Washington Salmon Fishing Regulations — Bag Limits & Size Rules
| Regulation Type | Statewide Rule | Special Waters (Some) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia River fall Chinook; limits vary by river section. | |||
| Skagit River winter steelhead November through March. |
* Always verify the specific regulations for your target water body. This table shows statewide minimums — individual lakes and rivers may be stricter. Source: 2026 Freshwater Fishing Regulations.
Special Regulations — Washington's Most Popular Salmon Waters
These major fishing destinations have additional Salmon regulations beyond the statewide minimum. Verify the current Freshwater Fishing Regulations before every trip.
| Water Body | Region | Daily Bag | Size Limit | Special Notes |
|---|
License Required to Fish Salmon in Washington
A valid Washington freshwater fishing license is required to fish for Salmon. Here's exactly what you need and what exemptions apply.
| Angler Type | License Required | Fee | Valid Period |
|---|
Washington Salmon Season Guide — Best Times to Fish
Top Washington Lakes for Salmon — Ranked
Columbia River at Bonneville is a premier salmon river in Washington, drawing anglers during the annual fall run. Chinook and coho salmon stage in deep pools from September through November. Fluorescent egg patterns, egg-cured roe clusters, and large spoons are top presentations.
Full guideSkagit River is a premier salmon river in Washington, drawing anglers during the annual fall run. Chinook and coho salmon stage in deep pools from September through November. Fluorescent egg patterns, egg-cured roe clusters, and large spoons are top presentations.
Full guidePuget Sound offers open-ocean salmon fishing for Chinook and coho during summer and early fall. Deep jigging with herring rigs or trolling downriggers along temperature breaks at 50–100 feet produces the best results.
Full guideSnake River Washington is a premier salmon river in Washington, drawing anglers during the annual fall run. Chinook and coho salmon stage in deep pools from September through November. Fluorescent egg patterns, egg-cured roe clusters, and large spoons are top presentations.
Full guideHood Canal is a staging area for salmon entering nearby tributaries during the fall run. Anglers anchor and cast or drift eggs and large spoons for staging fish. September and October produce the peak action as fish begin moving upstream.
Full guide