Washington State is renowned for its pristine waters, diverse marine life, and abundant fishing spots. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has established a set of regulations and rules to ensure sustainable fishing practices and protect the state’s natural resources. In this article, we will delve into the rules and regulations governing fishing in Washington State, highlighting what you can and cannot do to enjoy a successful and responsible fishing experience. Statewide General Rules

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Before we dive into the specifics of fishing regulations, it’s essential to understand the statewide general rules that apply to all types of fishing in Washington State. These rules cover freshwater and marine areas, and you can find more information on pages 23-25 for freshwater-specific rules and pages 108-109 for Marine Area-specific rules. Harvest and Possession Rules

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When it comes to harvesting and possessing fish, there are certain rules you must follow to ensure compliance with state regulations. Here are some key guidelines:

• **Clean or portion fish or shellfish while in the field**: You may clean or portion fish or shellfish while in the field, but there are exceptions. For instance, if you’re fishing for rockfish species or fish with a length restriction, you must retain the fish carcass until coming ashore to comply with the above rule. This does not apply if the catch is in the process of being prepared for immediate consumption. • **Use a rodholder**: It’s essential to use a rodholder while playing or landing a fish if the rod can be easily removed from the holder. • **Leave your rod in a rodholder**: You must leave your rod in a rodholder while playing or landing a fish if the rod can be easily removed from the holder. • **Use an electric-powered reel**: You can use an electric-powered reel attached to a pole. • **Use a downrigger**: You can use a downrigger if the line releases from the downrigger while playing or landing the fish. Note: The following list highlights things you may not do in Washington State

Things You May Not Do

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• **Fish in closed waters**: You may not fish in closed waters, which are designated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. • **Retain wild steelhead**: Retaining wild steelhead is not allowed, except in specific areas where it’s permitted. • **Retain Dolly Varden/bull trout**: You may not retain Dolly Varden/bull trout, except where specially authorized in the special rules. • **Take, fish for, or possess Pacific lamprey**: You may not take, fish for, or possess Pacific lamprey, western brook lamprey, or river lamprey, or use any species of lamprey for bait. • **Harvest in freshwater**: You may not harvest fish in freshwater, except for Northern pike, which are classified as a Food Fish or Game Fish. • **Fish for, retain, or possess specific species**: You may not fish for, retain, or possess certain species, including canary rockfish, green sturgeon, yelloweye rockfish, sixgill, sevengill, or thresher sharks, pygmy whitefish, margined sculpin, or Olympic mudminnow. • **Fish for, or harvest fish or shellfish in an area with catch in your possession**: You may not fish for, retain, or possess fish or shellfish in an area with catch in your possession that does not meet the rules of that area. • **Catch fish in one area and land them at a port in a different area**: You may catch fish in one area and land them at a port in a different area, even if that different area is closed or has different rules, with the exception of landing halibut in a closed area. • **Intentionally waste fish or shellfish**: You may not intentionally waste fish or shellfish, which includes killing them and returning them to the water, or removing claws from live crab, or mutilating or clipping fins from live fish. • **Use fish or shellfish for non-human consumption or bait**: You may not use fish or shellfish for non-human consumption or bait, except for human consumption or fishing bait. • **Fish for salmon after the adult portion of the daily limit has been retained**: You may not fish for salmon after the adult portion of the daily limit has been retained. • **Fish for (unless authorized by Special Rules) or harass fish within 400 feet downstream of a man-made dam, fish ladder, or other obstruction**: You may not fish for or harass fish within 400 feet downstream of a man-made dam, fish ladder, or other obstruction. • **Harvest any part of another person’s daily limit**: You may not harvest any part of another person’s daily limit, except for persons who possess a Designated Harvester Companion Card. • **Chum (broadcast feed) to attract Game Fish**: You may not chum to attract Game Fish, unless authorized by Special Rules. • **Remove eggs from a salmon to use or preserve them for bait**: You may not remove eggs from a salmon to use or preserve them for bait without retaining the carcass from which the eggs were removed. • **Transport live fish or relocate shellfish or shells into state waters**: You may not transport live fish or relocate shellfish or shells into state waters without a permit. • **Possess fish or shellfish that do not meet minimum and maximum size limits, weight limits, or sex restrictions**: You may not possess fish or shellfish that do not meet the minimum and maximum size limits, weight limits, or sex restrictions. • **Possess sturgeon eggs in the field without retaining the intact carcass of the fish from which the eggs were removed**: You may not possess sturgeon eggs in the field without having retained the intact carcass of the fish from which the eggs were removed. By understanding and following these regulations, you can enjoy a successful and responsible fishing experience in Washington State. Remember to always check the latest updates and regulations before heading out on the water.

“Fishing is a way to relax and enjoy nature, but it’s also a responsibility to protect the environment and the fish populations.