Understanding Washington’s Daily Bag Limits by Species

It’s incredibly frustrating to head out on a beautiful Washington morning, gear all ready, only to find yourself second-guessing if the fish you just caught is actually legal to keep. The sheer volume and complexity of fishing regulations, especially when it comes to daily bag limits, can feel like navigating a maze. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify Washington's daily bag limits for various species, helping you understand the rules so you can fish with confidence and stay on the right side of the law.

Why Daily Bag Limits Are Crucial for Washington Fishing

The idea of bag limits isn't just about making your life harder; it's deeply rooted in the science and ethics of conservation. When you understand why these rules exist, they often make a lot more sense, even if they're still a bit fiddly to navigate sometimes. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) doesn't just pull these numbers out of a hat; they're the result of extensive research, population assessments, and public input to protect our precious natural resources for generations to come.

Protecting Fish Populations and Ecosystems

Imagine if everyone could keep as many fish as they wanted, whenever they wanted. It wouldn't take long for our amazing fisheries, from the salmon runs in the Puget Sound to the trout streams of Eastern Washington, to be decimated. Bag limits are a primary tool for managing harvest pressure, ensuring that enough fish survive to spawn and replenish future generations. This is especially vital for species like wild steelhead and certain salmon runs that are experiencing conservation challenges. These limits act as a kind of safety valve, allowing anglers to enjoy the resource without exhausting it. Without these carefully set limits, the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems could quickly unravel, leading to irreversible damage to fish stocks and the broader environment.

Bag limits also play a critical role in protecting specific populations that might be more vulnerable due to habitat loss, environmental changes, or declining numbers. For example, some salmon runs might be struggling more than others, leading to very restrictive or even catch-and-release-only regulations for those specific fish in certain areas and times. This targeted approach helps conserve the most at-risk populations while potentially allowing for more generous limits on healthier stocks. It’s a constant balancing act, and these regulations are adjusted regularly based on scientific data, test fishery results, and escapement goals, all to keep our fish populations robust.

Ensuring Fair Access and Sustainable Harvest for All Anglers

Beyond pure conservation, daily bag limits are also about fairness and sustainability. They help distribute the available harvest among a large and passionate angling community. If a few anglers could catch and keep huge numbers of fish, it would quickly deplete the resource and leave little for others. These limits promote a more equitable experience, giving everyone a reasonable chance to take home some fresh fish, rather than allowing commercial-level harvests by recreational anglers. It’s about sharing the bounty of Washington's waters.

This equitable distribution also ties into the long-term sustainability of the sport itself. By managing the take, WDFW aims to ensure that future generations of anglers will have the same, if not better, opportunities to fish than we do today. It's an investment in the future of Washington fishing. This means that while some days you might wish you could keep just one more fish, those limits are ultimately designed to make sure there are fish to catch on future trips, for you, your kids, and your grandkids. It’s a community effort where individual adherence to the rules collectively benefits everyone.

Deciphering Daily and Possession Limits

Before we dive into specific species, it’s absolutely essential to understand the fundamental difference between a "daily limit" and a "possession limit." These terms are often confused, but they have very distinct meanings and implications for how many fish you can have at any given time. Getting these straight will save you a lot of headache and potential legal trouble. When you're out on the water, whether it's the Olympic Peninsula rivers or the vastness of Puget Sound, knowing these definitions is paramount.

Understanding "Daily Limit" and "Possession Limit"

The daily limit refers to the maximum number of a specific species of fish you can legally catch and retain in a single calendar day. Once you've reached that number, you must stop fishing for that particular species for the rest of that day. For example, if the daily limit for hatchery Chinook salmon is two, once you've kept two, you cannot target or retain any more Chinook until midnight, when a new fishing day begins. This limit applies regardless of how long you've been fishing or how many trips you've made within that day.

The possession limit, on the other hand, refers to the maximum number of a specific species of fish you can have in your possession at any time, whether it's in your cooler, your vehicle, your freezer at home, or anywhere else. This limit often, but not always, equals twice your daily limit, especially for multi-day trips. This is crucial for anglers who might fish for several days in a row, or those who travel a significant distance and keep their fish for an extended period before processing. For instance, if your daily limit is two fish, but you go on a two-day trip, your possession limit might be four. However, you can still only catch two per day. It’s designed to prevent accumulation of fish over time beyond a reasonable amount and is a key distinction covered in Possession Limits vs Daily Limits in Washington. Always consult the current regulations, as possession limits can vary significantly by species and location.

Let's illustrate with a common scenario. Imagine you’re fishing for trout on Lake Washington. The daily limit for trout might be 5. If you catch and keep 5 trout on Monday, you’ve hit your daily limit. You go home, clean them, and put them in the freezer. On Tuesday, you go out again and catch 5 more. Now you have 10 trout in your possession (5 from Monday, 5 from Tuesday). Your possession limit, for many species, is usually twice the daily limit, or in some cases, an aggregate limit for multiple days. If the possession limit is 10, you are fine. However, if the possession limit was 5, you would be in violation the moment you brought those 5 new fish home. This is why paying close attention to both numbers, not just the daily take, is critical for avoiding trouble.

The Role of the Catch Record Card

For certain species, particularly salmon and steelhead, your daily catch must be immediately recorded on The Washington Catch Record Card and What It Requires. This isn't just a formality; it's a vital part of WDFW's data collection and management efforts. Every time you keep a salmon, steelhead, or halibut, you must mark it down on your catch record card before you even resume fishing. Failing to do so can result in a citation, even if you are otherwise within your bag limit. This process allows WDFW to track harvest rates in real-time and make informed decisions about season lengths and emergency rule changes.

The catch record card essentially acts as a running tally of your annual harvest for certain species, contributing to the broader management of Washington's fisheries. The data collected from these cards helps WDFW assess population health and ensures that conservation goals are met. When you return your catch record card at the end of the year (or report online via the Fish Washington app), you're providing crucial information that directly influences future fishing opportunities. Without accurate reporting, WDFW operates with incomplete data, making it harder to sustain healthy fish runs. It's a small but significant responsibility every angler takes on to help manage the resource. Knowing How to Fill Out a Washington Catch Record Card correctly is just as important as knowing the limits themselves.

Salmon Species and Their Specific Limits

Salmon fishing is arguably the most iconic angling experience in Washington, and consequently, it comes with some of the most intricate and frequently changing regulations. Each species of Pacific salmon has its own distinct life cycle, population status, and therefore, its own set of rules. You’ll find different limits for Chinook, Coho, Chum, Pink, and Sockeye, and these limits often vary wildly by marine area, river system, and even specific dates within the season. It can feel like a moving target, so staying informed is key.

Chinook Salmon Limits: The King's Domain

Chinook salmon, often called "King Salmon" because of their impressive size and fighting prowess, are a prized catch in Washington. Their regulations are often the most complex due to varying stock health, with some wild runs being listed under the Endangered Species Act. This means you’ll almost always encounter different rules for hatchery-marked Chinook (those with a clipped adipose fin) versus unmarked wild Chinook, which are frequently required to be released immediately. For specific areas like Puget Sound, you'll find explicit limits such as the Daily Limit for Chinook in Puget Sound, which can be as restrictive as one hatchery Chinook per day, sometimes with minimum or maximum size restrictions.

The complexity doesn't stop there. Chinook limits can change dramatically based on whether you're fishing in a marine area like the San Juan Islands, a major river like the Columbia, or one of its tributaries. These changes are often driven by in-season updates from Washington Sport Fishing Seasons and Emergency Closures, which respond to real-time run data from test fisheries. Always check the regulations specific to your planned fishing location and date, as a limit of two hatchery Chinook in one area might be a limit of zero in another, or a combination of different length restrictions. It's a lot to keep track of, but the thrill of landing a big King makes it all worthwhile for many anglers.

Coho Salmon Limits: The Silver Bullet

Coho salmon, or "Silver Salmon," are known for their acrobatic fights and aggressive takes. They often offer more liberal fishing opportunities than Chinook, but their regulations are still subject to change based on run forecasts and escapement goals. Similar to Chinook, you will often find different rules for hatchery-marked Coho versus wild Coho, with wild fish typically requiring release. The Daily Limit for Coho in Puget Sound often allows for two or three hatchery Coho, but this can shift rapidly, especially during peak season in areas like Marine Area 9 or off the coast near Westport.

Coho limits are also influenced by whether you are fishing in freshwater or saltwater. For instance, a river might have a very different limit or even be closed to Coho retention while a nearby marine area is open. Pay close attention to the season dates as well, as Coho runs are often shorter and more intense than Chinook, leading to very specific opening and closing periods. It's crucial to understand the distinct rules for each species, as mistakenly keeping a wild Coho when only hatchery Coho are allowed can lead to serious penalties.

Other Pacific Salmon Species: Chum, Pink, and Sockeye

While Chinook and Coho get a lot of the spotlight, Washington also has vibrant fisheries for Chum, Pink, and Sockeye salmon, each with their own unique bag limits.

• Chum Salmon (Dog Salmon): These are often the most abundant salmon in many river systems in the late fall, especially in Puget Sound tributaries. Their limits tend to be more liberal, sometimes allowing for three or four fish per day, particularly if they are hatchery-marked. However, rules can vary, especially concerning wild Chum in specific river systems.
• Pink Salmon (Humpy): Pink salmon are known for their biennial runs, primarily appearing in odd-numbered years (e.g., 2023, 2025). When they do show up, they often come in enormous numbers, making for fantastic, action-packed fishing. Daily limits for Pinks can be quite generous, sometimes allowing for up to six fish per day, especially in marine areas and lower river sections.
• Sockeye Salmon: The iconic Baker Lake Sockeye run is a significant fishery, but generally, Sockeye opportunities are limited in Washington. When open, Sockeye limits are often set at two or three fish, specifically targeting hatchery-marked fish, if available. For this specialized fishery, precise dates and locations are absolutely critical to follow, as they can be very brief and highly regulated. For many other areas, Sockeye are often catch-and-release only or off-limits entirely.

Always consult the official WDFW regulations pamphlet, which you can often find at local tackle shops or sporting goods stores, or refer to online resources provided by WDFW. An Amazon search for "Washington fishing regulations book" might even point you to the official WDFW site or reputable fishing guides who interpret them.

Steelhead and Trout Limits Across Washington

Steelhead and trout fisheries offer some of the most diverse and challenging angling experiences in Washington. From the chrome-bright winter steelhead of the Olympic Peninsula to the eager rainbow trout in high mountain lakes, each species and location comes with its own set of rules. These regulations are designed to protect fragile wild populations while allowing harvest opportunities for hatchery-supported fisheries.

Wild vs. Hatchery Steelhead Rules

Steelhead, which are ocean-going rainbow trout, are revered by anglers, but their management is complex, largely due to the differing conservation status of wild versus hatchery fish. Almost universally in Washington, wild steelhead (those without a clipped adipose fin) are Wild Steelhead Release Rules on Washington's Olympic Peninsula Rivers and across the state. This is a critical rule to remember: if it doesn't have a clipped fin, it goes back, usually without being removed from the water. The penalties for keeping a wild steelhead are significant, reflecting their vulnerable status.

Hatchery steelhead (those with a clipped adipose fin and often a healed scar in its place) are typically the only steelhead you are allowed to keep. Even then, the Daily Steelhead Limit in Washington is usually one or two hatchery fish, and specific seasons for retention can be very short and confined to particular river sections. For example, some rivers might be open for hatchery steelhead retention for only a few weeks in winter, while others are entirely catch-and-release for steelhead year-round. These distinctions are clearly laid out in the Washington Sport Fishing Seasons and Emergency Closures, which should be checked religiously before any steelhead trip. The adipose clip is your tell-tale sign, so learn to spot it. For more detail on identifying these fish, check out Wild Steelhead vs Hatchery Steelhead in Washington.

Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout Limits

Trout fishing in Washington is incredibly popular, especially in the state's thousands of lakes and rivers.

• Rainbow Trout: These are widely stocked in lowland lakes and provide fantastic fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Daily limits for stocked rainbow trout are often quite generous, sometimes five fish per day, especially in lakes that are part of the "Statewide Trout Fishing" program. However, in rivers or higher elevation lakes, native rainbow trout populations may have more restrictive limits, or even be catch-and-release only. Some lakes are managed for "trophy" trout, with special size restrictions (e.g., only one fish over a certain length allowed).
• Cutthroat Trout: Washington is home to both resident freshwater cutthroat and Sea-Run Cutthroat in Washington's Puget Sound. Regulations for cutthroat vary significantly. In many rivers, particularly those flowing into Puget Sound, cutthroat are catch-and-release only or have very restrictive limits, sometimes with specific gear restrictions (e.g., artificial flies and lures only, barbless hooks). Sea-run cutthroat, while often targeted, typically fall under these stricter regulations to protect their unique life history. Always double-check the specific rules for the waterbody you plan to fish, as Washington River Trout Limit can be very different from lake limits.

It's not uncommon to find size restrictions as well – a minimum length below which you cannot keep a fish, or sometimes a maximum length beyond which a fish must be released, aiming to protect larger, spawning-sized fish. Many anglers find the "Fishing Washington" app, available on your smartphone, or an Amazon search for "Washington fishing regulations" can connect you to crucial WDFW resources to help clarify these nuances.

Kokanee and Other Inland Trout

Washington’s diverse freshwater environments also support other fascinating trout species with their own unique bag limits.

• Kokanee Salmon: These landlocked Sockeye salmon are popular in many large lakes like Lake Chelan and Lake Roosevelt. Kokanee often have liberal daily limits, sometimes 10 or more fish per day, especially during peak seasons. Their generous limits reflect robust populations in these specific lake systems, providing a great opportunity for anglers to fill their coolers.
• Brown Trout and Brook Trout: While not as widespread or heavily stocked as rainbow trout, these species are found in certain rivers and high-elevation lakes. Brown trout often have specific regulations aimed at protecting their wild populations, sometimes with minimum size limits or reduced bag limits compared to rainbows. Brook trout, often found in smaller alpine lakes, can have varying limits depending on the management goals for that particular waterbody. It’s always best to consult the WDFW regulations for specific lakes, as the Washington Lake Trout Limit will vary.

Remember, the goal of these varied limits is to balance angling enjoyment with the long-term health of the fish populations. Each specific body of water often has its own set of rules, so a thorough check of the regulations pamphlet or the WDFW website before each trip is not just a suggestion, it's a necessity.

Marine Species: Bottomfish, Halibut, and Shellfish Limits

Beyond salmon and steelhead, Washington's saltwater environments offer a rich array of bottomfish, halibut, and shellfish species, each with distinct daily bag limits designed to manage these diverse populations. From the rocky reefs of the San Juan Islands to the vast Pacific Ocean off Westport, understanding these marine regulations is just as critical.

Lingcod and Rockfish Specifics

Lingcod are aggressive, toothy predators that offer an exhilarating fight and delicious fillets. Their daily bag limits are typically quite restrictive, often one or two fish per day, and almost always come with strict size limits (e.g., a minimum length of 22 inches and a maximum of 31 inches). These slot limits are in place to protect both juvenile fish and the larger, more reproductively important spawning adults. The Lingcod Limit in Washington also usually specifies a season, often a relatively short window in the spring when they are more accessible in shallower waters.

Rockfish represent a diverse group of species, and their management is particularly complex due to the varying conservation status of different rockfish types. Many rockfish species are severely overfished or are slow-growing and long-lived, making them highly vulnerable to overharvest. As a result, the regulations for rockfish are often very restrictive, sometimes allowing for only one or two fish per day, with some species being entirely catch-and-release or closed to retention altogether. In Puget Sound, for instance, Rockfish Bag Limit in Puget Sound often means you can only keep a very limited number of certain species, and there are often strict depth restrictions to prevent barotrauma (injury from rapid pressure changes) when releasing fish from deep water. Using a descending device is often required or strongly encouraged for released rockfish caught from deeper water.

Anglers need to be able to identify different rockfish species to ensure they are complying with the rules. Familiarizing yourself with common species like Black Rockfish, Copper Rockfish, and Yelloweye Rockfish (which is often completely off-limits) is essential. A good field guide or a quick Amazon search for "Washington rockfish identification guide" can be an invaluable tool to have on board.

Halibut Seasons and Limits

Pacific Halibut are one of the most sought-after bottomfish, revered for their size, fight, and culinary quality. However, halibut fishing in Washington is managed under strict federal and international quotas, resulting in very limited and highly anticipated seasons. The Daily Halibut Limit in Washington is almost always one fish per day, and sometimes there's an annual limit too, typically one or two fish per angler per year.

Halibut seasons are notoriously short, often only a handful of days or even specific weekends in the spring and early summer. These seasons are announced well in advance but can close early if the quota is met. Fishing occurs in specific marine areas, with different dates for coastal areas (like Westport and Neah Bay) versus Puget Sound. It’s crucial to know the exact open dates for your chosen marine area, as fishing outside these short windows is a serious violation. Many anglers book Washington's San Juan Islands Fishing Charters or Westport, Washington Halibut and Tuna Charters well in advance to secure a spot during these limited opportunities.

Crabbing and Shellfish Limits

While not technically "fish," shellfish are a huge part of Washington's angling culture, and they too come with specific daily limits.

• Dungeness Crab: This is Washington's most popular shellfish. Daily limits are typically 5 male Dungeness crabs, which must be at least 6 ¼ inches across the widest part of their shell, and you cannot retain females. These rules are consistent across most of Puget Sound and coastal areas, but seasons vary greatly by marine area.
• Shrimp (Spot Prawns, Coonstripe, Pink): Spot shrimp are a delicacy and their seasons are very short and highly anticipated, often lasting only a few hours on specific dates in May or June, primarily in Hood Canal and certain Puget Sound marine areas. Daily limits are often expressed in terms of volume, like 80 spot shrimp or a specific number of pounds. Other shrimp species like coonstripe and pink shrimp may have longer seasons and different limits.
• Clams and Oysters: Various clam species (Razor Clams, Manila Clams, Butter Clams, etc.) and oysters (Pacific Oysters) have limits, often measured by quantity (e.g., 40 clams, 18 oysters) and sometimes by weight, always subject to seasonal and area closures for public health or conservation. Razor Clam Digging Seasons and Tides are widely publicized, but digging outside of them is illegal.

For all shellfish, you need a shellfish endorsement on your fishing license, and possessing a caliper or measuring device is often required to ensure legal size. These resources can often be found at local hardware or sporting goods stores, or on Amazon.

Freshwater Game Fish Limits Beyond Salmon and Steelhead

Washington's vast network of lakes, rivers, and reservoirs offers incredible opportunities for freshwater anglers targeting species beyond the popular salmon and steelhead. These game fish, including various bass species, walleye, and sturgeon, also have their own carefully regulated daily bag limits, designed to sustain healthy populations and provide diverse fishing experiences.

Bass: Smallmouth and Largemouth Limits

Smallmouth Bass are a favorite among anglers for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. They are abundant in many Eastern Washington rivers like the Columbia and Snake, as well as numerous lakes. Daily limits for smallmouth bass are often quite generous, typically 10 fish per day, but these can include size restrictions. For example, some areas might have a slot limit where you can keep 10 fish, but only one of them can be over a certain size (e.g., 14 inches), or none within a certain size range. This is designed to protect the breeding population of larger fish while allowing harvest of smaller, more abundant individuals.

Largemouth Bass, found predominantly in Western Washington's warmer lowland lakes (like Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, and Lake Fenwick), also offer excellent fishing. Their daily limits are often similar to smallmouth bass, around 5-10 fish per day, and like smallmouth, they frequently come with size restrictions to manage populations effectively. These species are considered non-native in Washington, and while regulated, the limits are often structured to allow for reasonable harvest. Always check the specific body of water you're fishing, as local regulations, particularly for specific lakes, can sometimes vary from general statewide rules.

Walleye and Sturgeon Management

Walleye are a highly prized sport fish, especially in Eastern Washington's larger water bodies like the Columbia River and Lake Roosevelt. Their delicious fillets make them a sought-after catch. Walleye limits are generally liberal, often around 10 fish per day, but with specific size restrictions designed to protect the breeding stock. For instance, you might be allowed to keep 10 walleye, but only one can be over a certain length (e.g., 20 inches). This ensures that larger, mature walleye remain in the system to reproduce. The WDFW carefully monitors walleye populations, adjusting these limits as needed to maintain a sustainable fishery, particularly in the robust Walleye Fishing on Washington's Columbia River.

Sturgeon, particularly the massive White Sturgeon of the Columbia River, are truly unique and iconic fish. However, due to conservation concerns, sturgeon fishing in Washington is primarily catch-and-release only for white sturgeon. There are very limited, highly regulated harvest opportunities for white sturgeon, and when they do occur, they are usually in specific, short seasons on certain river sections, and always with very strict slot limits (e.g., only sturgeon between 38-54 inches fork length can be kept). These harvest seasons are rare and announced with significant advance notice. For green sturgeon, retention is always prohibited, as they are a federally protected species. Anglers targeting sturgeon must be intimately familiar with these rules, as improper retention or handling of oversized or undersized sturgeon can lead to severe penalties.

It’s easy to get lost in the details when you're looking up rules for each species and each specific body of water. A habit of consistent checking, perhaps by keeping the regulations pamphlet in your tackle box or having the WDFW site bookmarked on your phone, will serve you well.

Navigating Rule Changes and Staying Compliant

One of the biggest frustrations for Washington anglers is the constantly evolving nature of fishing regulations. What was open yesterday might be closed today, and limits can change mid-season with little warning. This isn't arbitrary; it's a necessary part of adaptive management to protect fish runs. However, it places the burden squarely on the angler to stay informed.

WDFW Resources and Emergency Rules

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is the primary source for all fishing regulations. Their website (wdfw.wa.gov) is an absolute treasure trove of information, hosting the most current regulations pamphlet, emergency rule changes, and often a "Week Ahead" report or similar updates for specific regions. Emergency rule changes are a particularly important aspect to monitor. These can modify seasons, limits, or gear restrictions with very short notice, often due to unexpected changes in fish run sizes, environmental conditions, or to meet treaty obligations. Emergency Rule Changes: Why Washington's Rules Shift Mid-Season explains how these vital adjustments are made to protect fragile fisheries.

It's not just about knowing the annual pamphlet; it's about checking for updates right before your trip. WDFW's Fish Washington app is an excellent resource for this, as it can push notifications for emergency changes relevant to your chosen fishing areas. Subscribing to WDFW's email lists for specific regions or species can also keep you in the loop. These are the official channels, and relying on word-of-mouth or outdated information from a friend is a recipe for a citation. For additional insights on checking updates, see Where Washington Posts Fishing Rule Changes.

Checking Regulations Before Every Trip

This cannot be stressed enough: Always check the current regulations immediately before you head out on your fishing trip. Even if you fished the same spot last week, or even yesterday, an emergency rule change could have been implemented. This applies to all species, from Salmon Possession Limit in Washington to the size limits on resident trout. A quick check takes minutes but can save you hundreds of dollars in fines and the disappointment of an illegal catch.

Think of it like this: your fishing license and The Washington Catch Record Card and What It Requires are your entry tickets, but the regulations pamphlet, especially the online version with emergency updates, is your map. Without the current map, you're fishing blind. Many anglers keep a physical copy of the latest pamphlet in their truck or boat, but rely on their smartphone for last-minute checks through the WDFW website or the Fish Washington app. When in doubt, call the WDFW regional office for the area you plan to fish; their staff are there to help clarify regulations. Remember, ignorance of the law is not a valid defense if you're caught violating a bag limit.

Here's a handy table summarizing some common species and general daily bag limits. Please note: These are general guidelines only. Specific limits vary wildly by location, season, and whether fish are wild or hatchery-marked. ALWAYS consult current WDFW regulations for your specific fishing area and date.

Species (General)	Typical Daily Limit (General Guideline)	Key Considerations / Common Variations
Chinook Salmon	1-2 (Hatchery-marked only)	Varies by Marine Area/River, often size limits, wild Chinook almost always release
Coho Salmon	2-3 (Hatchery-marked often)	Varies by Marine Area/River, wild Coho often release
Chum Salmon	2-4	More liberal in certain areas/times, wild can be restricted
Pink Salmon	4-6 (Odd years primarily)	Generous in odd-numbered years, fewer restrictions
Sockeye Salmon	2-3 (Specific fisheries like Baker Lake)	Highly restricted, often catch-and-release elsewhere
Steelhead	1-2 (Hatchery-marked only)	Wild steelhead almost universally release, specific seasons/rivers
Rainbow Trout	5	Stocked lakes often 5; rivers/wild populations can be 2, 0, or have size limits
Cutthroat Trout	0-2 (often catch-and-release)	Highly variable by waterbody, often artificial lures/flies, barbless
Kokanee	10-15	Generally liberal limits in designated lakes
Lingcod	1-2	Strict size slots (e.g., 22-31"), short seasons
Rockfish	1-2 (certain species only)	Many species closed to retention, depth restrictions, descending device needed
Pacific Halibut	1	Very short, specific seasons, often an annual limit of 1-2 fish
Dungeness Crab	5 (male only, 6.25" minimum)	Male only, minimum size, specific seasons
Smallmouth Bass	10	Can have size restrictions (e.g., only one over 14")
Largemouth Bass	5-10	Can have size restrictions, varies by lake
Walleye	10	Can have size restrictions (e.g., only one over 20")
White Sturgeon	0 (catch-and-release primarily)	Very rare, highly restricted harvest seasons with strict slot limits

Disclaimer

The information provided in this guide is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for official Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) regulations. Fishing rules, including daily bag limits, species, and seasons, are subject to frequent change, often with short notice via emergency rule updates. Always consult the most current WDFW Sport Fishing Regulations pamphlet, the WDFW website (wdfw.wa.gov), or the Fish Washington mobile app immediately before engaging in any fishing activity. It is the angler's sole responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable state and local fishing laws and regulations.