report REDBAND TROUT POACHING

The Spokane River is closed to fishing starting on March 16th to protect spawning redband trout.  Trout are particularly vulnerable during spawning because of their defensive nature around their redds (nests).  The closure extends from Stateline to Ninemile dam.  The river reopens to catch and release fishing the Saturday before Memorial Day.  

Possessing, killing or not handling a native redband trout with respect on the Spokane River, Little Spokane River or tributary is a crime according to Washington State Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Code (RCW 77.15).

Unlawful Recreational Fishing in the First Degree (RCW 77.15.370) is a gross misdemeanor offense which means, if convicted, you could be facing a sentence of up to 364 days of jail imposed and a $5000 fine.

The Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) is the agency that enforce the fishing rules. Know the fishing regulations, review the pamphlet, and understand that fishing without a license, fishing during the closed season, or killing native trout is illegal. 

How You Can Help

  • Know the fishing rules

  • Know the difference between a hatchery and native trout.

  • Share your knowledge

  • Hand out our new Spokane River poaching pamphlets

  • Keep the fish you catch IN the water #keepemwet

Fishing Rules as of May 2021 as provided by WDFW state the following for the Spokane River:

SPOKANE RIVER - Spokane Co. from Nine Mile Dam upstream to the Idaho/Washington state line

ALL SPECIES Selective gear rules.

TROUT Sat. before Memorial Day-Mar. 15 No min. size. Daily limit 2. Release all trout other than hatchery rainbow trout.

OTHER GAME FISH Sat. before Memorial Day-Mar. 15 Catch-and-release.

If you see poaching or illegal fishing on the Spokane River:

  • avoid confrontation

  • calmly explain the rules and regulations

  • nicely pass the poacher a pamphlet

  • know the location, take photos

  • take a note of a vehicle license plate #

  • report the violation

Thanks to our friends at the Silver Bow Fly Shop & Spokane Falls Chapter Trout Unlimited for installing signage on the Spokane River.

Help Fish Survive #KeepEmWet

  1. Keep the fish in the water as you unhook them (15 second out of water is a dead fish)

  2. Keep them upright - let them recover from their fight and never toss a fish or touch their gills.

Heather Hodson, local conservationist and founder of United Women on the Fly practicing the art of keepin’ em wet. #keepemwet

View the July 11, 2018 KREM 2 news coverage of local Spokane River guide Britten Jay’s discovery at the takeout near the wastewater treatment plant.

View the July 11, 2018 KREM 2 news coverage of local Spokane River guide Britten Jay’s discovery at the takeout near the wastewater treatment plant.

Don’t do this. Ever. It’s illegal.

Don’t do this. Ever. It’s illegal.

For questions regarding reporting a poacher, don’t hesitate to contact us.