Give salmon space this summer when angling for game fish
Targeting spring Chinook in the Hoh River and other streams closed to salmon fishing violates state rules, endangers fish
Salmon migrations are well underway including in some rivers and streams closed to fishing for salmon but now open to angling for game fish such as trout, steelhead, and whitefish.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) reminds anglers on the Hoh River in Jefferson County — and elsewhere across Washington — that targeting salmon during fisheries open only for game fish is prohibited and violates state fishing rules.
Targeting salmon can include using gear designed to catch salmon, such as larger spinners, jigs, or bait clusters, or casting to salmon holding in deep, slow pools where catching game fish is unlikely. WDFW Police are experienced at distinguishing between lawful anglers targeting game fish and those unlawfully targeting salmon.
Hoh River details
Game fish angling on the Hoh River outside of Olympic National Park is open now through Aug. 31. Fishing for any species of salmon is closed until Sept. 16 in the lower river (from the national park boundary upstream to the Hoh Oxbow boat launch) and until Oct. 16 from the Hoh Oxbow boat launch upstream to Morgan’s Crossing. Fishing for all species is closed Sept. 1–15 outside of Olympic National Park.
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Fishing for game fish is also open through Oct. 31 on many other rivers and streams statewide; refer to the fishing regulations or Fish Washington® mobile app for details.
The risk to fish
Hoh River spring Chinook are a conservation concern due to their relatively low abundance and the increasing stressors they face, including reduced summer flows and warming water temperatures. These fish typically return by early summer and hold in deep pools or cooler stretches of water before spawning in September and October, making them vulnerable to unlawful fishing or poaching.
Chinook impacts from unlawful fishing can even lead to closures or reductions to future fishing seasons.
During low-flow conditions, spring Chinook are especially vulnerable as warmer water reduces oxygen levels and increases physiological stress. Handling or targeting them during this period can further elevate stress and reduce their likelihood of surviving to spawn successfully. Chinook impacts from unlawful fishing can even lead to closures or reductions to future fishing seasons. Minimizing disturbance during this critical time of year is essential to protect the population and support its long-term resilience.
Similar conditions exist on North Puget Sound rivers including the Nooksack, Stillaguamish, and Snohomish, where spring- and summer-run Chinook are also a conservation concern.
Beat the heat
Whether you’re casting flies, micro jigs, or small spinners, wetting a line for cutthroat and rainbow trout, summer steelhead, and other game fish is a great way to cool off during the summer heat.
WDFW encourages anglers to give salmon space while enjoying abundant opportunities to target game fish. For more information, including complete fishing season details, refer to the Washington Sport Fishing Rules.
