Pacific Cod in Washington
Where pacific cod live in Washington, with the rules.
- 2 dailylimit
- 19.63 lbsrecord
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A Washington profile of pacific cod
Each marine area chapter of the pamphlet carries its own pacific cod line. In Marine Area 6 the first row reads: No min. size. Daily limit 2 of each species.
The record book shows 19.63 lbs from Ediz Hook, Clallam County (1984), caught by Ralph Bay. Taxonomists file it as Gadus macrocephalus.
Washington salt water and pacific cod
| Marine area | Where | Limit as printed | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Area 6 | Entire area | No min. size. Daily limit 2 of each species. | Year-round |
| Marine Area 7 | Entire area | No min. size. Daily limit 2 of each species. | Year-round |
| Marine Area 8-1, Marine Area 8-2 | Entire area | CLOSED to retention. | Year-round |
| Marine Area 8-1, Marine Area 8-2 | Entire area | CLOSED to retention. | Year-round |
| Marine Area 9 | Entire area | CLOSED to retention. | Year-round |
| Marine Area 10 | Entire area | CLOSED to retention. | Year-round |
| Marine Area 11 | Entire area | CLOSED to retention. | Year-round |
| Marine Area 12 | Entire area | CLOSED to fishing for, retaining, or possessing. | CLOSED |
| Marine Area 13 | Entire area | CLOSED to retention. | Year-round |
Limits and seasons as printed in the 2026-2027 Washington Sport Fishing Rules (WDFW pamphlet, in effect July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027), PDF page 120 (pamphlet PDF; eRegulations marine area page), read October 31, 2026.
The biggest Washington pacific cod on file
| Listing | Weight | Angler | Water | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Cod | 19.63 lbs | Ralph Bay | Ediz Hook, Clallam County | March 6, 1984 |
WDFW sport fish records, read October 31, 2026; record list.
The shoreline country around Pacific Cod, in pictures
Photo: Jeff Hollett, CC0 1.0
Photo: Bureau of Land Management, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Jonathan Miske, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Patrick McNally, CC BY 2.0
Evergreen State pacific cod, asked and answered
How many pacific cod may I keep in Washington?
Area by area; for Marine Area 6: No min. size. Daily limit 2 of each species.
From which water did the Washington record pacific cod come?
WDFW lists 19.63 lbs, Ediz Hook, Clallam County, 1984, Ralph Bay.
What Washington water is a good bet for pacific cod?
No Washington water page lists this fish yet.
Are pacific cod part of the WDFW plants report?
No 2026 WDFW trout plant names it.
Is the pacific cod rule the same everywhere in Washington?
No Special Rule lists it.
Is pacific cod open all year in Washington?
Season as printed: Year-round. Emergency rules can change it in season.
Which WDFW license lets me fish for pacific cod?
Anglers 16 and older fishing marine water carry a Saltwater license ($40.71 resident, $81.70 nonresident for 2026-27) or a Combination license, plus a catch record card for salmon, sturgeon, steelhead or halibut.
Who keeps the Washington record for pacific cod?
WDFW does; marine fish are verified only at the Region 4 or Region 6 offices or Olympia headquarters.
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Each water listed has a Washington page.