Rockfish (also known as Rockcod, Pacific Snapper, Reds) in Washington. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit — verified against the WDFW guide, 2026.
In Washington, Rockfish has no minimum legal size and the daily bag limit is 7 (coastal Marine Areas 1–4; within a 9-bottomfish aggregate; Puget Sound differs — see notes). Season note: Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current Washington rules (including open dates, depth and area) before keeping fish.
Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current Washington rules (including open dates, depth and area) before keeping fish.
Coastal MA 1-4 = 7/day (canary sub-limit 5). Puget Sound MA 6-13 = 0 (closed); MA 5 = limited black/blue rockfish only. Yelloweye = 0 statewide. STATE waters (coastal seasons managed jointly with adjacent federal waters under the PFMC framework). Coastal Marine Areas 1-4 (Ilwaco/MA1, Westport-South Coast/MA2, La Push-North Coast/MA3, Neah Bay/MA4) had a 2026 bottomfish season of March 14 - Oct 17 with a 7/day rockfish limit. Puget Sound/Strait Marine Areas 5-13 are mostly closed to rockfish retention to protect ESA-listed species (MA 6-13 = 0; MA 5 narrow black/blue exception). Depth + area + season set annually — confirm current open depth/area and which rockfish species are retainable.
These limits are pulled from the WDFW sport fishing rules. Last verified June 2026.
Always check the official guide before keeping any fish. Regulations change. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife updates its guide annually and occasionally mid-year. Fines for over-bag or undersized fish are significant.
Washington requires a fishing licence for anyone aged 15 or older, plus a (free) Catch Record Card for halibut and certain species. WDFW licences.
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