The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation (Chehalis Tribes) have indicated they may be citing non-tribal members for fishing within an approximately 10-mile section of the Chehalis River if non-tribal members do not obtain a $500 boat fishing permit or $45 bank fishing permit from the tribe.
While the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) disputes the Chehalis Tribes’ legal arguments for citing anglers lawfully participating in state-managed fisheries on a navigable river, WDFW is encouraging anglers and guides to be aware of the possibility of a citation from the tribe and their fishing gear or watercraft potentially being seized.
The Chehalis River in Grays Harbor County is classified as a federally navigable waterbody. This large river flows through an area of non-contiguous Chehalis Reservation, off-reservation tribal trust lands, and private lands from approximately South Bank Road near Oakville upstream to Moon Road SW near Helsing Junction.
The river is popular for fall coho and steelhead fisheries managed through the Washington Sport Fishing Rules and has a long history of both recreational and tribal fishing.
Federal and state laws allow for floating navigable waters including for fishing. Washington state laws including RCW 79.105.060 typically allow for public access along navigable waters below the ordinary high-water mark. Intentionally obstructing the lawful taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife is a crime under RCW 77.15.210.
WDFW is in conversations with Chehalis tribal leadership, the State Attorney General’s Office, and county leadership and law enforcement regarding the tribe’s claim to sole authority over fishing in this section of the Chehalis River.
WDFW encourages anglers and guides to temporarily avoid this section of river or to float through and refrain from anchoring, wading, or fishing from shore. If anglers are contacted by Chehalis Tribe law enforcement, fisheries staff, or tribal members, the Department offers the following advice:
Remain polite, respectful, and do not escalate the interaction.
Present a valid Washington state fishing license and Catch Record Card (CRC) to tribal law enforcement if requested to do so.
If necessary, ask tribal law enforcement “Am I being detained or am I free to go?”.
If tribal law enforcement indicate fishing gear or watercraft is being seized, remain respectful and contact your local Sheriff’s Office or WDFW Police.
This content is sourced from
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
. It reflects the author's views and has not been edited by our newsroom. It may have been generated using AI assistance.
