Spotted Ratfish in Washington
Keeping rules, the WDFW record and lakes or rivers for spotted ratfish.
- see pamphletlimit
- 3.90 lbsrecord
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spotted ratfish under WDFW rules
WDFW prints no separate 2026-27 row for spotted ratfish.
In 1996, William J. Denning set the state mark of 3.90 lbs at Hein Bank. 1 water carry it, Sekiu River included. The record list pairs it with Hydrolagus colliei.
Marine areas naming spotted ratfish
- 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.
State record spotted ratfish, Washington
| Listing | Weight | Angler | Water | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spotted Ratfish | 3.90 lbs | William J. Denning | Hein Bank | July 19, 1996 |
| Spotted Ratfish (Speargun) | 1.88 lbs | Jeremy Yancey | Sekiu, Clallam County | Sept. 1, 2022 |
WDFW sport fish records, read October 31, 2026; record list.
Where spotted ratfish turn up in Washington
Moving water holding spotted ratfish
- Sekiu RiverClallam County
WDFW Fish Washington and high lake layer species lists, WDFW SWIFD distribution, record waters and 2026 trout plants; largest waters first.
For the trout herePiscifun Carbon XT ultralight spinning reel25% OFFSale $59.99 Fir, basalt and open water near Spotted Ratfish, photographed
Photo: Jeff Hollett, CC0 1.0
Photo: Jett Brooks, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Sam Beebe, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Tim Regan, CC BY 2.0
Where spotted ratfish turn up in Washington, briefly
What is the Washington limit for spotted ratfish?
WDFW prints no separate limit.
What does the Washington spotted ratfish record weigh?
3.90 lbs, Hein Bank; William J. Denning, 1996.
Which lakes or rivers list spotted ratfish?
1 pages, beginning with Sekiu River.
Where has WDFW planted spotted ratfish?
The plants report carries no row for it.
Does any water have a Special Rule for spotted ratfish?
The Special Rules tables do not name it.
How does the Washington spotted ratfish season run?
No season line is printed. Emergency changes come first.
Which Washington license covers spotted ratfish?
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.
How do I claim a Washington spotted ratfish record?
Fill in the WDFW record application, weigh the fish fresh on a certified scale and bring it to a WDFW office.
Plan a spotted ratfish outing
Choose a lake, river or marine area above.