White Sturgeon in Washington
Where white sturgeon live in Washington, with the rules.
- 1 dailylimit
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A Washington profile of white sturgeon
Find white sturgeon in the Evergreen State freshwater table at the entry "White Sturgeon". What it says, quoted: Min. size 38" fork length in waters downstream of The Dalles Dam, and min. size 43" fork length in waters upstream of The Dalles Dam. Max. size 54" fork length. Daily limit 1. Possession limit: is 2 daily limits in a fresh, frozen or processed form. Annual lim
4 Washington water pages here list the fish, Cowlitz River, Snake River and Columbia River first. The Special Rules tables name it for 10 waters.
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| Pamphlet row | Waters | Limit as printed | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Sturgeon | Columbia River from Bonneville Dam upstream to McNary Dam including tributaries | Min. size 38" fork length in waters downstream of The Dalles Dam, and min. size 43" fork length in waters upstream of The Dalles Dam. Max. size 54" fork length. Daily limit 1. Possession limit: is 2 daily limits in a fresh, frozen or proces | Open only during open game fish or salmon seasons unless noted in special rules |
| White Sturgeon | Columbia River from Bonneville Dam Downstream, and from McNary Dam to Chief Jose | Catch-and-release only. Open only during open game fish or salmon seasons unless specifically noted in special rules. | Open only during open game fish or salmon seasons |
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 27 (pamphlet PDF; eRegulations statewide freshwater page), read October 31, 2026.
Washington salt water and white sturgeon
| Marine area | Where | Limit as printed | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Area 1 | Entire area | Catch-and-release. | Year-round |
| Marine Area 2, Marine Area 2-1, Marine Area 2-2 | Entire area | Catch-and-release. | Year-round |
| Marine Area 3 | Entire area | Catch-and-release. | Year-round |
| Marine Area 4 | Entire area | Catch-and-release. | Year-round |
| Marine Area 5 | Entire area | Catch-and-release. | Year-round |
| Marine Area 6 | Entire area | Catch-and-release. | Year-round |
| Marine Area 7 | Entire area | Catch-and-release. | Year-round |
| Marine Area 8-1, Marine Area 8-2 | Entire area | Catch-and-release. | Year-round |
| Marine Area 8-1, Marine Area 8-2 | Entire area | Catch-and-release. | Year-round |
| Marine Area 9 | Entire area | Catch-and-release. | Year-round |
| Marine Area 10 | Entire area | Catch-and-release. | Year-round |
| Marine Area 11 | Entire area | Catch-and-release. | Year-round |
| Marine Area 12 | Entire area | Catch-and-release. | Year-round |
| Marine Area 13 | Entire area | Catch-and-release. | 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 112 (pamphlet PDF; eRegulations marine area page), read October 31, 2026.
Lakes and rivers that set white sturgeon apart
Look for "sturgeon" in the Special Rules: 10 waters use them.
Washington pages listing white sturgeon
River pages naming white sturgeon
- Cowlitz RiverLewis County
- Snake RiverWhitman County
- Columbia RiverStevens County
- Spokane RiverStevens County
WDFW Fish Washington and high lake layer species lists, WDFW SWIFD distribution, record waters and 2026 trout plants; largest waters first.
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Evergreen State white sturgeon, asked and answered
How many white sturgeon may I keep in Washington?
Statewide: Min. size 38" fork length in waters downstream of The Dalles Dam, and min. size 43" fork length in waters upstream of The Dalles Dam. Max. size 54" fork length. Daily limit 1. Possession limit: is 2 daily limits in a fresh, frozen
From which water did the Washington record white sturgeon come?
WDFW has not recorded one.
What Washington water is a good bet for white sturgeon?
Start with Cowlitz River, Snake River and Columbia River among 4 pages.
Are white sturgeon part of the WDFW plants report?
No 2026 WDFW trout plant names it.
Is the white sturgeon rule the same everywhere in Washington?
It differs on 10 waters with Special Rules.
Is white sturgeon open all year in Washington?
Season as printed: Open only during open game fish or salmon seasons unless noted in special rules. Emergency rules can change it in season.
Which WDFW license lets me fish for white sturgeon?
Anglers 16 and older need a Washington Freshwater license ($39.95 resident, $115.85 nonresident for 2026-27) or a Combination license; salmon, steelhead and sturgeon also take a catch record card.
Who keeps the Washington record for white sturgeon?
WDFW does; marine fish are verified only at the Region 4 or Region 6 offices or Olympia headquarters.
Find white sturgeon within a drive
Each water listed has a Washington page.