Coastal rivers and tributaries fishing rules update

April 27, 2023

Coastal rivers and tributaries fishing rules update

Action: Returns listed locations to permanent rules as listed in the 2022/23 Washington Sport Fishing Pamphlet.

Effective date: May 1, 2023.

Species affected: All species.

Locations:

  • Bear River (Pacific Co.)
  • Big River (Clallam Co.)
  • Black River (Grays Harbor/Thurston Co.)
  • Bogachiel River (Clallam Co.)
  • Calawah River, (Clallam Co.)
  • Cedar Creek (Jefferson Co.)
  • Chehalis River (Grays Harbor Co.)
  • Clearwater River (Jefferson Co.)
  • Cloquallum Creek (Grays Harbor/Mason Co.)
  • Copalis River (Grays Harbor Co.)
  • Dickey River (Clallam Co.)
  • Elk Creek (Lewis/Pacific Co.)
  • Elk River (Grays Harbor Co.)
  • Fork Creek (Pacific Co.)
  • Goodman Creek (Jefferson Co.)
  • Hoh River (Jefferson Co.)
  • Hoh River, South Fork (Jefferson Co.)
  • Hoquiam River including East and West forks (Grays Harbor Co.)
  • Humptulips River (Grays Harbor Co.)
  • Joe Creek (Grays Harbor Co.)
  • Johns River (Grays Harbor Co.)
  • Kalaloch Creek (Jefferson Co.)
  • Moclips River (Grays Harbor Co.)
  • Mosquito Creek (Jefferson Co.)
  • Naselle River (Pacific Co.)
  • Nemah River, Middle (Pacific Co.)
  • Nemah River, North (Pacific Co.)
  • Nemah River, South (Pacific Co.)
  • Newaukum River, including South Fork (Lewis Co.)
  • Newaukum River, Middle Fork (Lewis Co.)
  • Newaukum River, North (Lewis Co.)
  • North River (Grays Harbor/Pacific Co.)
  • Palix River (Pacific Co.)
  • Quillayute River (Clallam Co.)
  • Quinault River, Upper (Grays Harbor/Jefferson Co.)
  • Salmon River (Jefferson Co.)
  • Satsop River including East Fork, West Fork, and Middle Fork (Grays Harbor Co.)
  • Skookumchuck River (Lewis/Thurston Co.)
  • Smith Creek (near North River) (Pacific Co.)
  • Sol Duc River (Clallam Co.)
  • Sooes River (Clallam Co.)
  • Stevens Creek (Grays Harbor Co.)
  • Thunder Creek (Clallam Co.)
  • Van Winkle Creek (Grays Harbor Co.)
  • Willapa River including South Fork (Pacific Co.)
  • Wishkah River (Grays Harbor Co.)
  • Wynoochee River (Grays Harbor Co.)

Additional information: Most of the listed locations will be closed by permanent rule on May 1 and are set to reopen on Saturday (May 27) before Memorial Day. Be sure to check the 2022/23 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for specific openings and rules. The pamphlet can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/washington/fishing/

Quillayute River and Sol Duc River do have recreational fishing seasons that will open when this rule change goes into effect on May 1 – gamefish and salmon seasons are described in the pamphlet. There are no additional restrictions to those listed in the pamphlet.

Information contact: Region 6 – Montesano Office, 360-249-4628.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.