Native American fishing rights refer to the legal entitlements of Indigenous tribes in the United States to fish in their traditional waters. These rights are often based on treaties made with the federal government, which recognize the importance of fishing for the cultural and economic well-being of Native communities.
In many cases, these rights allow tribes to fish without state regulations, ensuring they can maintain their traditional practices. Landmark court cases, such as United States v. Washington, have upheld these rights, affirming that tribes have priority access to fish resources in their ancestral territories.