Sablefish in Washington
Washington sablefish: what may be kept and where to look.
- see pamphletlimit
- 30.00 lbsrecord
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Washington sablefish: rule, record, water
Look in vain for a dedicated sablefish row in the 2026-27 tables.
Jeff Rudolph holds the Washington record at 30.00 lbs, from Westport, Grays Harbor County, 1994. Scientific name, as WDFW gives it: Anoplopoma fimbria.
Marine area chapters covering sablefish
- Marine Area 1marine area 1
- Marine Area 2, Marine Area 2-1, Marine Area 2-2marine area 2
- Marine Area 3marine area 3
- Marine Area 4marine area 4
- Marine Area 5marine area 5
- Marine Area 6marine area 6
- Marine Area 7marine area 7
- Marine Area 8-1, Marine Area 8-2marine area 8
- Marine Area 9marine area 9
- Marine Area 10marine area 10
- Marine Area 11marine area 11
- Marine Area 12marine area 12
- Marine Area 13marine area 13
Printed in the 2026-2027 Washington Sport Fishing Rules (WDFW pamphlet, in effect July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027), as posted on eRegulations; read October 31, 2026.
Heaviest sablefish on the WDFW list
| Listing | Weight | Angler | Water | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sablefish | 30.00 lbs | Jeff Rudolph | Westport, Grays Harbor County | June 28, 1994 |
WDFW sport fish records, read October 31, 2026; record list.
Lakes, rivers and sound close to Sablefish, pictured
Photo: brx0, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: The Greater Southwestern Exploration Company, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Bonnie Moreland, Public domain
Photo: Jenni, CC BY-SA 2.0
What to know before chasing sablefish in Washington
What daily limit covers sablefish in Washington?
There is no WDFW limit printed for it alone.
When was the Washington sablefish record set?
30.00 lbs, from Westport, Grays Harbor County, 1994, by Jeff Rudolph.
Which Washington pages point to sablefish?
None of the lake, river or marine pages include it so far.
Does WDFW plant sablefish?
WDFW plant rows do not include it.
Where is the sablefish rule different in Washington?
None of the Special Rules mention it.
Does Washington close the sablefish season?
The pamphlet lists no season. Check emergency rules before a trip.
What does an out-of-state angler buy for Washington sablefish?
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.
Where do I take a Washington sablefish record?
WDFW keeps the list; weigh the unfrozen fish on a certified scale with two witnesses and take it to a WDFW office.
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Every water above has ramps and limits on its own page.