Fishing in Olympic National Park is a popular activity, with over 75 miles of Pacific Coast, 800 lakes, and 4,000 miles of rivers and streams. The park is home to some of the most extensive runs of wild salmon, trout, and char remaining in the Pacific Northwest. To protect these valuable resources, Olympic National Park has implemented specific fishing regulations.
Fishing 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.
- 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 the harvest of shellfish from the Pacific Coastal Area.
- Harvest of seaweed, kelp, and unclassified species is prohibited.
- Fishing guides must annually apply for a commercial use authorization to conduct fishing trips in Olympic National Park.
Fishing Gear Restrictions
- Recreational fishing in freshwater areas of Olympic National Park is restricted to artificial lures with a single point barbless hook, except as described on pages 8-12 of the fishing regulations.
- Anglers must only use a single rod, reel, and line that are under immediate control.
- Seines, traps, drugs, explosives, and nets (except to land a legally hooked fish or dip-net smelt) are prohibited.
- Only knotless nets may be used to land fish.
- In marine waters, up to 2 barbed hooks may be used for non-salmonid species.
Permitted Fishing Locations
- Fishing from boats or other floating devices is permitted on the following rivers: Ozette, Queets below Tshletshy Creek, Hoh downstream from the launch site located ~½ mile from the park boundary near South Fork confluence, Hoh in the Pacific Coastal Area, and Quinault.
Fish Consumption Guidelines
- The National Park Service recommends following the Washington Department of Health guidelines for safe consumption of recreationally caught fish, available at doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Food/Fish/Advisories.
Invasive Species Prevention
- Before you enter Olympic National Park and any time you move to another body of water within the park, CLEAN YOUR BOAT, trailers, or vehicles to prevent the spread of invasive species such as milfoil, zebra mussels, and Quagga mussels.
Lake Crescent Fishing Regulations
- For the latest information on fishing regulations at Lake Crescent, it is strongly suggested that guests check for the latest information prior to embarking on their fishing adventure.
By following these Olympic National Park fishing regulations, you can help protect the park’s valuable natural resources and ensure a safe and enjoyable fishing experience.
References:
– Olympic National Park Fishing Regulations Brochure
– Fishing in Olympic National Park
– Fishing in Olympic National Park