ridgeratt
5/10/2015 4:23:00 PMPerhaps you might want to review the WDFW Fishing Rules.
Page 17 has this to say about releasing fish while using bait.
TROUT: The combined daily limit for an angler that fishes in both rivers and lakes on the same day is 5 TROUT. In the combined
daily limit, only 2 TROUT may be from rivers, except as provided for EASTERN BROOK TROUT.
Brown Trout Cutthroat Trout
Rainbow Trout Lake Trout
Golden Trout Kokanee
TIGER TROUT Landlocked
Grayling ? Atlantic, ? Chinook, ? and Coho Salmon
In rivers, streams, and beaver ponds: Min. size 8". Daily limit 2. When fishing with bait, all TROUT
(except STEELHEAD) equal to or greater than the minimum size are counted as part of the daily limit
whether kept or released.
In lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: No min. size. Daily limit 5. When fishing with bait, all TROUT
(except STEELHEAD) equal to or greater than the minimum size are counted as part of the daily limit
whether kept or released.
Eastern Brook Trout
(EBT)
In rivers, streams, and beaver ponds: No min. size. Daily limit 5. Anglers may keep up to 5
EASTERN BROOK TROUT, but no more than 5 TROUT total, and no more than 2 can be other
TROUT species. In lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: Count as part of the 5 TROUT daily limit.
Steelhead Min. size 20". Daily limit 2. No more than 2 STEELHEAD may be retained as part of TROUT combined
daily limit. STEELHEAD may be caught and released until the daily limit is retained. No annual limit for
hatchery STEELHEAD.
WILD STEELHEAD RETENTION RULES: one wild STEELHEAD per license year may be retained
from one of the following rivers: Bogachiel River, Calawah River, Clearwater River, Dickey River, Hoh
River, Quillayute River, Quinault River, or Sol Duc River, as listed in the special rules.
Dolly Varden/Bull Trout When listed as open under the special rules, count as part of the TROUT combined daily limit
It might save you some embarrassment!