Spearfishing Laws in Washington State: What Every Diver Needs to Know

Washington state offers some of the most diverse underwater terrain in the country, from the kelp forests of Puget Sound to the rocky Pacific Coast reefs. If you plan to spearfish those waters, understanding the rules before you dive is not optional — it is a legal requirement that protects both you and the ecosystems you are entering.

Spearfishing in Washington is permitted under specific conditions, but the rules are detailed and vary significantly depending on whether you are in freshwater or saltwater, which species you target, and which marine area you are diving in. This guide breaks down every key regulation so you can stay legal and fish responsibly.

Is Spearfishing Legal in Washington

Yes, spearfishing is legal in Washington state — but only under carefully defined conditions set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The question of legality requires a nuanced understanding of both state regulations and local ordinances, as spearfishing is woven into the regulatory fabric of the state’s fishing laws, designed to protect aquatic ecosystems while providing opportunities for recreational and subsistence fishing.

Under WAC 220-310-130, it is lawful to take, fish for, and possess food fish taken for personal use in saltwater, except salmon and sturgeon, if such food fish are taken with underwater spearfishing gear commonly used in the sport of “skin diving.” That foundational rule establishes saltwater spearfishing as a recognized and legal activity in the state.

The WDFW sets forth regulations that define where, when, and how spearfishing can be conducted. These rules often vary by body of water, species targeted, and season, reflecting the state’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices. Staying current with those rules — especially emergency rule changes — is part of every spearfisher’s legal responsibility.

Important Note: Emergency fishing rules can be issued at any time and override the standard regulations pamphlet. Always check for updates before you dive by calling the WDFW Fishing Hotline at (360) 902-2500 or visiting wdfw.wa.gov.

Freshwater vs. Saltwater Spearfishing Rules in Washington

The distinction between freshwater and saltwater is one of the most critical dividing lines in Washington spearfishing law. The rules governing each environment are substantially different, and mixing them up can result in serious violations.

Saltwater Spearfishing

Washington state law makes it lawful to take, fish for, and possess food fish taken for personal use in saltwater, except salmon and sturgeon, using underwater spearfishing gear commonly used in the sport of skin diving. This covers Washington’s 13 designated marine areas, which span the Pacific Coast, Puget Sound, Hood Canal, and the San Juan Islands.

Bottomfish, tuna, and mackerel may be taken by hook and line angling, spearfishing, and bow and arrow fishing only. Halibut may be taken by hook and line angling and spearfishing only. These are the primary categories where spearfishing is an authorized harvest method in saltwater.

Freshwater Spearfishing

Freshwater spearfishing is far more restricted. It is prohibited to fish for game fish, salmon, sturgeon, shad, octopus, crab, or other shellfish with bow and arrow, spear, or spearfishing gear unless authorized by Special Rules. In practice, this means the default position in freshwater is that spearfishing is not permitted unless a specific body of water has a Special Rule explicitly allowing it.

You should always determine the seasons and general rules applying to the species for which you intend to fish, and check Special Rules for your specific location, as these list areas where the Statewide Rules have been modified. Freshwater spearfishing opportunities in Washington are narrow, and assuming a lake or river is open without checking is a common and costly mistake.

Pro Tip: Washington’s statewide freshwater regulations are divided into multiple sub-areas — Puget Sound and Coastal Rivers, Columbia Basin Rivers, and Westside and Eastside lakes. Always look up your specific water body before assuming freshwater spearfishing is allowed.

License and Permit Requirements for Spearfishing in Washington

Residents and non-residents alike must have a license to fish or shellfish in Washington waters, and all fishers age 16 and older need a fishing license. Spearfishing is treated as a form of fishing under state law, so this requirement applies directly to you as a spearfisher.

License Types

A Combination License allows you to fish in freshwater and saltwater and harvest shellfish including razor clams, while a Freshwater License allows you to fish in freshwater areas only. A Saltwater License allows you to fish in saltwater areas only. For most spearfishers targeting marine species, a Saltwater or Combination License is the appropriate choice.

When it comes to spearfishing licenses in Washington, there are different options available depending on the individual’s age, residency status, and the duration of the license. The state offers annual licenses for residents and non-residents, as well as short-term licenses for those who may be visiting for a shorter period.

Fee Increases and Current Costs

During the 2025 legislative session, the legislature adopted SSB 5583, which increases recreational license costs by 38% beginning July 1, 2025. These increases affect both resident and non-resident license holders. The current regulations are effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Always verify the most current fee schedule directly with WDFW, as fees are subject to change.

Catch Record Cards and Endorsements

If you are fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or Puget Sound Dungeness crab, a catch record card is required to track your harvest — and everyone, including those younger than 16, must carry a catch record card when fishing for these species. Since halibut is a legal spearfishing target in saltwater, this card requirement applies to spearfishers pursuing halibut.

Electronic catch record cards (eCRCs) are now available through the MyWDFW and Fish Washington mobile apps. New for 2026, mobile licensing is available through the agency’s new MyWDFW mobile application and the Fish Washington app.

Key Insight: Anglers age 15 and younger do not need a fishing license, but catch record cards are still required for certain species. If you are taking a young diver spearfishing for halibut, make sure they have the appropriate card.

Legal Species and Prohibited Species for Spearfishing in Washington

Not every species in Washington waters is fair game for a spear. The rules draw clear lines between what you can legally target and what is off-limits, and the consequences of getting it wrong can be severe.

Legal Species for Saltwater Spearfishing

The following species are among those you may legally target with spearfishing gear in Washington’s saltwater marine areas, subject to applicable bag limits, size limits, and area-specific restrictions:

• Lingcod — one of the most popular targets for Washington spearfishers
• Halibut — hook and line angling and spearfishing are the only authorized methods
• Bottomfish — includes Pacific cod, Pacific tomcod, Pacific hake, walleye pollock, lingcod, ratfish, sablefish, cabezon, buffalo sculpin, great sculpin, red Irish lord, brown Irish lord, Pacific staghorn sculpin, wolf-eel, giant wry mouth, plainfin midshipman, and North Pacific spiny dogfish
• Flatfish — includes various species of dabs, sole, and flounders (excluding Pacific halibut, which is regulated separately)
• Tuna and mackerel — permitted by spearfishing in marine areas

Prohibited Species for Spearfishing

Several species are entirely off-limits, regardless of where or how you are diving:

• Salmon — explicitly excluded from the saltwater spearfishing authorization under WAC 220-310-130
• Sturgeon — also explicitly excluded under the same provision
• Yelloweye rockfish — it is unlawful to fish for, retain, or possess yelloweye rockfish in all Marine Areas
• Canary rockfish — prohibited to fish for, retain, or possess, except in Marine Areas 1-3 and 4 West of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line
• Green sturgeon — prohibited statewide
• Sixgill, sevengill, and thresher sharks — prohibited to fish for, retain, or possess
• Rockfish in Areas 6-13 — it is unlawful to fish for, retain, or possess rockfish in Marine Areas 6-13
• Game fish in freshwater — including bass, trout, and salmon, unless a Special Rule specifically permits spearfishing in that water body

Washington’s diverse aquatic habitats are home to numerous species, some of which are protected under state and federal laws. When in doubt about a species, do not shoot. Misidentification is not a legal defense.

Common Mistake: Targeting rockfish while spearfishing in Puget Sound (Marine Areas 6-13) is a significant violation. The rockfish closure in those areas applies to all fishing methods, including spearfishing. Check your marine area number before targeting any rockfish species.

Gear Restrictions for Spearfishing in Washington

Washington law does not just regulate what you can spear — it also regulates how you spear it. Several gear restrictions apply specifically to spearfishing, and violating them carries the same penalties as any other fishing violation.

In-Water Requirement

The diver must be swimming or floating in the water while spearfishing. You cannot spearfish from a dock, a boat, or the shore. This rule ensures the method remains a true diving activity and limits the range and impact of the gear.

Prohibited Gear

The use of explosives or bullets attached to the spear — commonly known as “bang sticks” — is prohibited. Bang sticks are sometimes used in other states or in commercial contexts, but they are not a legal tool for recreational spearfishing in Washington waters.

You are also prohibited from using a crossbow to harvest fish or shellfish. A gaff hook may only be used to land lingcod (in Marine Areas 1-3 and 4 West of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line), halibut, tuna, or dogfish shark that will be retained. Outside of those exceptions, gaffing is not permitted.

Permitted Gear

Standard spearfishing equipment — including pole spears, rubber-band spearguns, and pneumatic spearguns — is permitted when used by a diver in the water. Halibut may be shot or harpooned while landing, which is a narrow exception that allows the use of a harpoon specifically to secure a halibut that has already been shot.

Wetsuits, fins, masks, and snorkeling or scuba equipment are all legal diving accessories. Washington places no restrictions on the use of scuba gear for spearfishing, unlike some other states. You can find a full overview of Washington marine area rules and definitions on the eRegulations website.

Off-Limits Areas and No-Spearfishing Zones in Washington

Even in open seasons with legal gear and a valid license, there are specific places in Washington where spearfishing is simply not allowed. Knowing these zones before you plan a dive is essential.

Marine Protected Areas and Conservation Zones

Spearfishing is strictly prohibited in marine protected areas, conservation areas, and in the vicinity of certain sensitive species. The WDFW provides detailed maps and guidelines to help spearfishers avoid these restricted zones.

Marine Area 7 around the San Juan Islands, for example, includes Marine Protected Areas around San Juan Island, including Lime Kiln Point State Park, Mitchell Bay, and Cattle Point, where special fishing regulations apply. These areas warrant extra attention before diving.

National and State Parks

Federal and state park rules often impose additional restrictions beyond WDFW regulations. For rules and information related to federal and state public lands, contact the appropriate agency: Olympic National Park at (360) 565-3000, Gifford Pinchot National Forest at (360) 891-5000, Mt. Rainier National Park at (360) 569-2211, and North Cascades National Park at (360) 854-7200. Spearfishing is generally prohibited within the boundaries of Olympic National Park, which includes significant stretches of the Pacific Coast.

Indian Reservation Waters

Before fishing on Indian reservations, contact the tribe for the necessary permits and rules. Tribal waters operate under co-management agreements with the state, and tribal regulations may differ significantly from WDFW rules. Entering tribal waters without the proper tribal authorization is a separate legal violation from state fishing law.

Freshwater Closures

As noted earlier, freshwater spearfishing is prohibited by default unless a Special Rule specifically opens a given water body to it. Certain areas may be closed to spearfishing to protect vulnerable species or habitats. This is particularly relevant in rivers and streams that support salmon and steelhead runs.

Pro Tip: Always cross-reference WDFW’s official marine area maps with your planned dive site. Zone boundaries are not always visible underwater, and being in the wrong zone with a spear in hand constitutes a violation even if you have not taken any fish. Washington’s official fishing regulations page is the authoritative source for current closures.

Bag Limits and Size Limits for Spearfishing in Washington

Bag limits and size limits for spearfishing in Washington are generally the same as those that apply to hook-and-line anglers targeting the same species in the same area. Spearfishing does not grant you a separate or higher limit — you are subject to the same daily and possession limits as any other sport fisher.

Halibut

If you fish for halibut in Washington, the daily limit is one halibut, and the possession limit is two halibut, regardless of where they are taken. No more than one daily limit of halibut may be possessed aboard the fishing vessel. Halibut also has a defined open season — as of the 2025-2026 regulation period, the season ran April 2 through June 30, 2026, seven days per week, pending federal approval.

Bottomfish

The general daily bottomfish limit across most marine areas is a combined total of 15 bottomfish regardless of species, subject to individual species limits. Lingcod, one of the most sought-after spearfishing targets, has its own specific size and bag limits that vary by marine area and season. Always verify current lingcod rules for your specific marine area before diving.

Rockfish

Rockfish limits are among the most complex and conservation-sensitive in Washington. It is unlawful to fish for, retain, or possess yelloweye rockfish in all Marine Areas. It is also unlawful to fish for, retain, or possess rockfish in Marine Areas 6-13. In areas where rockfish are open, bag limits and species restrictions apply and change frequently based on stock assessments.

Species-Specific Tracking

The state enforces size and bag limits for various species to ensure healthy populations. These regulations are subject to change based on ongoing research and conservation needs, underscoring the importance of staying informed through official channels.

Species	Daily Bag Limit	Notes
Pacific Halibut	1 per day / 2 possession	Seasonal; catch record card required
Bottomfish (combined)	15 total (subject to individual limits)	Includes lingcod, cabezon, cod, and others
Yelloweye Rockfish	Prohibited	Closed in all marine areas
Rockfish (Areas 6-13)	Prohibited	Closed in Puget Sound and inland waters
Salmon	Prohibited by spear	Spearfishing for salmon is not authorized
Sturgeon	Prohibited by spear	Spearfishing for sturgeon is not authorized

Penalties for Spearfishing Violations in Washington

Washington takes fishing violations seriously, and spearfishing infractions are no exception. Violating spearfishing regulations in Washington State can result in significant penalties, including fines, license revocation, and even criminal charges in severe cases. Conservation officers patrol the waters to ensure compliance with fishing laws, including those specific to spearfishing.

Civil and Criminal Penalties

Penalties vary by violation severity but typically include fines ranging from $50 to $500 or more, equipment confiscation, and potential court appearances. Repeat violations carry steeper penalties.

Unlicensed fishing carries escalating penalties: $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense within 12 months, and potential suspension of future licensing privileges for repeat violations.

Equipment Seizure

Property that is used to violate any fishing and hunting regulations, or that is held with the intention of committing a violation, may be seized for evidence and may ultimately be forfeited to the state. This means your speargun, wetsuit, and other diving gear can be confiscated if you are found to be in violation.

License Suspension and Repeat Offender Rules

Repeat offenders will receive a mandatory two-year suspension of all fishing and hunting privileges. A repeat offender is any person with two strikes within ten years for big game hunting violations and three strikes within ten years for all other recreational hunting and fishing violations.

Enforcement Presence

WDFW Conservation Police Officers conducted 28,400 field contacts in 2025 — 73% of which occurred on water. The enforcement presence in Washington’s marine areas is active and consistent, particularly during peak seasons for popular species like halibut and lingcod.

Important Note: Washington also observes a Free Fishing Weekend each year. The Free Fishing Weekend falls on the first weekend after the first Monday in June — June 6-7, 2026 — when licenses, endorsements, and parking passes are not required for some fish. However, shellfish and fish requiring a Catch Record Card, such as salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and halibut, still require a license and endorsement.

Staying compliant with Washington’s spearfishing laws requires ongoing attention. Check for any emergency rule changes affecting the species or location you are fishing, and download the Fish Washington mobile app, which provides up-to-date fishing regulations on your mobile device. Washington’s underwater resources are shared, and the regulations exist to keep them healthy for future divers and anglers alike.

If you are interested in other wildlife laws in Washington, or want to understand how the state handles related topics like animal cruelty laws in Washington and pet laws in Washington state, those guides cover the broader regulatory landscape that shapes how Washington manages its animals and natural resources. You might also find the overviews of roadkill laws in Washington and pet import laws in Washington useful for understanding the full scope of the state’s approach to wildlife and animal regulation.