Chapter 220-310 WAC
Last Update: 11/6/23PERSONAL-USE FISHERIES—GENERAL RULES
WAC Sections
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-010 | Description of catch record cards and required information. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-020 | Catch record cards. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-030 | Food fish fishing—Closed areas. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-040 | Total possession limit. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-050 | Unlawful to take another's limit. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-060 | Wastage of food fish or shellfish. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-070 | Statewide bait rules. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-080 | Game fish seasons—General rules. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-090 | Game fish possession limits and size limits. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-100 | Fish handling rules—Removal from water. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-110 | Angling gear—Lawful and unlawful acts. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-120 | Gaffing and use of other body-penetrating devices—Personal use. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-130 | Spearfishing. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-140 | Bow and arrow fishing. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-150 | Fly fishing. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-160 | Daily limits other food fish not otherwise provided for. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-170 | Possession of gamefish, food fish or shellfish in unlawful condition—Possession aboard a vessel. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-210 | Possession and delivery of Canadian-origin food fish and shellfish. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-220 | Juvenile fishing waters. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-230 | Juvenile fishing events. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-310-240 | Recreational fisheries enhancement account—Funding. |
DISPOSITION OF SECTIONS FORMERLY CODIFIED IN THIS TITLE
| 220-310-175 | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—General rules. [Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012 and 77.12.047. WSR 16-06-073 (Order 16-30), § 220-310-175, filed 2/26/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 15-13-081 (Order 15-177), § 220-310-175, filed 6/12/15, effective 7/13/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 15-06-065 and 15-06-006 (Order 15-033), § 220-310-175, filed 3/4/15 and 2/20/15, effective 7/1/15; WSR 14-04-120 (Order 14-26), § 220-310-175, filed 2/4/14, effective 3/7/14.] Amended and decodified by WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. Recodified as § 220-312-010. |
| 220-310-180 | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coast. [Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 16-14-045 (Order 16-160), § 220-310-180, filed 6/28/16, effective 7/29/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012 and 77.12.047. WSR 16-06-073 (Order 16-30), § 220-310-180, filed 2/26/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 15-17-010 (Order 15-245), § 220-310-180, filed 8/6/15, effective 9/6/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 14-16-027 (Order 14-185), § 220-310-180, filed 7/25/14, effective 8/25/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 14-04-120 (Order 14-26), § 220-310-180, filed 2/4/14, effective 3/7/14.] Amended and decodified by WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. Recodified as § 220-312-020. |
| 220-310-185 | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Southwest. [Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 16-14-038 (Order 16-158), § 220-310-185, filed 6/28/16, effective 7/29/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012 and 77.12.047. WSR 16-06-073 (Order 16-30), § 220-310-185, filed 2/26/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 15-13-081 (Order 15-177), § 220-310-185, filed 6/12/15, effective 7/13/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 15-06-065 and 15-06-006 (Order 15-033), § 220-310-185, filed 3/4/15 and 2/20/15, effective 7/1/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 14-16-027 (Order 14-185), § 220-310-185, filed 7/25/14, effective 8/25/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 14-04-120 (Order 14-26), § 220-310-185, filed 2/4/14, effective 3/7/14.] Decodified by WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. Recodified as § 220-312-030. |
| 220-310-190 | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound. [Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 16-17-008 (Order 16-201), § 220-310-190, filed 8/4/16, effective 9/4/16; WSR 16-14-038 (Order 16-158), § 220-310-190, filed 6/28/16, effective 7/29/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012 and 77.12.047. WSR 16-06-073 (Order 16-30), § 220-310-190, filed 2/26/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 15-13-081 (Order 15-177), § 220-310-190, filed 6/12/15, effective 7/13/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 14-16-027 (Order 14-185), § 220-310-190, filed 7/25/14, effective 8/25/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 14-04-120 (Order 14-26), § 220-310-190, filed 2/4/14, effective 3/7/14.] Amended and decodified by WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. Recodified as § 220-312-040. |
| 220-310-195 | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Eastside. [Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 16-23-002 (Order 16-280), § 220-310-195, filed 11/2/16, effective 12/3/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012 and 77.12.047. WSR 16-06-073 (Order 16-30), § 220-310-195, filed 2/26/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 15-13-081 (Order 15-177), § 220-310-195, filed 6/12/15, effective 7/13/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 15-06-065 and 15-06-006 (Order 15-033), § 220-310-195, filed 3/4/15 and 2/20/15, effective 7/1/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 14-16-027 (Order 14-185), § 220-310-195, filed 7/25/14, effective 8/25/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 14-04-120 (Order 14-26), § 220-310-195, filed 2/4/14, effective 3/7/14.] Decodified by WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. Recodified as § 220-312-050. |
| 220-310-200 | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia. [Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 16-14-038 (Order 16-158), § 220-310-200, filed 6/28/16, effective 7/29/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012 and 77.12.047. WSR 16-06-073 (Order 16-30), § 220-310-200, filed 2/26/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 15-13-081 (Order 15-177), § 220-310-200, filed 6/12/15, effective 7/13/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 15-06-065 and 15-06-006 (Order 15-033), § 220-310-200, filed 3/4/15 and 2/20/15, effective 7/1/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 14-16-027 (Order 14-185), § 220-310-200, filed 7/25/14, effective 8/25/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 14-04-120 (Order 14-26), § 220-310-200, filed 2/4/14, effective 3/7/14.] Decodified by WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. Recodified as § 220-312-060. |
PDF220-310-010
Description of catch record cards and required information.
(1) The department shall issue a paper catch record card or provide access to an electronic catch record card for the following species:
(a) Anadromous salmon (salmon);
(b) Dungeness crab taken from Catch Record Card Area 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line and Catch Record Card Areas 5-13;
(c) Halibut;
(d) Steelhead; and
(e) Sturgeon.
(2) Each paper catch record card shall contain the following identifying information:
(a) Name of fisher;
(b) Home address or mailing address;
(c) City, state, and zip code;
(d) Date of issuance;
(e) When the paper catch record card is issued with a one-day charter boat or guide operator stamp license, the catch record card shall contain space for that stamp.
(3) Each paper or electronic catch record card shall contain fields for the following information:
(a) Month of catch;
(b) Day of catch;
(c) Location of catch by Marine Area, River, or Lake Code;
(d) A species code for salmon and sturgeon and a marked or unmarked space for salmon;
(e) A space for designating the type of vessel from which halibut was taken, either charter ("c") or private ("p");
(f) The length of sturgeon;
(g) A tally or count of Dungeness crab retained.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, and 77.32.090. WSR 23-23-045 (Order 23-01), § 220-310-010, filed 11/6/23, effective 12/7/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 18-21-059 (Order 18-285), § 220-310-010, filed 10/9/18, effective 11/9/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-310-010, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 06-21-031 (Order 06-262), § 220-69-236, filed 10/9/06, effective 11/9/06; WSR 05-05-035 (Order 05-15), § 220-69-236, filed 2/10/05, effective 5/1/05; WSR 04-17-096 (Order 04-210), § 220-69-236, filed 8/17/04, effective 9/17/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.32.050. WSR 00-11-178 (Order 00-80), § 220-69-236, filed 5/24/00, effective 6/24/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080 and 77.12.040. WSR 99-17-066 (Order 99-125), § 220-69-236, filed 8/13/99, effective 4/1/00.]
PDF220-310-020
Catch record cards.
It is unlawful for any person to fail to comply with the catch record requirements as provided for in this section:
(1) An angler must obtain and have in their physical possession a valid and appropriate paper or electronic Puget Sound Dungeness crab catch record card as described in WAC 220-310-010 to fish for or possess for personal use any Dungeness crab in Catch Record Card Area 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh Line, and in Catch Record Card Areas 5-13.
(2) An angler must obtain and have in their physical possession a valid and appropriate paper or electronic catch record card as described in WAC 220-310-010 to fish for or possess for personal use any anadromous salmon, sturgeon, halibut, or steelhead except a catch record card is not required for:
(a) Commercially caught salmon retained for personal use, as provided in WAC 220-354-030, and commercially caught sturgeon retained for personal use, as provided in WAC 220-353-110; and
(b) Landlocked steelhead or for salmon in waters designated as "landlocked salmon rules apply" in WAC 220-312-010 through 220-312-060.
(3) A paper or electronic catch record card remains valid as long as there is one or more unfilled spaces available for the species being fished for, except:
(a) A paper or electronic catch record card remains valid for catch-and-release sturgeon fishing when the sturgeon portion of the card is full in the mainstem Columbia River downstream from where the river forms the common boundary between Oregon and Washington.
(b) It is unlawful to use a second or subsequent paper or electronic catch record card to retain halibut or sturgeon after the first card is full.
(4) The fee for a paper or electronic catch record card for halibut is $5 when purchased with an annual saltwater fishing license, an annual combination fishing license, or an annual fish Washington license. There is no charge for a paper or electronic catch record card for halibut with a temporary combination fishing license that is valid for one to three consecutive days, or with a one-day charter boat or guide operator stamp license, or with a youth license.
(5) Immediately upon catching and possessing a salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, Dungeness crab, or halibut, anglers must enter in the appropriate field on the paper or electronic catch record card, the place, date of catch, and species. Anglers in physical possession of a paper catch record card must enter all required information in ink. Anglers in physical possession of an electronic catch record card must enter all required information through the department-authorized mobile application.
(a) Sturgeon anglers must also record the length of the fish;
(b) Halibut anglers must also record the vessel type;
(c) Salmon anglers must also indicate whether or not the fish was marked by having a clipped adipose fin;
(d) Puget Sound Dungeness crab anglers must also provide a tally mark or count of each Dungeness crab retained from each catch record card area fished. At the end of the fishing day, the fisher must enter the total number of crab tally marks for each fishery type.
(6) Every person issued a paper catch record card must, by April 30 of the year after they used the card, return the card to the department of fish and wildlife or report the card information at the designated internet site by dates indicated on the card, except:
(a) People issued a paper Puget Sound Dungeness crab catch record card must return the card to the Washington department of fish and wildlife or report the card information at the designated internet site by the dates indicated on the card. Anglers using the electronic catch record card must record harvest immediately. If no crab are retained, mobile application users must record no harvest by the end of the season through the department-authorized mobile application.
(b) Failure to return a paper Dungeness crab catch record card or to report the Dungeness crab catch record card information electronically at the designated internet site or through the department-authorized mobile application by the dates indicated on the card will result in a $10 administrative fee. The administrative fee will be collected from anglers when they acquire a subsequent Puget Sound Dungeness crab endorsement.
(7) Any person possessing a paper or electronic catch record card must show their card to any fish and wildlife officer, ex-officio fish and wildlife officer or authorized department employee who asks to inspect the card.
(8) A paper or electronic catch record card must not be transferred, borrowed, altered, or loaned to another person, except as authorized under RCW 77.32.565.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, and 77.32.090. WSR 23-23-045 (Order 23-01), § 220-310-020, filed 11/6/23, effective 12/7/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 18-21-059 (Order 18-285), § 220-310-020, filed 10/9/18, effective 11/9/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), amended and recodified as § 220-310-020, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 15-11-042 (Order 15-126), § 220-56-175, filed 5/14/15, effective 6/14/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 09-02-069 (Order 09-03), § 220-56-175, filed 1/6/09, effective 2/6/09; WSR 08-07-003, § 220-56-175, filed 3/5/08, effective 4/5/08; WSR 07-09-042 (Order 07-59), § 220-56-175, filed 4/11/07, effective 5/12/07; WSR 06-21-031 (Order 06-262), § 220-56-175, filed 10/9/06, effective 11/9/06; WSR 06-13-023 (Order 06-135), § 220-56-175, filed 6/13/06, effective 7/14/06; WSR 06-05-085 (Order 06-23), § 220-56-175, filed 2/14/06, effective 5/1/06; WSR 04-10-033 (Order 04-91), § 220-56-175, filed 4/29/04, effective 5/30/04; WSR 03-05-057 (Order 03-24), § 220-56-175, filed 2/14/03, effective 5/1/03; WSR 01-06-036 (Order 01-24), § 220-56-175, filed 3/5/01, effective 5/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.32.050. WSR 00-11-178 (Order 00-80), § 220-56-175, filed 5/24/00, effective 6/24/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080, 77.12.040. WSR 00-08-038 (Order 00-29), § 220-56-175, filed 3/29/00, effective 5/1/00; WSR 99-17-066 (Order 99-125), § 220-56-175, filed 8/13/99, effective 4/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. WSR 91-08-054 (Order 91-13), § 220-56-175, filed 4/2/91, effective 5/3/91; WSR 90-06-026, § 220-56-175, filed 2/28/90, effective 3/31/90; WSR 89-07-071 (Order 89-05), § 220-56-175, filed 3/20/89; WSR 88-05-002 (Order 88-03), § 220-56-175, filed 2/4/88; WSR 85-11-020 (Order 85-43), § 220-56-175, filed 5/10/85; WSR 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-175, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80. Formerly WAC 220-56-023.]
PDF220-310-030
Food fish fishing—Closed areas.
It is unlawful to fish for or possess food fish taken from the following areas during the times indicated.
(1) It is unlawful at all times to fish for or possess food fish taken for personal use in waters lying within 400 feet below any fish rack, fishway, dam or other artificial or natural obstruction, either temporary or permanent, unless otherwise provided.
(2) Waters of Budd Inlet at Olympia south of the Fourth Avenue Bridge are closed at all times, and all contiguous waters lying between the Fourth Avenue Bridge and a line from the northwesterly corner of the Thriftway Market Building to a point 100 yards north of the railroad bridge located on the western side of the inlet opposite the Thriftway Market Building are closed during the period July 16 through October 31.
(3) The waters of Percival Cove are closed at all times.
(4) Those waters of Hood Canal inshore from yellow marker buoys to the mouth of Finch Creek and waters within the channel created when tidelands are exposed are closed the entire year.
(5) Waters within a radius of 100 yards from the Enetai Hatchery Outfall Creek where it enters saltwater are closed at all times.
(6) Those waters of Sinclair Inlet inside a line fifty yards from the pierhead line of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard at Bremerton are closed at all times.
(7) Those waters of Hood Canal within 100 feet of the Seabeck Highway Bridge over Big Beef Creek are closed August 1 through November 30.
(8) In Shilshole Bay waters east of a line 175 feet west of the Burlington Northern Railroad Bridge are closed to fishing.
(9) Those waters of the Chinook River upstream from tide gate at the Highway 101 Bridge are closed at all times.
(10) Those waters of the Columbia River between the Vernita Bridge and the Hanford power line crossing (wooden towers at S24, T13N, R27E) are closed October 23 through January 31.
(11) Those waters of the Columbia River between the upstream line of Bonneville Dam to a point 600 feet below the fish ladder at the new Bonneville Dam Powerhouse are closed at all times.
(12) Waters of the Lake Washington Ship Canal west of a north-south line 400 feet east of the eastern end of the north wing wall of Chittenden Locks to the mouth of the Lake Washington Ship Canal are closed to food fish angling at all times.
(13) Waters of Catch Record Card Area 10 west of a line from Point Monroe to Indianola and east of a line from Point Bolin to Battle Point are closed to food fish angling from January 1 through March 31 except it is lawful to fish with gear meeting the fly fishing only requirements of WAC 220-310-150 except it is unlawful to use lead core fly line. Use of gear other than fly fishing gear or use of a lead core line in violation of this subsection is an infraction, punishable under RCW 77.15.160. It is unlawful to retain any fish taken during the period January 1 through March 31.
(14) Chief Joseph Dam - Closed to fishing from the Okanogan County shore between the dam and the Highway 17 Bridge. Closed to fishing from a floating device downstream of Chief Joseph Dam to the Corps of Engineers Safety Zone Marker.
(15) Wells Dam - Waters between the upstream line of Wells Dam to boundary markers 400 feet below the spawning channel discharge on the Chelan County side and the fish ladder on the Douglas County side.
(16) Rocky Reach, Rock Island and Wanapum Dams - Waters between the upstream lines of these dams and boundary markers 400 feet downstream of the fish ladders at Rocky Reach and Rock Island Dams and boundary markers at Wanapum Dam 750 feet below the east fish ladder and 500 feet below the west fish ladder.
(17) Priest Rapids Dam - Waters between the upstream line of Priest Rapids Dam and boundary markers 650 feet below the fish ladders.
(18) Jackson (Moran) Creek - All waters of the Priest Rapids hatchery system including Columbia River waters out to midstream between markers located 100 feet upstream and 400 feet downstream of the mouth of the hatchery outlet.
(19) McNary Dam - Waters between the upstream line of McNary Dam and a line across the river from the red and white marker on the Oregon shore to the downstream end of the wingwall of the boat lock near the Washington shore.
(20) John Day Dam - Waters between the upstream line of John Day Dam and markers approximately 3,000 feet downstream, except that fishing is permitted from the Washington shore to within 400 feet of the fishway entrance.
(21) The Dalles Dam - Waters between the upstream line of the Dalles Dam and the upstream side of the Interstate 197 Bridge, except that fishing is permitted from the Washington shore to within 400 feet of the fishway entrance.
(22) Spring Creek - Waters within 1/4 mile of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Hatchery grounds between posted boundary markers located 1/4 mile on either side of the fish ladder entrance.
(23) The waters of Catch Area 12 are closed at all times to the taking of food fish other than salmon. However, persons with disabilities who permanently use a wheelchair and who have a designated harvester card under WAC 220-220-240 may fish from the ADA-access site at the Hoodsport Salmon Hatchery, as long as such persons follow all department rules that apply to the adjoining waters of Marine Area 12.
(24) Freshwater Bay - Waters south of a line from Angeles Point to Observatory Point (Bachelor Rock) are closed July 1 through October 31.
(25) Tulalip Bay - Waters east of line from Mission Point to Hermosa Point are closed at all times.
(26) Waters of Catch Record Card Area 13 within 500 yards of the Toliva Shoal buoy are closed to fishing for food fish June 16 through April 30 and closed to rockfish year-round.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-16-109 (Order 17-147), § 220-310-030, filed 7/28/17, effective 8/28/17; WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), amended and recodified as § 220-310-030, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 13-20-021 (Order 13-210), § 220-56-128, filed 9/23/13, effective 10/24/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 10-07-105 (Order 10-64), § 220-56-128, filed 3/19/10, effective 5/1/10; WSR 06-09-021 (Order 06-67), § 220-56-128, filed 4/11/06, effective 5/12/06; WSR 06-05-085 (Order 06-23), § 220-56-128, filed 2/14/06, effective 5/1/06; WSR 05-05-035 (Order 05-15), § 220-56-128, filed 2/10/05, effective 5/1/05; WSR 04-24-030 (Order 04-306), § 220-56-128, filed 11/23/04, effective 12/24/04; WSR 04-17-098 (Order 04-218), § 220-56-128, filed 8/17/04, effective 9/17/04; WSR 02-08-048 (Order 02-53), § 220-56-128, filed 3/29/02, effective 5/1/02. Statutory Authority: 2000 c 107 § 7. WSR 00-16-091 (Order 00-134), § 220-56-128, filed 7/31/00, effective 8/31/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080 and 77.12.040. WSR 98-15-081 (Order 98-122), § 220-56-128, filed 7/15/98, effective 8/15/98; WSR 98-06-031, § 220-56-128, filed 2/26/98, effective 5/1/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. WSR 97-07-078 (Order 97-53), § 220-56-128, filed 3/19/97, effective 5/1/97; WSR 95-12-027 (Order 95-46), § 220-56-128, filed 5/31/95, effective 7/1/95; WSR 94-14-069, § 220-56-128, filed 7/1/94, effective 8/1/94; WSR 93-08-034 (Order 93-20), § 220-56-128, filed 3/31/93, effective 5/1/93; WSR 91-08-054 (Order 91-13), § 220-56-128, filed 4/2/91, effective 5/3/91; WSR 90-06-026, § 220-56-128, filed 2/28/90, effective 3/31/90; WSR 89-07-060 (Order 89-12), § 220-56-128, filed 3/16/89; WSR 88-10-012 (Order 88-14), § 220-56-128, filed 4/26/88; WSR 85-09-017 (Order 85-20), § 220-56-128, filed 4/9/85; WSR 82-07-047 (Order 82-19), § 220-56-128, filed 3/18/82; WSR 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-128, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80. Formerly WAC 220-56-065.]
PDF220-310-040
Total possession limit.
The lawful total cumulative number of salmon or amounts of other food fish and shellfish possessed when taken from more than one area shall not exceed the daily catch or possession limit for a single area.
PDF220-310-050
Unlawful to take another's limit.
It is unlawful for any person to catch, dig or possess fish or shellfish for another person except designated harvesters as provided in WAC 220-220-240.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), amended and recodified as § 220-310-050, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 04-07-009 (Order 04-39), § 220-56-150, filed 3/4/04, effective 5/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. WSR 86-09-020 (Order 86-08), § 220-56-150, filed 4/9/86; WSR 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-150, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80.]
PDF220-310-060
Wastage of food fish or shellfish.
It shall be unlawful to take, fish for or possess food fish or shellfish taken for personal use with the intent of wasting or destroying such food fish or shellfish.
PDF220-310-070
Statewide bait rules.
(1) It is unlawful to fish for sturgeon except with bait.
(2) It is unlawful to use lamprey as fishing bait, regardless of the source or species of lamprey.
(3) It is acceptable to use bait in saltwater.
(4) It is unlawful to chum, broadcast, feed, or distribute into freshwater any bait or other substance capable of attracting fish unless specifically authorized in exceptions to statewide rules.
(5) When fishing for trout with bait, all trout and kokanee that are lawful to possess and are equal to or greater than the minimum size are counted as part of the daily limit, whether kept or released, and it is unlawful to continue to fish once the daily limit has been achieved, except that steelhead trout may be caught and released until the daily limit is taken.
(6) It is unlawful to possess or use live aquatic animals as bait in fresh water except:
(a) Live aquatic animals (other than fish) collected from the water being fished may be possessed or used as bait.
(b) Live sand shrimp may be possessed or used as bait.
(c) Live forage fish may be possessed or used as bait in the Columbia River downstream of a line projected from Rocky Point on the Washington bank through Red Buoy 44 to the navigation light at Tongue Point on the Oregon bank.
(7) Use of bait in violation of this section is an infraction, punishable under RCW 77.15.160.
(8) It is unlawful to possess fish taken with bait in violation of the provisions of this section. Possession of fish while using bait in violation of the provisions of this section is a rebuttable presumption that the fish were taken with such bait. Violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW 77.15.380 Unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree—Penalty, unless the fish are taken in the amounts or manner to constitute a violation of RCW 77.15.370 Unlawful recreational fishing in the first degree—Penalty—Criminal wildlife penalty assessment.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 20-03-130 (Order 20-09), § 220-310-070, filed 1/17/20, effective 2/17/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-310-070, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 09-06-042 (Order 09-27), § 220-56-122, filed 2/25/09, effective 5/1/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047 and 77.04.020. WSR 07-16-056, § 220-56-122, filed 7/26/07, effective 8/26/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 06-13-023 (Order 06-135), § 220-56-122, filed 6/13/06, effective 7/14/06; WSR 06-09-021 (Order 06-67), § 220-56-122, filed 4/11/06, effective 5/12/06; WSR 06-05-085 (Order 06-23), § 220-56-122, filed 2/14/06, effective 5/1/06.]
PDF220-310-080
Game fish seasons—General rules.
It is unlawful to fish for game fish except during the seasons and times below.
(1) Freshwater lakes, ponds and reservoirs: Open year-round except as provided for in WAC 220-312-010 through 220-312-060.
(2) Freshwater rivers, streams, and beaver ponds: Open the Saturday before Memorial Day through October 31 except as provided for in WAC 220-312-010 through 220-312-060.
(3) Saltwater (all waters downstream and seaward of the mouths of rivers and streams generally defined in WAC 220-200-060 and specifically defined in WAC 220-300-220): Open year-round, except:
(a) Lake Washington Ship Canal - Those waters of Area 10 west of the Lake Washington Ship Canal to a north-south line 175 feet west of the Burlington-Northern Railroad Bridge are closed waters.
(b) Toliva Shoal - Waters within 500 yards of the Toliva Shoal buoy are closed waters from June 16 through April 30.
(c) Freshwater Bay - Waters south of a line from Angeles Point westerly to Observatory Point are closed July 1 through October 31.
(d) Tulalip Bay - Waters of Tulalip Bay east of a line from Hermosa Point to Mission Point are closed waters.
(e) Agate Pass - Waters of Catch Record Card Area 10 west of a line from Point Monroe to Indianola and east of a line from Point Bolin to Battle Point are closed to game fish angling from January 1 through March 31; however, a person can fish with gear meeting the fly-fishing-only requirements of WAC 220-310-150 as long as he or she does not use lead-core fly line. It is unlawful to retain any fish taken during the period January 1 through March 31.
(f) Those waters of Hood Canal inshore from yellow marker buoys to the mouth of Finch Creek, and waters within the channel created when tidelands are exposed, are closed the entire year.
However, persons with disabilities who permanently use a wheelchair and who have a designated harvester card under WAC 220-220-240 may fish from the ADA-access site at the Hoodsport Salmon Hatchery, as long as such persons follow all department rules that apply to the adjoining waters of Marine Area 12.
(4) A violation of this section is an infraction, punishable under RCW 77.15.160, unless the person has harvested game fish. If the person has harvested game fish, the violation is punishable under RCW 77.15.380, Unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree—Penalty, unless the game fish are taken in the amounts or manner to constitute a violation of RCW 77.15.370, Unlawful recreational fishing in the first degree—Penalty.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, and 77.04.130. WSR 19-03-003 (Order 19-01), § 220-310-080, filed 1/2/19, effective 2/2/19. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, and 77.12.047. WSR 18-06-045 (Order 18-30), § 220-310-080, filed 3/1/18, effective 4/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), amended and recodified as § 220-310-080, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 15-11-042 (Order 15-126), § 220-56-500, filed 5/14/15, effective 6/14/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 13-20-021 (Order 13-210), § 220-56-500, filed 9/23/13, effective 10/24/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.020, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 12-18-006 (Order 12-190), § 220-56-500, filed 8/23/12, effective 9/23/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 10-07-105 (Order 10-64), § 220-56-500, filed 3/19/10, effective 5/1/10; WSR 09-06-042 (Order 09-27), § 220-56-500, filed 2/25/09, effective 5/1/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047 and 77.04.020. WSR 08-15-002 (Order 08-165), § 220-56-500, filed 7/3/08, effective 8/3/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 06-13-023 (Order 06-135), § 220-56-500, filed 6/13/06, effective 7/14/06.]
PDF220-310-090
Game fish possession limits and size limits.
It is unlawful to retain or possess game fish taken in excess of the daily, possession, or license year possession limits, or game fish that do not conform to the size limits provided for in this section, unless otherwise provided for in WAC 220-312-010 through 220-312-060.
(1) Daily game fish possession and size limits:
Species | Daily limit | Size limits |
Largemouth Bass | No limit for all rivers, streams and beaver ponds. | No size restriction. |
5 from lakes, ponds, reservoirs. | Release bass 12 to 17 inches in length. Not more than 1 largemouth bass 17 inches in length or greater may be retained. | |
Smallmouth Bass | No limit for all rivers, streams and beaver ponds. | No size restriction. |
10 from lakes, ponds, reservoirs. | No minimum size. Not more than one smallmouth bass over 14 inches in length or greater may be retained. | |
Burbot | 5 | No size restriction. |
Channel catfish | No limit for all rivers, streams and beaver ponds. | No size restriction. |
5 from lakes, ponds, reservoirs. | No size restriction. | |
Eastern brook trout | No daily limit. | No size restriction. |
Grass carp | Unlawful to retain unless otherwise provided in WAC 220-312-020 and 220-312-040. | Not applicable. |
Tiger Muskellunge | 1 | Minimum size 50 inches in length. |
Kokanee | 10 | No size restriction. |
Lake trout | No daily limit. | No size restriction. |
Trout | 5 from lakes, ponds and reservoirs. | No size restriction. |
2 from rivers, streams, and beaver ponds. | Wild trout 8-inch minimum length. Hatchery trout no minimum length. | |
The daily trout limit is 5 trout, regardless of origin. | ||
Hatchery steelhead | 2 | 20-inch minimum length. |
Walleye | No limit for all rivers, streams and beaver ponds. | No size restriction. |
8 from lakes, ponds, reservoirs. | 12-inch minimum size. Not more than 1 walleye greater than 22 inches in length may be retained. | |
Whitefish | 15 | No size restriction. |
All other game fish | No limit. | No size restriction. |
(2) Possession limit: The game fish possession limit in the field or in transit is two daily limits in fresh, frozen or processed form.
(3) Wild steelhead, Dolly Varden, and bull trout: Except as provided for in this section and WAC 220-312-010 through 220-312-060, it is unlawful to retain wild steelhead, Dolly Varden, or bull trout.
(4) Saltwater game fish retention: Game fish taken in saltwater may not be retained, except that up to two hatchery steelhead per day may be retained.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 22-05-066 (Order 22-06), § 220-310-090, filed 2/11/22, effective 7/1/22; WSR 20-03-130 (Order 20-09), § 220-310-090, filed 1/17/20, effective 2/17/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, and 77.12.047. WSR 18-06-045 (Order 18-30), § 220-310-090, filed 3/1/18, effective 4/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), amended and recodified as § 220-310-090, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012 and 77.12.047. WSR 16-06-073 (Order 16-30), § 220-56-510, filed 2/26/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 15-06-065 and 15-06-006 (Order 15-033), § 220-56-510, filed 3/4/15 and 2/20/15, effective 7/1/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 08-07-003, § 220-56-510, filed 3/5/08, effective 4/5/08; WSR 06-13-023 (Order 06-135), § 220-56-510, filed 6/13/06, effective 7/14/06.]
PDF220-310-100
Fish handling rules—Removal from water.
In order to protect fish that are required to be released:
(1) It is unlawful to totally or partially remove six-gill shark from the water.
(2) In all freshwater areas, except the Columbia River downstream from a line between Rocky Point and Tongue Point, it is unlawful to totally remove salmon, steelhead, Dolly Varden or bull trout from the water if it is unlawful to retain those salmon, steelhead, Dolly Varden or bull trout or if the angler subsequently releases the salmon, steelhead, Dolly Varden or bull trout.
(3) In Marine Areas 5 through 13, it is unlawful to bring wild salmon or a species of salmon aboard a vessel if it is unlawful to retain that salmon. For purposes of this subsection, "aboard" means inside the gunnel of a vessel.
(4) In Marine Area 2-2 east of the Buoy 13 line, salmon required to be released may not be totally removed from the water, except anglers fishing from vessels thirty feet or longer as shown on their state registration or Coast Guard documentation are exempt from this subsection.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 20-05-022 (Order 20-23), § 220-310-100, filed 2/7/20, effective 3/9/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-310-100, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 06-05-085 (Order 06-23), § 220-56-118, filed 2/14/06, effective 5/1/06; WSR 05-17-007 (Order 05-168), § 220-56-118, filed 8/3/05, effective 9/3/05; WSR 05-05-035 (Order 05-15), § 220-56-118, filed 2/10/05, effective 5/1/05; WSR 04-07-009 (Order 04-39), § 220-56-118, filed 3/4/04, effective 5/1/04.]
PDF220-310-110
Angling gear—Lawful and unlawful acts.
(1) It is unlawful for any person to use more than one line while angling for personal use, except:
(a) Anglers in possession of a valid two-pole endorsement may use up to two lines while fishing in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs open to fishing unless listed as an exception in WAC 220-220-160. Anglers in possession of a valid two-pole endorsement may use up to two lines while fishing in rivers and marine areas as noted in WAC 220-220-160 and 220-312-010 through 220-312-060.
(b) A second line using forage fish jigger gear is permissible while fishing in Catch Record Card Areas 5, 6, 7, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 10, 11, and 13.
(c) When fishing outside 3 miles from shore in Pacific Ocean waters for tuna species, anglers are not restricted on the number of rods or lines fished per angler, provided that no other species are possessed onboard the vessel. A violation of this subsection is an infraction, punishable under RCW 77.15.160, Infractions.
(2) It is unlawful for any person to take, fish for, or possess fish taken for personal use by any means other than angling with a line attached to a pole held in hand while landing the fish or with a hand-operated line without rod or reel, except:
(a) It is unlawful to fish for or possess salmon taken for personal use with hand lines in marine waters of Puget Sound east of the mouth of the Sekiu River and in Washington waters at the mouth of the Columbia River east of a line projected true north and south through Buoy 10, Grays Harbor, and Willapa Bay.
(b) It is permissible to leave a pole in a pole holder while playing or landing the fish if the pole is capable of being readily removed from the pole holder.
(c) It is permissible to use an electric power-operated reel designed for sport fishing attached to a pole.
(3) It is unlawful for any person while angling to fail to keep his angling gear under his or her direct and immediate physical control.
(4) In areas where a saltwater license is valid, each fisher aboard a vessel may continue to deploy angling gear or shellfish gear until the daily limit of food fish or shellfish for all licensed anglers and juvenile anglers aboard has been retained.
(5) In Catch Record Card Areas 1 through 13: It is unlawful for any person to take, fish for, or possess bottomfish or halibut taken for personal use, to fail to have onboard the vessel a fish descending or fish recompression device, rigged for immediate use, and capable of rapidly returning rockfish to depth of capture.
(6) A violation of this section is an infraction, punishable under RCW 77.15.160, unless the person has harvested fish or shellfish. If the person has harvested fish or shellfish, the violation is punishable under RCW 77.15.380, Unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree—Penalty, unless the fish or shellfish are taken in the amounts or manner to constitute a violation of RCW 77.15.370, Unlawful recreational fishing in the first degree—Penalty.
(7) It is unlawful to possess fish or shellfish taken with gear in violation of the provisions of this section. Possession of fish or shellfish while using gear in violation of the provisions of this section is a rebuttable presumption that the fish or shellfish were taken with such gear. Possession of such fish or shellfish is punishable under RCW 77.15.380, Unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree—Penalty, unless the fish or shellfish are taken in the amounts or manner to constitute a violation of RCW 77.15.370, Unlawful recreational fishing in the first degree—Penalty.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.020, 77.12.045, 77.12.047 and C.F.R. Title 50, Part 660. WSR 18-23-070 (Order 18-302), § 220-310-110, filed 11/16/18, effective 12/17/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), amended and recodified as § 220-310-115, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-01-085 (Order 16-322), § 220-56-115, filed 12/16/16, effective 1/16/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 15-11-042 (Order 15-126), § 220-56-115, filed 5/14/15, effective 6/14/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.020, 77.12.045, 77.12.047 and 50 C.F.R. Part 660, Subpart K. WSR 13-06-070 (Order 13-27), § 220-56-115, filed 3/6/13, effective 4/6/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.020, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 12-18-006 (Order 12-190), § 220-56-115, filed 8/23/12, effective 9/23/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 10-07-105 (Order 10-64), § 220-56-115, filed 3/19/10, effective 5/1/10; WSR 06-09-021 (Order 06-67), § 220-56-115, filed 4/11/06, effective 5/12/06; WSR 06-05-085 (Order 06-23), § 220-56-115, filed 2/14/06, effective 5/1/06; WSR 05-05-035 (Order 05-15), § 220-56-115, filed 2/10/05, effective 5/1/05; WSR 04-07-009 (Order 04-39), § 220-56-115, filed 3/4/04, effective 5/1/04; WSR 02-09-001 (Order 02-53A), § 220-56-115, filed 4/3/02, effective 5/4/02; WSR 01-06-036 (Order 01-24), § 220-56-115, filed 3/5/01, effective 5/1/01. Statutory Authority: 2000 c 107 § 7. WSR 00-16-091 (Order 00-134), § 220-56-115, filed 7/31/00, effective 8/31/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080 and 77.12.040. WSR 99-15-081 (Order 99-102), § 220-56-115, filed 7/20/99, effective 8/20/99; WSR 98-06-031, § 220-56-115, filed 2/26/98, effective 5/1/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. WSR 95-04-066 (Order 95-10), § 220-56-115, filed 1/30/95, effective 5/1/95; WSR 91-08-054 (Order 91-13), § 220-56-115, filed 4/2/91, effective 5/3/91; WSR 90-06-026, § 220-56-115, filed 2/28/90, effective 3/31/90; WSR 88-10-013 (Order 88-15), § 220-56-115, filed 4/26/88; WSR 87-09-066 (Order 87-16), § 220-56-115, filed 4/21/87; WSR 85-09-017 (Order 85-20), § 220-56-115, filed 4/9/85; WSR 84-09-026 (Order 84-22), § 220-56-115, filed 4/11/84; WSR 82-13-040 (Order 82-61), § 220-56-115, filed 6/9/82; WSR 82-07-047 (Order 82-19), § 220-56-115, filed 3/18/82; WSR 80-12-040 (Order 80-107), § 220-56-115, filed 8/29/80; WSR 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-115, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80.]
PDF220-310-120
Gaffing and use of other body-penetrating devices—Personal use.
(1) It is unlawful to club, gaff, snag, snare, dip net, harass, spear, stone, or otherwise molest, mutilate, injure, kill, destroy, or shoot with a firearm, crossbow, bow and arrow, or compressed air gun, any fish or shellfish or fish or shellfish parts for personal-use purposes, except:
(a) A person may use a dip net or club in the landing of fish taken by personal-use angling, unless otherwise provided; and a person may use a gaff in the landing of tuna, halibut, lingcod in Marine Areas 1 through 3 and 4, west of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line and dogfish, and a harpoon in the landing of halibut, in all catch record card areas;
(b) A person may use a spear in underwater spear fishing, as provided in WAC 220-310-130;
(c) A person may use a bow and arrow or spear to take carp or as provided by department rule;
(d) A person may snag herring, smelt, anchovies, pilchard, sand lance, and squid when using forage fish jigger gear or squid jigs; and
(e) A person may shoot halibut when landing them with a dip net, harpoon or gaff for personal use only.
(2) It is unlawful to possess fish or shellfish or parts of fish or shellfish taken using the unlawful methods described in subsection (1) of this section.
(3) It is unlawful to use a device that penetrates the body of a sturgeon under any circumstance, whether the sturgeon is legal to retain or not.
(4) Violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor punishable under RCW 77.15.370, Unlawful recreational fishing in the first degree—Penalty.
(5) It is unlawful to attempt acts that violate this section. Violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW 77.15.380, Unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree—Penalty.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.020, 77.12.045, 77.12.047, and C.F.R. Title 50, Part 660. WSR 17-17-045, § 220-310-120, filed 8/10/17, effective 9/10/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), amended and recodified as § 220-310-120, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 13-03-153 (Order 13-16), § 220-20-117, filed 1/23/13, effective 2/23/13.]
PDF220-310-130
Spearfishing.
It shall be lawful to take, fish for and possess food fish taken for personal use in saltwater, except salmon and sturgeon, if such food fish are taken with underwater spearfishing gear commonly used in the sport of "skin diving."
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-310-130, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. WSR 90-06-026, § 220-56-160, filed 2/28/90, effective 3/31/90; WSR 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-160, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80.]
PDF220-310-140
Bow and arrow fishing.
It shall be lawful to take, fish for and possess food fish, except salmon, shad, or sturgeon, for personal use by bow and arrow fishing.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-310-140, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. WSR 90-06-026, § 220-56-165, filed 2/28/90, effective 3/31/90; WSR 80-07-017 (Order 80-45), § 220-56-165, filed 6/11/80; WSR 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-165, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80.]
PDF220-310-150
Fly fishing.
(1) It is unlawful to fish in waters restricted to "fly fishing only" with the use of:
(a) A fixed spool reel.
(b) Fishing line other than conventional fly line or conventional "Tenkara" fly line, except that other line may be used for backing and leader if it is attached to not less than 25 feet of conventional fly line.
(c) Hooks that exceed 1/2 inch when measured from point to shank.
(d) Not more than two flies each with a single-point barbless hook.
(e) Bait.
(f) Weight attached to the leader or line.
(2) Only knotless nets may be used to land fish in waters restricted to "fly fishing only."
(3)(a) A violation of gear restrictions in subsection (1) or (2) of this section is an infraction, punishable under RCW 77.15.160, unless the person possesses fish taken with prohibited gear.
(b) It is unlawful to possess fish taken with gear in violation of the provisions of this section. Possession of fish while using gear in violation of the provisions of this section is a rebuttable presumption that the fish were taken with such gear. Possession of such fish is punishable under RCW 77.15.380 Unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree—Penalty, unless the fish are taken in the amounts or manner to constitute a violation of RCW 77.15.370 Unlawful recreational fishing in the first degree—Penalty.
(4) "Fly" means a lure on which thread, feathers, hackle, foam, rubber, or yarn cover a minimum of half the shank of the hook. Metallic colored tape, metal wire, metal tape, tinsel, mylar, or beadeyes may be used as an integral part of the design of the fly pattern.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 22-05-066 (Order 22-06), § 220-310-150, filed 2/11/22, effective 7/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.020, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-17-109, § 220-310-150, filed 8/21/17, effective 9/21/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-310-150, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012 and 77.12.047. WSR 16-06-073 (Order 16-30), § 220-56-210, filed 2/26/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 15-06-065 and 15-06-006 (Order 15-033), § 220-56-210, filed 3/4/15 and 2/20/15, effective 7/1/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 07-05-051 (Order 07-22), § 220-56-210, filed 2/16/07, effective 3/19/07; WSR 06-09-021 (Order 06-67), § 220-56-210, filed 4/11/06, effective 5/12/06; WSR 02-08-048 (Order 02-53), § 220-56-210, filed 3/29/02, effective 5/1/02; WSR 01-06-051 (Order 01-31), § 220-56-210, filed 3/6/01, effective 4/6/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. WSR 95-04-066 (Order 95-10), § 220-56-210, filed 1/30/95, effective 5/1/95; WSR 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-210, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80.]
PDF220-310-160
Daily limits other food fish not otherwise provided for.
It is unlawful for any person to retain more than the following quantities taken for personal use. Unless otherwise provided, other food fish fishing is open the entire year:
(1) Shiner perch: Daily limit 15 fish.
(2) All other marine food fish not otherwise provided for in this chapter except albacore tuna and all mackerel: Daily limit two fish.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, and 77.04.055. WSR 20-04-058 (Order 20-19), § 220-310-160, filed 1/30/20, effective 7/1/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-310-160, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012 and 77.12.047. WSR 13-11-125 (Order 13-105), § 220-56-240, filed 5/21/13, effective 6/21/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.020 and 77.12.047. WSR 11-16-103 (Order 11-184), § 220-56-240, filed 8/3/11, effective 9/3/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 10-07-105 (Order 10-64), § 220-56-240, filed 3/19/10, effective 5/1/10; WSR 01-06-036 (Order 01-24), § 220-56-240, filed 3/5/01, effective 5/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080, 77.12.040. WSR 00-08-038 (Order 00-29), § 220-56-240, filed 3/29/00, effective 5/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080 and 1998 c 191 § 40. WSR 98-24-042 (Order 98-241), § 220-56-240, filed 11/24/98, effective 1/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040 and 75.08.080. WSR 98-06-031, § 220-56-240, filed 2/26/98, effective 5/1/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. WSR 97-08-017 (Order 97-53), § 220-56-240, filed 3/25/97, effective 5/1/97; WSR 96-05-004 (Order 96-13), § 220-56-240, filed 2/9/96, effective 5/1/96; WSR 95-04-066 (Order 95-10), § 220-56-240, filed 1/30/95, effective 5/1/95; WSR 94-14-069, § 220-56-240, filed 7/1/94, effective 8/1/94; WSR 93-22-004 (Order 93-125), § 220-56-240, filed 10/20/93, effective 1/1/94; WSR 93-08-034 (Order 93-20), § 220-56-240, filed 3/31/93, effective 5/1/93; WSR 92-11-012 (Order 92-19), § 220-56-240, filed 5/12/92, effective 6/12/92; WSR 91-08-054 (Order 91-13), § 220-56-240, filed 4/2/91, effective 5/3/91; WSR 90-06-026, § 220-56-240, filed 2/28/90, effective 3/31/90; WSR 89-07-060 (Order 89-12), § 220-56-240, filed 3/16/89; WSR 88-10-012 (Order 88-14), § 220-56-240, filed 4/26/88; WSR 86-09-020 (Order 86-08), § 220-56-240, filed 4/9/86; WSR 85-09-017 (Order 85-20), § 220-56-240, filed 4/9/85; WSR 84-09-026 (Order 84-22), § 220-56-240, filed 4/11/84; WSR 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-240, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80.]
PDF220-310-170
Possession of gamefish, food fish or shellfish in unlawful condition—Possession aboard a vessel.
(1) Fish and shellfish may be cleaned and portioned in the field except sturgeon when sturgeon eggs are in possession. It is unlawful for a fisher to fail to retain proof of compliance with number, species, size, weight, sex, or wild or hatchery origin restrictions, if such restrictions apply, until the fisher is ashore and has finished fishing for the day. This subsection does not apply if the catch is in the process of being prepared for immediate consumption.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, it is unlawful to possess Dolly Varden/bull trout in the field in such condition that the species and total length cannot be determined.
(3) In Marine Areas 1 through 6 it is unlawful for any person to possess more than one daily limit of fish or shellfish in fresh form while aboard a vessel.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-310-170, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 01-06-036 (Order 01-24), § 220-56-145, filed 3/5/01, effective 5/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080, 77.12.040. WSR 00-08-038 (Order 00-29), § 220-56-145, filed 3/29/00, effective 5/1/00; WSR 99-08-029 (Order 99-13), § 220-56-145, filed 3/30/99, effective 5/1/99; WSR 98-06-031, § 220-56-145, filed 2/26/98, effective 5/1/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. WSR 83-07-043 (Order 83-16), § 220-56-145, filed 3/17/83; WSR 82-13-040 (Order 82-61), § 220-56-145, filed 6/9/82; WSR 80-03-064 (Order 80-12), § 220-56-145, filed 2/27/80, effective 4/1/80.]
PDF220-310-210
Possession and delivery of Canadian-origin food fish and shellfish.
(1) It is unlawful to possess in marine waters or deliver into Washington shellfish or food fish taken for personal use from Canadian waters unless the person also possesses a valid Canadian sport fishing license and catch record card, if one is required.
(2) Canadian-origin rockfish restrictions: It is unlawful to possess yelloweye or canary rockfish taken for personal use from Canadian waters.
(3) Canadian-origin halibut restrictions:
(a) The daily limit of halibut is one daily limit, regardless of the origin of the halibut.
(b) The possession limit is two halibut if at least one halibut was taken from Washington waters. It is unlawful to possess in excess of the Canadian possession limit of halibut for the time and area fished if all halibut were taken from Canadian waters.
(c) It is unlawful to possess more than one daily limit of halibut aboard the fishing vessel.
(4) Canadian-origin salmon restrictions:
(a) It is unlawful to possess in marine waters or deliver into Washington any fresh salmon taken for personal use from Canadian waters unless:
(i) Such salmon are in compliance with current salmon regulations for the waters of the applicable department of fish and wildlife catch record card area; or
(ii) The vessel operator obtained a valid Canadian customs clearance number while the vessel was moored at a Canadian government dock in Ucluelet, Victoria, Sydney, White Rock, or Bedwell Harbor, British Columbia; or
(iii) The vessel operator has completed and submitted the trip report via the internet at http://wdfw/licensing/canadian_catch.php.; and
(iv) The salmon in possession are in compliance with Canadian fishing regulations.
(b) It is unlawful to fish for any species in state or offshore waters from a vessel having Canadian-origin salmon aboard that do not meet the current salmon regulations for the waters being fished.
(c) It is unlawful for a fisher to fish for any species in state or offshore waters if the fisher possesses in the field any salmon that do not meet the current salmon regulations for the waters being fished.
(5) "Delivery" of Canadian-origin fish into Washington defined. For the purposes of this section, "delivery" means transportation by a private or commercial recreational fishing vessel. Delivery in Washington is complete when, within the state, the vessel anchors, moors, ties to a float or pier, or is placed or attempted to be placed on a boat trailer. "Delivery" is also complete if the fish or shellfish are offloaded from the vessel within state waters.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.090, 77.04.130, 77.15.568, 77.08.010, 77.65.510, 77.65.515 and 77.65.520. WSR 18-15-047 (Order 18-161), § 220-310-210, filed 7/13/18, effective 8/13/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-16-109 (Order 17-147), § 220-310-210, filed 7/28/17, effective 8/28/17; WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-310-210, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047 and 77.04.020. WSR 08-15-090 (Order 08-172), § 220-56-156, filed 7/17/08, effective 8/17/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 06-05-085 (Order 06-23), § 220-56-156, filed 2/14/06, effective 5/1/06; WSR 05-05-046 (Order 05-22), § 220-56-156, filed 2/14/05, effective 3/17/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. WSR 92-11-012 (Order 92-19), § 220-56-156, filed 5/12/92, effective 6/12/92; WSR 90-08-001 (Order 90-22), § 220-56-156, filed 3/22/90, effective 4/22/90; WSR 85-09-017 (Order 85-20), § 220-56-156, filed 4/9/85.]
PDF220-310-220
Juvenile fishing waters.
It is unlawful for a person fifteen years of age or older to fish any waters restricted to juvenile fishing only.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-310-220, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. WSR 88-07-065 (Order 307), § 232-12-154, filed 3/16/88; WSR 81-22-002 (Order 174), § 232-12-154, filed 10/22/81; WSR 81-12-029 (Order 165), § 232-12-154, filed 6/1/81. Formerly WAC 232-12-355.]
PDF220-310-230
Juvenile fishing events.
(1) Juvenile fishing events are restricted to persons under fifteen years of age. A juvenile fishing event exists when ten or more juveniles fish competitively and determine winners, regardless of prize value.
(2) It is unlawful for a juvenile fishing event sponsor to fail to notify the department regional office in the region in which the event will occur prior to holding a juvenile fishing event. The department shall approve or deny the juvenile fishing event. It is unlawful to sponsor a juvenile fishing event if the department has denied approval of the event. Violation of this subsection is an infraction, punishable under RCW 77.15.160.
(3) Juvenile fishing events that may adversely affect fish or wildlife resources or other recreational opportunity may be denied. Juvenile fishing events are not allowed on sea-run cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, or bull trout.
(4) The daily limit for the juvenile fishing event shall not exceed the daily limit for the species being fished in the body of water where the event is being held, except that the event sponsor may set a daily limit lower than the daily limit for the body of water. Events are restricted to approved waters.
(5) Events may not exceed three consecutive days.
(6) Event participants may not restrict public access at boat launches.
(7) The total prizes awarded for any juvenile fishing event may not exceed $1,000.
(8) Juvenile fishing event sponsors requesting fish from the department are required to apply for fish by February 1st of the year in which the event is planned.
Sponsors who receive fish are required to report event information required by the department by February 1st of the year following the event. Failure to report event information will result in a denial of fish for the calendar year following the calendar year during which the event was held.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-310-230, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 06-09-021 (Order 06-67), § 232-12-272, filed 4/11/06, effective 5/12/06; WSR 02-08-048 (Order 02-53), § 232-12-272, filed 3/29/02, effective 5/1/02.]
PDF220-310-240
Recreational fisheries enhancement account—Funding.
The department shall deposit into the recreational fisheries enhancement account the sum of $1,415,000 during fiscal year 2000, based on 127,000 annual license holders and 29,000 short-term license holders fishing for salmon and marine bottomfish in Puget Sound. Beginning in fiscal year 2001, and each year thereafter, the deposit into the recreational fisheries enhancement account shall be adjusted annually to reflect the actual number of license holders fishing for salmon and marine bottomfish in Puget Sound based on an annual survey from the previous license year conducted by the department beginning with the April 1, 1999, to March 31, 2000, license year survey.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-310-240, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.32.440. WSR 99-17-096 (Order 99-128), § 220-20-070, filed 8/17/99, effective 9/17/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.54.140 and 75.32.370. WSR 99-02-040 (Order 98-263), § 220-20-070, filed 12/31/98, effective 1/1/99.]