WAC 220-305-010. General rules — Fish

(1) It is unlawful to take, fish for, possess or transport fish, shellfish, or fish or shellfish parts, in or from any waters or land within the jurisdiction of the state of Washington, or from the waters of the Pacific Ocean, except as provided by department rule. Specifically, persons delivering fish or shellfish caught in Pacific Ocean waters into Washington are subject to all Washington personal use fishing, possession, and licensing regulations. (2) It is unlawful for any person who takes or possesses fish or shellfish taken from any of the waters or beaches of the Columbia River, the state of Washington, or the Pacific Ocean, for any purpose, to fail to submit the fish or shellfish for inspection by authorized department personnel. Violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW 77.15.360 Unlawful interfering in department operations — Penalty. (3) It is unlawful for the owner or operator of any fishing gear to refuse to submit to inspection of the gear in any manner specified by a fish and wildlife officer. Violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW 77.15.470 . (4) It is unlawful for any person to fish for fish or shellfish while in possession in the field of fish or shellfish that are in violation of the rules for the area fished. This subsection does not apply to vessels in transit between Washington marine areas. Violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW 77.15.380 or RCW 77.15.550 , depending on the circumstances of the violation. (5) It is unlawful to take, fish for, possess, injure, kill, or molest fish in any fishway, fish ladder, fish screen, holding pond, rearing pond, or other fish protective device, or to interfere with the proper operation of a fish protective device in any way. Violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW 77.15.370 or 77.15.380 , depending on the circumstances of the violation. (6) It is unlawful to take or possess any fish or shellfish smaller or larger than the minimum or maximum size limits or in excess of catch or possession limits prescribed by department rule. A person must immediately return to the water any fish or shellfish snagged, hooked, netted or gilled that do not conform to department size requirements or are in excess of catch or possession limits with the least possible injury to the fish or shellfish. Violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable under RCW 77.15.380 or 77.15.550 , depending on the circumstances of the violation. (7) It is unlawful for any person or entity licensed by the department or bringing fish or shellfish into the state to fail to comply with the directions of authorized department personnel related to the collection of sampling data or material from fish or shellfish. It is also unlawful for any person or entity to fail to relinquish to the department, upon request, any part of a salmon or other fish containing coded-wire tags including, but not limited to, the snouts of salmon with clipped adipose fins. (8) For the purposes of this section "delivery" means transportation by a private or commercial recreational fishing vessel. Delivery in Washington is complete when, within the state, the vessel anchors, moors, ties to a float or pier, or is placed or attempted to be placed on a boat trailer. Delivery is also complete if the fish or shellfish are offloaded from the vessel within state waters.