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2026 Fishing Regulation Changes by State

Fishing rules reset on each state’s license year (most April 1 – March 31). We track the headline changes so you are never caught out by a new slot limit or closed season. 50 states currently have a verified 2026 change list below; the rest link to the official e-regulations to confirm.

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Alabama

  • 2026 state/federal red snapper season opened May 22 and ran seven days a week…. 2026 state/federal red snapper season opened May 22 and ran seven days a week until quota met or year end (2 fish/person/day, 16 in min). Administrative Code 220-2-.35 revised June 16, 2026 with season/limit/size updates.

Alaska

  • Changes adopted at the Statewide Finfish, Alaska Peninsula/Aleutian/Chignik, and…. Changes adopted at the Statewide Finfish, Alaska Peninsula/Aleutian/Chignik, and Bristol Bay Board of Fisheries meetings were printed in the 2026 Sport Fishing Regulation Summary but are NOT in effect until further notice; 2025 regulations remain in effect in those areas pending law-department review.
  • Proposal 181 clarifies sport fishing requires the line be attached to a rod or…. Proposal 181 clarifies sport fishing requires the line be attached to a rod or held in hand (not a drone or remote-controlled boat). Proposal 183 requires rockfish, lingcod, and king salmon to remain in identifiable condition (skin on fillets; carcass intact for length) until offloaded. Proposal 184 reclassifies rockfish into three groups (pelagic, nonpelagic, demersal shelf).
  • Effective July 1, 2026, sport fish bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon at…. Effective July 1, 2026, sport fish bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon at Redoubt Bay and Lake increased to 6, based on projected escapement above 40,000 fish.
  • Naknek River drainage: king salmon 20 inches or longer — limit 3/day, 3 in…. Naknek River drainage: king salmon 20 inches or longer — limit 3/day, 3 in possession, only 1 of 28 inches or longer; annual limit 5 (only 2 of 28 inches or longer); all harvested king salmon 20 inches or longer must be recorded. Nushagak drainage gear restricted May 1–July 31.

Arizona

  • Effective Jan. 1, 2026, Arizona aligned with Nevada: daily bag limit is unlimited…. Effective Jan. 1, 2026, Arizona aligned with Nevada: daily bag limit is unlimited striped bass (removing the prior 20-fish/20-inch limit) and 25 catfish at Lake Mead and Lake Mohave (AZ had been 10). Adopted by the AZ Game and Fish Commission Jan. 16, 2026.

Arkansas

  • 2026 new harvest rules at Lake Monticello (reopened after dam…. 2026 new harvest rules at Lake Monticello (reopened after dam renovation/restocking): largemouth bass 5/day (only 1 over 16 in); crappie 15/day (only 7 at or over 12 in). Alligator Gar Trophy Tag program implemented for 2026 season.

California

  • After a 3-year closure, 2026 reopens Chinook salmon fisheries: Klamath…. After a 3-year closure, 2026 reopens Chinook salmon fisheries: Klamath late-spring run July 1–Aug. 14; Klamath fall run opens Aug. 15; Trinity fall run Sept. 1–Dec. 31; Central Valley fall run July 16–Dec. 16. Quotas and daily/possession limits apply per river.

Colorado

  • Tiger muskie have no bag or size limit at North Fork Colorado River, Shadow…. Tiger muskie have no bag or size limit at North Fork Colorado River, Shadow Mountain Spillway, Grand Lake, and Lake Granby (2026). George Creek, Dry Gulch, and Herman Gulch closed. Blue River and Tenmile Creek fall closures Sept. 15–Dec. 1. Golden mussel added to the ANS species list. Backcountry Search and Rescue (BSAR) fee increased from $0.25 to $1.25.

Connecticut

  • 2026 inland sportfishing regulations effective Jan 1, 2026: new 9 in statewide…. 2026 inland sportfishing regulations effective Jan 1, 2026: new 9 in statewide minimum length for all trout species (previously unregulated in many areas); 22 new Class 1 Wild Trout Management Areas (catch-and-release, fly/artificial lure); 3 new Trout Parks added (Mashamoquet Brook, Macedonia Brook, Kettletown Brook).
  • Upper Housatonic River (CT/MA line to Bleachery Dam, New Milford) bass…. Upper Housatonic River (CT/MA line to Bleachery Dam, New Milford) bass catch-and-release year-round; three chain pickerel management lakes (Lake Wononskopomuc, East Twin, West Twin) set to 22 in min, 1 fish/day.
  • Highland Lake thermal refuge: no fishing July 1–Oct 15 within 100 ft of the mouth…. Highland Lake thermal refuge: no fishing July 1–Oct 15 within 100 ft of the mouth of Taylor Brook; Wyassup Lake spawning-refuge fishing closure established April 2026.
  • AIS enforcement: failure to properly remove and dispose of aquatic vegetation…. AIS enforcement: failure to properly remove and dispose of aquatic vegetation when leaving a waterbody carries a $95 fine per violation.

Delaware

  • Black Sea Bass recreational regulations revised for 2026–2027: minimum size…. Black Sea Bass recreational regulations revised for 2026–2027: minimum size reduced 13 in to 12.5 in; season opens May 1 (earlier than prior years); the Oct 1–9 in-season closure eliminated; daily possession limit remains 15. (Secretary's Order 2026-F-0005, effective Apr 22, 2026.)
  • Bluefish possession limits amended via new regulation 7 DE Admin. Code 3516.…. Bluefish possession limits amended via new regulation 7 DE Admin. Code 3516. (Secretary's Order 2026-F-0010, effective May 20, 2026.)

Florida

  • Revised spotted seatrout management split into 9 regional zones with…. Revised spotted seatrout management split into 9 regional zones with zone-specific rules effective April 1, 2026. FWC confirmed no new statewide freshwater fishing regulation changes effective July 1, 2026.

Georgia

  • New state-run red snapper data-collection/extended-season pilot (EFP) introduced…. New state-run red snapper data-collection/extended-season pilot (EFP) introduced for 2026. Georgia DNR publishes the 2026-2027 recreational fishing regulations guide; no other freshwater-specific notable 2026 change verified from official sources.

Hawaii

  • Kōkeʻe rainbow trout 2026 season June 20–Sept. 30. Kaʻūpūlehu Fishery Management…. Kōkeʻe rainbow trout 2026 season June 20–Sept. 30. Kaʻūpūlehu Fishery Management Area rules (Try Wait area closure ended June 30). Aquarium fishery HAR 13-77.1 proposed. On Oʻahu, spearfishing for uhu (parrotfish) and kala (unicornfish) prohibited under HB1750 effective July 1, 2026.

Idaho

  • For the 2026 fall Chinook season (opener Aug. 18 on the Snake River), adult daily…. For the 2026 fall Chinook season (opener Aug. 18 on the Snake River), adult daily bag is 3, of which only 1 may be unclipped. This modified a prior rule that allowed no unclipped adults in the daily bag.
  • Effective July 17, 2026, daily limit on the South Fork Salmon River is 4 Chinook…. Effective July 17, 2026, daily limit on the South Fork Salmon River is 4 Chinook salmon, only 2 of which may be adults; possession limit 12. Upper Salmon River summer Chinook closed July 15; South Fork Salmon closed July 29 after harvest share reached.

Illinois

  • Annual digest took effect April 1, 2026, including updated Illinois River…. Annual digest took effect April 1, 2026, including updated Illinois River paddlefish regulations and other statewide recreational fishing rule consolidations.

Indiana

  • Indiana DNR established a permanent, free Invasive Carp Harvest Permit allowing…. Indiana DNR established a permanent, free Invasive Carp Harvest Permit allowing large-scale removal of invasive carp (silver, bighead, grass, black) using gill nets and seines at approved locations, 24/7. Permit holders must obtain DNR approval at least 48 hours before each fishing event, mark gear with DNR-provided buoys, release all bycatch immediately, and submit a harvest report to the DNR Invasive Carp Program within 7 days detailing species, number, pounds, and bycatch. Harvested carp may not be transported live. The underlying rule took effect December 2025 and was publicly announced March 17-25, 2026.

Iowa

  • The Natural Resource Commission rescinded and re-adopted a new Chapter 81…. The Natural Resource Commission rescinded and re-adopted a new Chapter 81 'Fishing Regulations' (seasons, territories, daily/possession/length limits). Adopted April 9, 2026; effective June 17, 2026.

Kansas

  • 2026 adopted amendments: K.A.R. 115-7-1 allows snagging of invasive Bighead and…. 2026 adopted amendments: K.A.R. 115-7-1 allows snagging of invasive Bighead and Silver Carp in the Kansas River; K.A.R. 115-7-10 lets KDWP establish Aquatic Invasive Species waters by posted notice rather than reference document.

Kentucky

  • Kentucky Fish and Wildlife proposed regulatory amendments including revisions to…. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife proposed regulatory amendments including revisions to the definition of 'private waters' and other administrative provisions; proposal stage as of the May 18, 2026 commission meeting.

Louisiana

  • Effective Aug 1, 2026: in Lower Atchafalaya Basin, Grassy Lake, Lake Palourde,…. Effective Aug 1, 2026: in Lower Atchafalaya Basin, Grassy Lake, Lake Palourde, Lake Verrett and associated waters, black bass 12-inch minimum length limit and 5 fish daily; crappie 8-inch minimum and 25 fish daily. Bussey Brake Reservoir bass maximum length changed from 16 inches to 18 inches (one over 22 in may be temporarily retained for weigh-in, then released). New Wahoo bag/possession limit of 5. Recreational gag grouper closed season changed to Jan 1 - Aug 31.

Maine

  • 2026 inland fishing regulation package (12 proposals, effective Jan 1, 2026):…. 2026 inland fishing regulation package (12 proposals, effective Jan 1, 2026): Crooked Brook Flowage and Harrington Lake remove the 150-ft fishway fishing restriction; Schoodic Lake togue rule changes plus a fall artificial-lures-only catch-and-release season; plus various error/clarity and expanded-opportunity updates.
  • Use of qualifying small painted lead jigs prohibited in Maine inland waters…. Use of qualifying small painted lead jigs prohibited in Maine inland waters effective Sept 1, 2026; general-law rivers/streams switch to artificial-lures-or-flies-only with reduced salmonid bag (1 landlocked salmon, 1 brook trout) Aug 16–Sep 30.

Maryland

  • 2026 Chesapeake Bay recreational striped bass season restructured: Jan 1–Apr 30…. 2026 Chesapeake Bay recreational striped bass season restructured: Jan 1–Apr 30 Catch & Release; May 1–Jul 31 Harvest; Aug 1–31 Closed; Sep 1–Dec 5 Harvest; Dec 6–31 Catch & Release. During harvest, one fish/person/day, 19–24 in (ocean 28–31 in slot).
  • Anglers/charter captains with NOAA NMFS Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS)…. Anglers/charter captains with NOAA NMFS Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) permits must report recreationally landed bluefin tuna, dead discards, and non-tournament billfish/swordfish electronically within 24 hours (effective Dec 22, 2025, for the 2026 season).
  • Yellow perch catch limit decreased to 5 fish per person per day in all tidal…. Yellow perch catch limit decreased to 5 fish per person per day in all tidal waters and nontidal rivers/streams for 2026.
  • Recreational shark reporting requirement eliminated for 2026.. Recreational shark reporting requirement eliminated for 2026.

Massachusetts

  • Proposed 2026 freshwater regulation changes (public hearing May 4, 2026):…. Proposed 2026 freshwater regulation changes (public hearing May 4, 2026): standardize trout to a 6-trout daily bag (max 3 brook/brown/tiger) year-round; establish American eel limit of 25/day, 9 in min; remove outdated broodstock salmon limit; allow temporary possession of a fish over the bag limit if immediately released. (Status: proposed pending final adoption as of mid-2026.)
  • 2026 DMF saltwater: new Atlantic coastwide standard straight-line measurement for…. 2026 DMF saltwater: new Atlantic coastwide standard straight-line measurement for striped bass adopted; recreational striped bass size/limits otherwise unchanged from 2025.

Michigan

  • Lake Superior lake trout & splake possession limit. Stannard Rock and Big Reef now carry a daily possession limit of one lake trout or splake (combined).
  • Upper Peninsula walleye protected-slot lakes. Lake Independence and Teal Lake: 15-inch minimum, all walleye 18–23 inches must be released, daily possession 5 with no more than one over 23 inches.
  • New burbot possession limit. A possession limit of five burbot per day now applies.
  • Bead defined as artificial lure. A bead fished on the hook or pegged within 4 inches of a single-point hook is defined as an artificial lure for trout/salmon fishing.
  • Underwater spearfishing expansion. Additional Great Lakes waters opened to spearfishing; monthly reporting no longer required but a free license is still required.
  • Menominee River lake sturgeon catch-and-release. New catch-and-immediate-release opportunity from the first Saturday in June through the first Sunday in March.

Minnesota

  • 2026 new statewide rules: year-round catch-and-release season for largemouth and…. 2026 new statewide rules: year-round catch-and-release season for largemouth and smallmouth bass; new hook rule allowing up to three hooks on a single tackle configuration (max 18 inches apart); stream trout harvest opener set to second Saturday in April (April 11, 2026); ice anglers may use nonmotorized hook-setting devices; no closed season for collecting dead freshwater mussel shells.

Mississippi

  • Private recreational and state for-hire red snapper season opened May 22 and…. Private recreational and state for-hire red snapper season opened May 22 and closed July 5, 2026; 2 fish/person/day, 16-inch minimum. Commercial fishing rule amendments (mesh sizes) effective June 25, 2026.

Missouri

  • Effective April 30, 2026: Table Rock Lake spotted (Kentucky) bass minimum length…. Effective April 30, 2026: Table Rock Lake spotted (Kentucky) bass minimum length dropped from 15 inches to 12 inches. Statewide minimum paddlefish length limit raised to 32 inches (from 24 inches) for sport/recreational taking.

Montana

  • For 2026, plastic paddlefish tags are no longer issued. Tags follow big-game…. For 2026, plastic paddlefish tags are no longer issued. Tags follow big-game style: a paper tag must be notched to show harvest date, or an e-tag validated electronically in the MyFWP app before losing cell service. Tags must be validated immediately upon harvest, before the fish is moved, cleaned, stored, or the angler leaves the site. Mandatory harvest reporting by tag area (white/blue/green/yellow) still required.
  • Red Rock Creek is closed to angling year-round from Elk Lake Road to Upper Red…. Red Rock Creek is closed to angling year-round from Elk Lake Road to Upper Red Rock Lake. Upstream of Elk Lake Road is open year-round to artificial lures only, except closed May 1–June 14.

Nebraska

  • Effective Jan 1, 2026: multiple black bass changes - Wolbach City Pond, Forest…. Effective Jan 1, 2026: multiple black bass changes - Wolbach City Pond, Forest City RA, Mad Bear RA added to 21-inch minimum length list; Marlin Petermann RA smallmouth 2-fish daily bag + 12-inch maximum; Pelican Lake previous musky exceptions rescinded (statewide rules apply); paddlefish archery hours set sunrise to sunset.

Nevada

  • Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the 20-fish/20-inch daily limit on striped bass at Lakes…. Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the 20-fish/20-inch daily limit on striped bass at Lakes Mead and Mohave was removed (unlimited harvest). Possession certificate requirement removed (effective April 1). New catch-and-release rules adopted Feb. 23, 2026.

New Hampshire

  • Recreational haddock minimum size reduced from 18 in to 17 in (bag limit 15;…. Recreational haddock minimum size reduced from 18 in to 17 in (bag limit 15; closed season Mar 1–31) effective Apr 1, 2026, aligning state waters with federal Gulf of Maine rules.
  • Proposed changes (public hearing May 11, 2026): Atlantic mackerel possession…. Proposed changes (public hearing May 11, 2026): Atlantic mackerel possession increased 20 to 25 fish (private) / 50 (for-hire); bluefish increased 3 to 5 fish (private) / 5 to 7 (for-hire), reflecting federal ACL increases. (Status: proposed.)
  • 2026 new Atlantic coastwide standard measurement for striped bass (straight-line…. 2026 new Atlantic coastwide standard measurement for striped bass (straight-line snout-to-tail); 2026 Free Fishing Days Jan 17 and June 6.

New Jersey

  • 2026 freshwater regulation changes effective Feb 17, 2026: stocked lakes/ponds…. 2026 freshwater regulation changes effective Feb 17, 2026: stocked lakes/ponds pre-season closure lifted (now open year-round; rivers/streams closure remains); June 1–Dec 31 trout daily creel reduced from 4 to 2 trout/day; pre-season possession up to 2 trout/day allowed on lakes/ponds; 23 new small ponds added to spring stocking.
  • Pequannock River (brown trout) minimum size raised to 12 in and daily limit…. Pequannock River (brown trout) minimum size raised to 12 in and daily limit reduced to 2 fish.
  • 11 native fish species added to the Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern…. 11 native fish species added to the Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern list.
  • Striped Bass Bonus Program: a bonus harvest (one fish 24 in to <28 in, May 15–Dec…. Striped Bass Bonus Program: a bonus harvest (one fish 24 in to <28 in, May 15–Dec 31) must be reported to NJDEP within 24 hours.

New Mexico

  • Effective July 1, 2026, night fishing is legal at most public waters (trout…. Effective July 1, 2026, night fishing is legal at most public waters (trout waters restricted to May 1–Sept. 30, light ≤10 lumens). The agency was renamed the Department of Wildlife (from Game and Fish), and a new 2026–2027 rules manual was published March 14, 2026.

New York

  • Statewide freshwater fishing regulations for inland waters became effective April…. Statewide freshwater fishing regulations for inland waters became effective April 1, 2026.

North Carolina

  • Mandatory recreational reporting for flounder, red drum, spotted seatrout,…. Mandatory recreational reporting for flounder, red drum, spotted seatrout, striped bass and weakfish took effect Dec 1, 2025 (applies in 2026). 2026 changes: flounder season Sep 1–14; sheepshead 14 in / 5 per day from Mar 1; bluefish bag increase; speckled trout reopens Jul 1 after cold-shock closure.

North Dakota

  • Effective April 1, 2026: suckers (white sucker) legal as live bait in major…. Effective April 1, 2026: suckers (white sucker) legal as live bait in major waters; chinook/salmon snagging permitted Sept 20-end of October (new); white bass daily limit raised 20 to 30; online registration for darkhouse spearfishing eliminated (fishing license only required).
  • 2026 paddlefish harvest season closed to additional harvest May 8 at 7 p.m. CT…. 2026 paddlefish harvest season closed to additional harvest May 8 at 7 p.m. CT (harvest cap reached); 7-day snag-and-release extension followed.

Ohio

  • New rules include bait-trap openings limited to 2 inches, a ban on the sale/trade…. New rules include bait-trap openings limited to 2 inches, a ban on the sale/trade of turtles (and their parts), and revised Maumee River boundary landmarks for the sport-fishing district.

Oklahoma

  • 2026 changes: Lake Eufaula and Atoka Lake crappie limit set to 20 per day…. 2026 changes: Lake Eufaula and Atoka Lake crappie limit set to 20 per day (effective June 26, 2026); Boomer, Dahlgren, Holdenville, Purcell, Shell, Wewoka and all Close To Home Fishing waters now have NO daily crappie bag limit; hybrid striped bass reclassified as game fish; walleye and Blue River regulation updates.

Oregon

  • A new Ocean Endorsement is required when fishing in the ocean from beaches,…. A new Ocean Endorsement is required when fishing in the ocean from beaches, jetties, and boats or spearfishing (not needed for salmon, steelhead, or shellfish). Costs $9 annual / $4 daily for both residents and nonresidents; established by House Bill 2342 to fund marine fish research. Included with Youth Combo, Pioneer, and Disabled Veteran licenses.
  • License fees increased for most products for the first time since 2020 due to…. License fees increased for most products for the first time since 2020 due to inflation and higher hatchery operating costs.
  • Daily limit for lingcod increased from 2 to 3 fish (set December 2025). General…. Daily limit for lingcod increased from 2 to 3 fish (set December 2025). General marine bag limit stays at 4 fish all year in 2026, with sub-bag limit of 2 canary rockfish (up from 1 last year).
  • Several regulation changes increase opportunity: spearfishing for bass and…. Several regulation changes increase opportunity: spearfishing for bass and walleye in rivers/streams legal after Jan. 1, 2026; spring feeders allowed for carp; crayfish open all year in lakes and streams; aquaria (pet) fish prohibited as bait; separate kokanee limit of 10/day in Central, Willamette, Northeast, and Southeast zones; permanent coho seasons in upper Willamette and tributaries.

Pennsylvania

  • 2026 trout season: Regular season opens April 4, 2026 (8 a.m.) through Sept. 7…. 2026 trout season: Regular season opens April 4, 2026 (8 a.m.) through Sept. 7 (Labor Day); Extended season Jan 1–Feb 15 and Sept 8–Dec 31, 2026 on stocked trout waters (3 trout daily, 7 in min).
  • Leaser Lake (Lehigh County) Panfish Enhancement regulations effective Jan 1,…. Leaser Lake (Lehigh County) Panfish Enhancement regulations effective Jan 1, 2026: sunfish 7 in minimum, 20 per species, 50 total panfish daily.

Rhode Island

  • 2026 trout/salmon creel limits: Dec 1, 2025–Feb 28, 2026 = two trout and/or…. 2026 trout/salmon creel limits: Dec 1, 2025–Feb 28, 2026 = two trout and/or salmon per day (max two salmon); Apr 11–Nov 30, 2026 = five trout and/or salmon per day (max two salmon). Minimum 8 in for trout, 11 in for landlocked Atlantic salmon.
  • Beaver River/Pawcatuck River confluence is now catch-and-release only and no…. Beaver River/Pawcatuck River confluence is now catch-and-release only and no longer stocked; Falls River section (Austin Farm Rd to Brook Trail bridges) catch-and-release only May–Feb.
  • Felt-soled waders, boots, or any porous-soled footwear that absorbs water…. Felt-soled waders, boots, or any porous-soled footwear that absorbs water prohibited in all Rhode Island freshwaters to prevent spread of aquatic invasive species.

South Carolina

  • SCDNR's 2026 red snapper Exempted Fishing Permit was halted by a DC District…. SCDNR's 2026 red snapper Exempted Fishing Permit was halted by a DC District Court injunction on May 21, 2026 (federal-waters season suspended; state waters unaffected). Prior statutory changes: Act 212 blue crab (effective July 1, 2025) and Act 16 snapper-grouper (effective May 8, 2025). 2026-2027 guide published August 2026.

South Dakota

  • South Dakota confirmed zebra mussels at Bitter Lake in 2026, adding it to the…. South Dakota confirmed zebra mussels at Bitter Lake in 2026, adding it to the list of designated infested waters and reinforcing Clean, Drain, Dry transport requirements.

Tennessee

  • Cancellation of Piney River delayed-harvest designation; Big Sody trout waters…. Cancellation of Piney River delayed-harvest designation; Big Sody trout waters designation effective Nov 1; Tellico-Citico permit set at $6; walleye hook restriction added on designated waters.

Texas

  • 2026-27 regulations (valid Sep 1, 2026 - Aug 31, 2027): alligator gar harvested…. 2026-27 regulations (valid Sep 1, 2026 - Aug 31, 2027): alligator gar harvested from public waters (except Falcon) must be reported within 24 hours; paddlefish listed as endangered/threatened species - unlawful to take, kill or disturb.

Utah

  • Effective July 2, 2026, several reservoirs drew down or dried due to drought,…. Effective July 2, 2026, several reservoirs drew down or dried due to drought, triggering emergency higher daily bag limits: Canyon View Park Pond, Minersville, Otter Creek, Palisade, Pineview, Red Creek, and Vernon. WMA access requires a digital permit (effective July 1). DWR also proposed introducing white sturgeon.

Vermont

  • 2026 regulations effective Jan 1, 2026: combined daily panfish limit of 50 fish…. 2026 regulations effective Jan 1, 2026: combined daily panfish limit of 50 fish (max 25 crappie) on most inland waters (excludes Lake Champlain and Connecticut River); commercial sale of crappie prohibited; free 'fish seller's endorsement' now required with expanded reporting (species and size sold); wild baitfish endorsement cycle renewed for 2026–2028; legal minnow trap size increased to 24 in long with 2.5 in entrance.

Virginia

  • Striped bass managed under four zones/calendars. Recreational speckled trout…. Striped bass managed under four zones/calendars. Recreational speckled trout possession closed Apr 1–Jun 30, 2026 (14 in min, 5/day, 1 over 24 in). Atlantic tarpon made 'keep-in-water only' (possession prohibited) effective Jun 1, 2026. Cobia season opens Jun 15 (43 in min).

Washington

  • Marine Areas 1–4 halibut seasons set for 2026; statewide quota 286,356 lbs. Daily…. Marine Areas 1–4 halibut seasons set for 2026; statewide quota 286,356 lbs. Daily limit 1 halibut, no minimum size; annual limit 6; possession limit two daily limits in any form (one daily limit while aboard vessel). All catch must be recorded on a WDFW Catch Record Card. Confirmed through emergency rule to align with federal IPHC allocations.
  • Effective Aug. 26–Sept. 30, 2026: allows salmon legally caught in Canada and…. Effective Aug. 26–Sept. 30, 2026: allows salmon legally caught in Canada and Marine Areas east of Sekiu River (Marine Areas 5–13) to be transported through Marine Area 4 and landed in Neah Bay. Maintains the salmon closure in Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay).

West Virginia

  • 2026 Fishing Regulations became effective Jan. 1, 2026.. 2026 Fishing Regulations became effective Jan. 1, 2026.
  • Tiger trout is officially listed as a game fish in the 2026 regulations…. Tiger trout is officially listed as a game fish in the 2026 regulations (previously not separately listed), expanding legal angling targets.

Wisconsin

  • 2026-27 season: inland trout season opens April 4 (earlier than prior years),…. 2026-27 season: inland trout season opens April 4 (earlier than prior years), runs through Oct 15, 2026; muskellunge season opens May 2 statewide (no separate Northern Zone opener); new catch-and-release lake sturgeon season on 18 select waters June 6, 2026 - Mar 7, 2027; ~120 waters have updated panfish bag/length limits; countywide motor trolling permitted on all waters in Sawyer, Lincoln, Sheboygan and Waupaca counties (3 hooks/baits/lures per person).

Wyoming

  • On the North Platte (Miracle Mile, Alcova, Gray Reef, Fremont Canyon):…. On the North Platte (Miracle Mile, Alcova, Gray Reef, Fremont Canyon): single-point barbless hooks required; peg (egg) bait prohibited; Gray Reef closed April 1–May 15 for spawning. Jackson Lake opens to fishing in October. Snake River trout daily limit increased 3→6. Commercial guide boat registration fee $325. Upper North Platte walleye daily limit 12.