Lake Chelan Fishing Regulations
Chelan County, Washington · 2026 size limits, bag limits, and seasons
Lake Chelan is a lake in Chelan County, Washington. It has its own fishing regulations for 6 species, including Atlantic Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Pink Salmon. These rules replace Washington's statewide limits on this water.
Map of Lake Chelan
Fish with special rules on Lake Chelan
Tap a fish for identification tips, size records, and the best bait.
Lake Chelan limits by species (2026)
| Species | Size limit | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
 Atlantic SalmonNo catch record card required | 15" min | 1 | Year-round |
 Chinook SalmonNo catch record card required | 15" min | 1 | Year-round |
 Coho SalmonNo catch record card required | 15" min | 1 | Year-round |
 Pink SalmonNo catch record card required | 15" min | 1 | Year-round |
 Sockeye SalmonNo catch record card required | 15" min | 1 | Year-round |
| Wild Cutthroat TroutWild fish only | – | Catch & release only | Year-round |
– means no limit is listed for this water. Rules not shown here follow Washington's statewide regulations.
Plan your Lake Chelan trip
Lake Chelan fishing: common questions
What fish have special regulations on Lake Chelan?
6 species have rules specific to Lake Chelan: Atlantic Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Pink Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, and Wild Cutthroat Trout.
What is the atlantic salmon limit on Lake Chelan?
Atlantic Salmon must be at least 15" to keep on Lake Chelan, and the daily bag limit is 1.
What is the chinook salmon limit on Lake Chelan?
Chinook Salmon must be at least 15" to keep on Lake Chelan, and the daily bag limit is 1.
What is the coho salmon limit on Lake Chelan?
Coho Salmon must be at least 15" to keep on Lake Chelan, and the daily bag limit is 1.
Is Lake Chelan catch and release?
Some rules on Lake Chelan are catch and release only, covering Wild Cutthroat Trout. Check the table for the section and dates that apply.
Do Washington statewide fishing rules apply on Lake Chelan?
Where Lake Chelan has its own rule for a species, that rule replaces the statewide limit. For species not listed on this page, Washington's statewide regulations apply. Regulations are set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; confirm with the official 2026 regulations before keeping a fish.
Other Washington waters with special regulations
- Yakima River · Benton
- Columbia River
- Wind River · Skamania
- Drano Lake · Skamania
- Naselle River · Pacific
- Roosevelt Lake · Ferry/Grant/Lincoln/Okanogan/Stevens
- Cowlitz River · Cowlitz/Lewis
- Green River · Duwamish
- Grays River · Wahkiakum
- Nisqually River · Pierce/Thurston
- Nooksack River · Whatcom
- Humptulips River · Grays Harbor
Take Lake Chelan rules on the water
Identify your catch, check if it's a keeper, and log it. CatchVault is on iOS, with Android on the way.