomish County Vehicle entry restricted Vehicle 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 notice
Ben Howard HoleSkykomish River Ramp closed out of season The 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 notice
Old White BridgeWDFW water access area Boat ramp closed Damage has closed the boat ramp. The rest of the access area remains open to public use. Open WDFW notice
Fourth of July LakeLincoln County Seasonal access WDFW 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 8

The site is usable, but conditions or allowed activities have changed.

Drano LakeColumbia River Gorge, Skamania County Peak-use parking and launch caution Keep 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 notice
Nugents CornerNooksack River Launch caution A river-bottom drop-off begins at the end of the boat ramp following 2025 flooding. Use caution when launching. Open WDFW notice
Vernita BridgeColumbia River Day use only Camping is no longer allowed. WDFW will mark day-use-only areas for the 2026 fall Chinook season. Open WDFW notice
Ringold SpringsColumbia River, Franklin County Cleaning station available A 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 notice
Big LakeSkagit County Treatment caution The 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 notice
North BayMason County Season-only parking The 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 notice
Hof BarWhatcom County Public use restricted This 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 notice
Wallace BarCowlitz River Pedestrian access only Public 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

Next coastal salmon changes

Compare each last open day with the closure that follows. WDFW can change quota fisheries on short notice.

Tomorrow, Sep 3 Closure starts · Lyons Ferry Bubble from red river marker 28 on the south shore upstream to the Highway 261 bridge
Sep 16 Closure starts · Green (Duwamish) River from Auburn Black Diamond Road Bridge to the Tacoma Municipal Boundary Marker
Oct 15 Closure starts · Naselle River from the South Fork confluence upstream to the Highway 4 bridge
Oct 17 Lake closes · Fish Lake, Spokane County

Recently posted by WDFW

Posted dates show when WDFW published a notice. Check each rule for the separate start date.

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.

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.

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.
Open WDFW golden mussel rules Read the WDFW rule announcement
Selected WDFW rules

Eastern lakes

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 2 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.

WDFW removed size and daily limits before a planned rotenone treatment to remove undesirable and illegally stocked fish.

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.
Open official WDFW rule WDFW posted
Selected WDFW rules

Puget Sound rivers

Selected Green and Duwamish River closures that change the annual pamphlet.

2
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.

WDFW closed Chinook retention after in-season data showed a return much smaller than forecast.

Before you fishRelease every Chinook in this reach. Other salmon rules remain in effect.
Open official WDFW rule WDFW posted
Scheduled emergency closure

Upper Green River closes to all fishing

Starts September 16 September 16 through October 31, 2026
AreaGreen (Duwamish) River from Auburn Black Diamond Road Bridge to the Tacoma Municipal Boundary Marker
SpeciesAll species

All fishing closes in this reach while Chinook are actively spawning on critical spawning grounds.

Before you fishDo not fish this reach from September 16 through October 31.
Open official WDFW rule WDFW posted
Selected WDFW rules

South coast

Selected salmon and gear rules for Washington's south coast.

5
Emergency salmon schedule

Marine Area 1 hatchery coho opens September 4 through 8

Opens September 4 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.

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.
Before you fishFish for salmon outside the nearshore closure only September 4 through 8. Keep hatchery coho only, release Chinook and wild coho, and check the live WDFW rule before departure.
Open official WDFW rule WDFW posted
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.

Chinook retention and possession aboard a vessel close because the area is approaching its Chinook guideline.

Before you fishStarting August 22, release Chinook and wild coho and do not possess Chinook aboard the vessel.
Open official WDFW rule
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.

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.
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.
Open official WDFW Willapa Bay rules
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.

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.

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.
Open official WDFW rule WDFW posted
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.

WDFW opened daily late-summer halibut fishing in Marine Areas 1 through 10 while area quotas remain available.

Open dates and quotas by marine area

Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco/Chinook)Open while quota remains
August 8 through September 30 Managed to a 19,299-pound quota.
Marine Area 2 (Westport)Open while quota remains
August 8 through September 30 Managed to a 65,857-pound quota.
Marine Areas 3 and 4 (La Push and Neah Bay)Open while quota remains
August 16 through September 30 Managed to a combined 131,149-pound quota.
Marine Areas 5 through 10Open while quota remains
August 16 through September 30 Managed to a combined 80,512-pound quota.
Marine Areas 11 through 13Closed
No summer opening Halibut fishing remains closed.

Before returning to shore

  • PossessionYou may possess two daily limits in any form, but only one daily limit while aboard the fishing vessel.
  • Cleaning your catchYou may clean and portion halibut in the field, but must keep the fish carcass until coming ashore.
Before you fishConfirm the area is still open before leaving. Keep the carcass if you clean or portion a halibut before coming ashore.
Open official WDFW summer halibut rule
Selected WDFW rules

North coast

Current salmon rules for La Push, Neah Bay, and the Quillayute system.

4
Emergency salmon season

Marine Area 3 salmon season open

In effect June 20 through September 30, 2026, unless the quota or guideline is met sooner
AreaMarine Area 3 (La Push)
SpeciesSalmon
Bag and release ruleDaily limit two. Chinook minimum 24 inches; hatchery coho minimum 16 inches. Release chum and wild coho.

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.

Before you fishRelease chum and wild coho. Check WDFW before leaving because quota fisheries can close on short notice.
Open official WDFW rule
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.

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.

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.
Open official WDFW rule WDFW posted
Scheduled fishing closures

Quillayute River closes on listed Mondays and Tuesdays

Starts September 1 September 1, 7–8, 14, 21, and 28, and October 5 and 12, 2026
AreaQuillayute River in Clallam County, from the Olympic National Park boundary to the Sol Duc and Bogachiel river confluence
SpeciesAll species
Closure datesClosed to all fishing September 1, September 7–8, September 14, September 21, September 28, October 5, and October 12.

WDFW added Monday and Tuesday closures through September 8, followed by Monday closures through October 12, to reduce gear conflict and align with co-manager harvest agreements.

Pick a closed date

Each button applies that date to the trip filter. The Quillayute is closed to all fishing on every date shown.

Nearby river seasons openFall salmon fishing opens in the Sol Duc, Bogachiel, Calawah, and Dickey rivers. Follow each river's current rules.
Quillayute fall salmon season opensFishing opens outside the listed Monday and Tuesday closure dates.

Rule questions WDFW Coastal Region, 360-249-4628

Before you fishCheck the calendar before fishing the Quillayute. The fall salmon fishery opens September 2 outside the listed closure dates.
Open official WDFW rule WDFW posted
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.

The emergency rule requires release of unclipped wild Chinook and coho jacks, which the annual pamphlet had allowed anglers to retain.

Before you fishRelease every wild Chinook, wild coho, and sockeye in the listed reaches. The release rule includes fish under the adult-size threshold.
Open official WDFW rule filing Read the filed emergency rule PDF
Selected WDFW rules

Grays Harbor rivers

Selected emergency closures in Grays Harbor County tributaries.

1
Emergency fishing closure

Stevens Creek closes to fishing in September

Starts September 1 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.

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.

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.
Open official WDFW rule WDFW posted
Selected WDFW rules

Puget Sound marine areas

Selected salmon, crab, shrimp, and molluscan shellfish changes in Puget Sound marine waters.

5
Public health closure

Hood Canal and south Admiralty Inlet closed to molluscan shellfish harvest

Health closure June 12, 2026 until further notice
AreaAll public beaches in Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal) and Marine Area 9 south of the Foulweather Bluff to Olele Point line
SpeciesClams, mussels, oysters, scallops, and other molluscan shellfish
Closure scopeNo recreational harvest of molluscan shellfish. The biotoxin closure does not include crab or shrimp.

WDFW closed these public beaches after Department of Health testing found potentially lethal levels of paralytic shellfish poison. Cooking, freezing, and cleaning do not destroy the toxin.

Before you fishDo not harvest molluscan shellfish in the closed area. Check the DOH safety map at the beach because health closures can change during the day.
Open official WDFW closure Check the DOH shellfish safety map
Emergency retention closure

Marine Area 11 Chinook retention closed

In effect August 15 through September 30, 2026
AreaMarine Area 11, except Des Moines Pier, Les Davis Pier, Point Defiance Boathouse Dock, and Redondo Pier
SpeciesChinook salmon
Bag and release ruleDaily limit two salmon with no minimum size. Release chum and Chinook.

WDFW closed Chinook retention because the sublegal Chinook encounter guideline was expected to be reached by August 14.

Before you fishRelease Chinook and chum in Marine Area 11. Check the annual pamphlet for rules at the four year-round piers.
Open official WDFW rule
Emergency season opening

Marine Area 7 North summer crab season open

In effect Thursday through Monday each week, August 15 through September 28, 2026
AreaMarine Area 7 North
SpeciesDungeness, red rock, and Tanner crab
Bag and release ruleDaily limits: five Dungeness, six red rock, and six Tanner crab.

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.
Before you fishRemove gear on closed days. Record Dungeness crab immediately on the correct summer or winter catch record card.
Open official WDFW rule
Emergency salmon closure

Tulalip Terminal Area closed to salmon fishing

In effect July 7 through September 7, 2026
AreaMarine Area 8-2 Tulalip Terminal Area, west of Tulalip Bay within the boundary described by WDFW
SpeciesSalmon

WDFW closed salmon fishing after preliminary estimates showed the 600-Chinook area harvest quota had been reached.

Before you fishDo not fish for salmon in the Tulalip Terminal Area through September 7. Open the official rule for the full boundary description.
Open official WDFW rule
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.

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
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.
Open the official WDFW emergency update Check current WDFW shrimp areas WDFW posted
Selected WDFW rules

Snake River

Current fall Chinook retention seasons in Washington-managed reaches of the Snake River.

3

Before fishing these Snake River reaches

Barbless hooks are required, and two-pole fishing is not allowed during these fisheries.

  • After your adult limitStop fishing for Chinook once you retain your adult 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.
Emergency season opening

Clarkston Snake River fall Chinook retention open

In effect August 18 through October 15, 2026
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 ruleThree adult Chinook, including no more than one wild adult. No daily limit for jack Chinook; minimum size 12 inches.

WDFW opened daily Chinook retention in the Clarkston reach after the upriver bright forecast showed enough Snake River-origin fish for harvest.

Before you fishUse barbless hooks, do not use two poles, release other salmon, and stop fishing for Chinook after retaining your adult limit.
Open official WDFW rule
Emergency season opening

Snake River state-boundary fall Chinook retention open

In effect August 18 through October 31, 2026
AreaSnake River from the Washington/Idaho state line to the Oregon state line, Catch Record Card area 650
SpeciesChinook salmon
Bag and release ruleThree adult Chinook, including no more than one wild adult. No daily limit for jack Chinook; minimum size 12 inches.

WDFW opened daily Chinook retention in the state-boundary reach after the upriver bright forecast showed enough Snake River-origin fish for harvest.

Before you fishUse barbless hooks, do not use two poles, and follow Washington rules while using a Washington license. Do not fish from the Idaho shore.
Open official WDFW rule
Scheduled season opening

Lyons Ferry Bubble fall Chinook retention opens

Starts September 3 Thursdays through Sundays, September 3 through October 25, 2026
AreaLyons Ferry Bubble from red river marker 28 on the south shore upstream to the Highway 261 bridge
SpeciesChinook salmon
Bag and release ruleTwo adult Chinook, including no more than one wild adult. No daily limit for jack Chinook; minimum size 12 inches.

WDFW opens Chinook retention four days per week in the Lyons Ferry Bubble. The fishery is closed Mondays through Wednesdays.

Before you fishFish only Thursday through Sunday, use barbless hooks, do not use two poles, and stop fishing for Chinook after retaining your adult limit.
Open official WDFW rule
Selected WDFW rules

Columbia River

Selected salmon changes in the lower Columbia River.

1
Emergency salmon restriction

Lower Columbia Chinook retention stays mark-selective

In effect August 25 through September 2, 2026
AreaBuoy 10 upstream to the west end of Puget Island, with different limits above and below the Rocky Point/Tongue Point line
SpeciesSalmon and steelhead
Bag and release ruleBuoy 10 to Rocky Point/Tongue Point: two salmon, including one Chinook. Upstream to west Puget Island: six fish, including up to two adult salmon and one Chinook. Retained Chinook and coho must be hatchery fish.

The planned August 25 switch to hatchery-or-wild Chinook retention will not occur. Chinook catches were above expectations, so WDFW kept the fishery mark-selective to reduce impacts to wild Chinook.

Rules by river reach

Buoy 10 to Rocky Point/Tongue Point2-fish daily limit
One Chinook maximum; Chinook 24-inch minimum; coho 16-inch minimum Release all salmon and steelhead except hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho.
Rocky Point/Tongue Point to west Puget Island6-fish daily limit
Two adult salmon maximum, including one Chinook; salmon 12-inch minimum Release all salmon and steelhead except hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho.
Before you fishFrom August 25 through September 2, release wild Chinook, wild coho, and every other salmon or steelhead not allowed by the reach-specific rule. Once you keep the daily adult salmon limit, you may not continue fishing for jack salmon.
Open official WDFW rule WDFW posted
Selected WDFW rules

North Central rivers

Selected salmon changes in Chelan County rivers.

1
Emergency salmon closure

Entiat River closes to salmon fishing

Starts August 31 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.

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.

Before you fishDo not fish for salmon in the listed reach starting August 31. Check the live rule before treating the closure as lifted.
Open official WDFW rule WDFW posted