Fishing phone hotlines

Fishing hotlines offer a convenient way to stay up to speed on current fishing rules around the state. 

Have fishing regulation questions? Send an email to fishregs@dfw.wa.gov.

WDFW fishing hotline

This hotline provides information about recreational and commercial fishing rules and regulations in Washington's, Coastal, Puget Sound, and Columbia River fisheries.

360-902-2500

Press 2 for recreational rules, then select from the following options:

  • Ext. 2: Ocean salmon fisheries, including Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor (see Coastal recreational fishing hotline for full message)
  • Ext. 3: Coastal freshwater tributaries and lakes
  • Ext. 4: Columbia Mainstem and tributaries from the mouth upstream to McNary Dam (see Region 5 fishing hotline for full message)
  • Ext. 5: Recreational salmon fishing in Puget Sound marine areas, including the Strait of Juan De Fuca (see the seasonal salmon fishery guidelines and quotas page for additional information)
  • Ext. 6: Puget Sound freshwater tributaries and lakes
  • Ext. 7: Recreational shellfish harvest opportunity

WDFW shellfish rule change hotline

This hotline offers information about commercial and recreational shellfishing rules and regulations.

Dial 866-880-5431, then select from the following options:

  • Ext. 1: Puget Sound recreational clams and oysters
  • Ext. 2: Recreational razor clams
  • Ext. 3: Puget Sound recreational shrimp
  • Ext. 4: Hood canal recreational shrimp
  • Ext. 5: Recreational crab
  • Ext. 6: Puget Sound commercial crab
  • Ext. 7: Commercial shrimp trawl
  • Ext. 8: Commercial shrimp pot

To check on Fish Consumption Advisories: 877-485-7316

Marine Toxins/PSP Hotline: 800-562-5632 or visit the shellfish safety map.

To report fish kills, or oil or hazardous material spills: Department of Emergency Management: 800-258-5990

To report poaching: 877-933-9847

To report derelict fishing gear: 855-542-3935

Rules in state and national parks and federal lands

Contact the following national parks for rules and other information that applies within the parks:

State licenses and rules apply on National Forest lands.

An access permit is required to fish waters on the Fort Lewis Military Reservation. Call 253-967-6263 or 253-967-6277.

For rules and other information that apply within state parks, call 360-902-8500.

Rules on Indian reservations

Before fishing on Indian reservations, contact the tribe for the necessary permits and rules.

  • Quinault Indian Nation: 360-276-8211
  • Colville Confederated Tribes: 509-634-4711
  • Puyallup Tribe of Indians: 253-845-9225
  • Yakama Nation: 509-865-5121
  • Lummi Tribe: 360-384-1489
  • Swinomish Tribal Community: 360-466-7228
  • Makah Tribe: 360-645-2201
  • Kalispell Tribe: 509-445-1147
  • Swinomish Tribal Community: 360-466-7228
  • Makah Tribe: 360-645-2201
  • Kalispell Tribe: 509-445-1147

Rules for Canadian waters

For general inquiries about Canadian fishing regulations and licensing, call 604-666-0384 or send a fax to 604-666-1847.