2026 Fall Chinook Season Opener: What Anglers Need to Know
Fishing Boundary Waters
For anglers fishing boundary waters, an important thing to remember is that you may exercise the privileges of only one state's license at a time.
For example, if you are fishing with two rods under an Idaho two-pole permit while in boundary waters, you are fishing under Idaho privileges and must follow Idaho's associated regulations, including tagging requirements.
Likewise, possessing licenses from both states does not allow an angler to combine the possession limits from each state while fishing boundary waters. Anglers are entitled to the limit allowed under the license they are using.
Anglers planning to move between boundary waters and Washington-only waters should pay particular attention to Washington's regulations.
Washington regulations state:
“Before utilizing a Washington fishing license or fishing Washington only waters, any fish retained while using another state's license must be returned to shore before continuing to angle.”
In practical terms, an angler should not harvest a fall Chinook in boundary waters using an Idaho permit and then continue fishing in Washington-only waters with that fish still in the boat.
Anglers who plan to fish both boundary waters and Washington-only waters during the same trip are encouraged to review Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations (WDFW Snake River Fall Chinook regulations). or contact WDFW before fishing to make sure they understand how the regulations apply to their specific situation.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 fall Chinook return is expected to be below average, particularly for natural-origin fish, but anglers should still have meaningful fishing and harvest opportunity this fall.
Remember the major regulation change for 2026: three adults may be harvested daily, but only one may be unclipped.
There are already fall Chinook entering Idaho and for those brave enough to battle the crowds, remember this: stay patient, respect thy fellow angler, and never take a good netter for granted.
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