Fishing regulations - Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Before heading out, make sure you have the appropriate recreational fishing license and be sure to take the following steps: Download and read the annual fishing pamphlet, which details rules and regulations statewide. Check for any emergency rule changes affecting the species or location you're fishing. Download the Fish Washington mobile app ...
Fishing & Shellfishing - Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Fishing & Shellfishing. Some of the best fishing opportunities in the nation are available in Washington. From fly-fishing for bass and trout on freshwater lakes and streams east of the Cascades to trolling for salmon along the coast to crabbing in Puget Sound, Washington offers a diverse and unique outdoors experience.
Private Lands Hunting Access | Washington Department of Fish
With more than half of the state’s landmass in private ownership, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has redoubled its efforts to secure hunter access to those lands in recent years. Through new agreements with private landowners, WDFW has succeeded in opening up tens of thousands of acres of private farmland and timberland ...
Columbia River recreational fishing | Washington Department of …
Photo by Ben Holten. Recreational fishing on the Columbia River is a bucket-list item for many anglers. Every year, dozens of distinct Chinook, coho, and sockeye salmon and steelhead runs return to the mouth of the Columbia River and head upstream, eventually finding their way into one of the many tributaries in Washington, Oregon, or even Idaho in hopes of completing their …
Fishing and shellfishing licenses | Washington Department of Fish ...
Fishing and shellfishing licenses. Residents and non-residents alike must have a license to fish or shellfish in Washington waters. Everyone age 15 and older needs a fishing license. You do not need a license if you are fishing for bullfrogs or collecting relic shells. If you're fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or Puget Sound ...
About WDFW | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
About WDFW. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and perpetuating the state’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. Headquartered in Olympia, the department maintains six regional offices and manages dozens of ...
Climate Change | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Climate change poses challenges to WDFW’s ability to fulfill the mission to “preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.”. The agency is already experiencing climate-related impacts, which will be exacerbated as the pace of ...
Big game hunting seasons and regulations | Washington …
Rule changes to reduce the spread of chronic wasting disease. Since the announcement on Aug. 1, 2024 that the first case of chronic wasting disease in Washington was confirmed in north Spokane County, regulation changes have gone into effect to reduce the spread of the disease throughout the state.
Fish counts - Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Fish counts. Lake Washington sockeye salmon have been counted each year since 1972 as they enter freshwater at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks -- also known as the Ballard Locks -- on Seattle's Lake Washington Ship Canal. Currently, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Muckleshoot Indian Tribe staff conduct the counts cooperatively ...
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Private Hunting Land Opportunities. Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Website. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: Providing information resources to protect, restore, and enhance Washington's fish and wildlife.