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Fishing

NPS photo by Josh Geffre.

 

Fishing in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park protects over 75 miles of Pacific Coast, 600 lakes, and 4,000 miles of rivers and streams that support some of the most extensive runs of wild salmon, trout, and char remaining in the Pacific Northwest. Through the management of fish and aquatic environments, the park works to preserve and restore native fishes and their habitats and provide recreational fishing opportunities for the enjoyment of park visitors. Fisheries biologists work with the State of Washington and eight treaty tribes each year to establish harvest and gear regulations.

 

Fish and Shellfish Regulations
Before you go fishing in Olympic National Park review the current fishing and shellfish regulations and check bulletin boards for locally posted regulation changes.

 

In-Season Regulation Changes

Please note each of the following changes to the published fishing regulations. All are in effect in order to protect wild salmon.

Elwha River: Closed May 1, 2016 to April 30, 2017

Hoh and South Fork Hoh Rivers: Closed June 1 to November 20, 2016

Hoh River mouth: Closed May 15 to August 31 and October 11 to November 20, 2016

Sol Duc, North Fork Sol Duc, and South Fork Calawah Rivers: Closed September 1, 2016 to April 30, 2017

Bogachiel River: Closed September 1 to November 15, 2016

Dickey River: Closed September 1 to November 30, 2016

Quillayute River: Closed October 1 to November 15, 2016

Queets and Salmon Rivers: Closed October 1 to November 30, 2016; only hatchery fish may be retained September 1-30. For a complete listing of current information (PDF file), click HERE.

 

Fish & Shellfish Regulations 2016-2017.

• The Olympic National Park Fish & Shellfish Regulations booklet is effective from May 1 through April 30 of next year. (updated May 2016)

• All waters in Olympic National Park are closed to the removal of fish and shellfish (including freshwater crayfish and freshwater mussels) except as described in the Fishing and Shellfish Regulations.

• All waters listed in the Fishing and Shellfish Regulations are open to fishing from one hour before official sunrise to one hour after official sunset.

• Fishing for bull trout and Dolly Varden is prohibited in all park waters and these species must be released if incidentally captured.

• All wild fish species must be released unless specifically allowed in Freshwater Seasons and Limits.

General Fishing Information
License Requirements

A Washington State Recreational Fishing License is NOT REQUIRED to fish in Olympic National Park EXCEPT when fishing in the Pacific Ocean from shore. No license is required to harvest surf smelt.

A Washington State catch record card is REQUIRED to fish for salmon or steelhead and they must be accounted for as if caught in state waters.

A Washington State Shellfish/Seaweed license is REQUIRED for harvest of shellfish from the Pacific Coastal Area. Harvest of seaweed, kelp, and unclassified species is prohibited (see Marine Fish and Shellfish Seasons and Limits).