Discover North Puget Sound

Boats in the San Juan Islands with Mount Baker in the background

North Puget Sound - Region 4

Customer service staff in the Mill Creek Regional Office are available for walk-in service 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Counties served
Island, King, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom
Office hours
Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. excluding legal holidays
Phone
425-775-1311
Email
TeamMillCreek@dfw.wa.gov

16018 Mill Creek Boulevard
Mill Creek, WA 98012-1541
United States

Director
Brendan Brokes

Fishing tips and news

New to fishing in Washington? Check out our Fish Washington blog post for a guide on how to get started.

2023-24 Sport Fishing Rules

The 2023-24 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet is available online and at hundreds of license dealers around the state. Fishing seasons are in full swing, and the updated rules can help anglers make decisions about how to spend their time on the water.

Current fishing regulations and emergency Fishing Rule Changes are also available online at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations.

Central, south-central and south Puget Sound open for salmon fishing

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Puget Sound blackmouth salmon
Photo by Toby Black

Winter Chinook fishing in Marine Area 10 (Seattle/Bremerton Area) and Marine Area 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island) opens four days per week—Wednesdays through Saturdays only—starting March 1 through mid-April but could close sooner if guidelines are met. 

Marine Area 13 (South Puget Sound) is open year-round and has been fair to good for both resident Chinook—commonly known as “blackmouth”—and resident coho. With the later start date for Marine Area 10 this year, larger, migratory spring Chinook may also be among the catches.

More tips for late-winter and spring Chinook fishing in Puget Sound and the western Strait of Juan de Fuca can be found in this new blog post.

You can also try for resident coho or sea run cutthroat casting a fly or spinner, and they’re accessible from shore at spots such as Purdy Bridge, Tacoma Narrows Park, and Lincoln Park as well as other area parks and beaches.

For tips, go WDFW's salmon fishing webpage

Annual North of Falcon salmon season-setting process gets underway

WDFW hosted a virtual meeting on Jan. 30 to discuss a range of topics related to recreational salmon fisheries and provide valuable insights to the challenges of managing mixed-stock salmon fisheries in areas where certain stocks are Endangered Species Act listed.

On March 1, the annual salmon season-setting and co-management process known as North of Falcon will formally kickoff with a hybrid meeting to unveil the 2024–25 salmon forecasts. Learn more in our news release and on our North of Falcon webpage.

The road to salmon recovery is an upstream battle. WDFW remains dedicated toward rebuilding the state’s wild salmon runs and restoring the vital habitat and clean water that sustains them, while also managing sustainable and science-based fishing seasons

Skagit and Sauk rivers open for steelhead 

Recreational steelhead fishing is scheduled to be open through April 17 five days per week Saturdays through Wednesdays only, closed Thursdays and Fridays, on portions of the Skagit and its major tributary the Sauk under catch and release regulations, except up to two hatchery steelhead may be retained. 

This fishery has been exceptionally popular since it opened in February. Before hitting the water, anglers should check for any emergency rule changes that may announce changes to the fishery area or season dates due to encounters with wild steelhead.

Wild steelhead must be released immediately and may not be removed from the water. Fishing for all other species—including targeting bull trout—remains closed during this fishery. Learn more in our news release.

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Anglers fish the Skagit River for winter steelhead. Photo by Luke Kelly
Photo by Luke Kelly

Trout fishing in lakes

Lake Sammamish and Lake Washington are popular options for anglers looking for big, wild trout over the winter. Most fishing is done by trolling from a boat or kayak, but some dock and shore fishing opportunities are available.

Even if you missed out on the WDFW’s Black Friday trout fishing event, rest assured thousands of planted fish are still lurking in area lakes. See our trout stocking page for information.

Seasonal lowland lakes are now closed but there are many opportunities in lakes open year-round. Check out the WDFW Medium blog for tips and videos on how to catch trout. 

Halibut season right around the corner

While the final season dates have not been published yet, it's time to start planning for the North Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, and Strait of Juan de Fuca halibut season that begins in April.

The preliminary season dates for marine area 5 through 10 are April 4 through June 30, seven days per week. Visit our webpage for more information, or watch video recordings from recent halibut season setting meetings on this page.

Fishing for "sea-run" coastal cutthroat

Among coastal cutthroat trout, some populations are anadromous around Puget Sound, on the Washington Coast including Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay, and in lower Columbia River tributaries; meaning they spawn in freshwater but live much of their lives in saltwater. Learn more about these unique sea-run cutthroat and how to fish for them in this February 2022 WDFW blog post and March 2016 YouTube video.

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cutthroat trout fishing
Photo by Laura Lothrop

Sometimes called "harvest trout" due to their autumn run timing in many rivers, sea run cutthroat make excellent catch and release quarry on fly fishing gear or light spinning tackle. They typically range from 10- to 20-inches in length, and once located will aggressively bite flies and small spoons or spinners.

The cooler waters of October into January are typically peak cutthroat fishing season, followed by a lull during late January and February when these trout spawn in rivers and creeks across Western Washington. There is often another fishing peak in many saltwater areas from March into June when sea run cutthroat are feeding on salmon fry and small baitfish. 

In North Sound, Coastal and Lower Columbia rivers sea run cutthroat often school up under logjams, overhanging banks, and in other portions of the lower and mainstem rivers where they can ambush smaller fish and insects.

In South Puget Sound and Hood Canal, cutthroat will stay in shallow nearshore saltwater bays and estuaries most the year—typically caught in water ten feet deep or less, and sometimes as shallow as a few inches—before dashing up small creeks and rivers to spawn in late-January and February.

Hunting opportunities and news

For an overview of hunting in Washington and how to get started, visit our Hunt Washington blog post.

2023-24 Hunting Regulations 

The 2023-24 Game Bird and Small Game Hunting Regulations and Big Game Hunting Regulations pamphlets are available online and at hundreds of license dealers around the state. 

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hunter with deer in november
Photo by WDFW

Harvest reporting reminder 

Remember to complete your harvest reporting! All hunters are required to submit a hunter harvest report, even if they didn’t hunt. You can easily submit your report online through WDFW’s WILD licensing system. Visit the harvest reporting webpage for additional information. 

Public comment open for three-year hunting season setting

WDFW is now accepting public comments on proposed rule changes to 2024-2026 hunting season regulations. WDFW is accepting public comments submitted electronically, by phone, or by mail until March 25, or during a public hearing on March 26. Learn more in our news release.

Proposals included in this rule making are related to game management unit boundaries, landowner hunting permits, pelt inspection and sealing requirements, weapon and hunting attire requirements, trapping, and various rules related to big game, small game, and migratory gamebirds. Descriptions of each proposed rule change are available online.

Small game hunting

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Rabbit sitting in the grass, ears forward, and looking into the camera
Photo by WDFW

The statewide rabbit and snowshoe hare season is open through March 15. For more information, visit the Small Bird & Small Game hunting webpage. 

Wild turkey hunting begins in April

Looking further down the calendar, the statewide spring wild turkey hunting season runs from April 15 to May 31 for the general season, while a special youth only hunt takes place April 1-7. For additional details, visit the Wild Turkey hunting webpage. 

Be aware of avian influenza (bird flu) 

Waterfowl hunters and falconers should be aware that the H5N1 virus of avian influenza is making the rounds again, especially in areas of Western Washington. This is confirmed by WDFW testing of sick or dead wild birds and U.S. Department of Agriculture surveillance of hunter-harvested birds. 

Hunters are encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves and their dogs from the virus. WDFW has specific precautions on our avian influenza webpage under “Human HPAI Safety.” If you encounter a sick or dead wild bird, please report it via our online reporting tool

Sign up for in-person hunter education

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Youth archery hunter education
Photo by WDFW

Hunter education is a mandatory program designed to promote knowledge and skills to continue our proud hunting tradition. WDFW offers two types of hunter education courses that teach firearms and outdoor safety, wildlife management, and hunter responsibility. All hunters born after Jan. 1, 1972 must show proof of hunter education course completion before purchasing their first Washington hunting license.

For more information, visit the Hunter Education web page. 

Head to myWDFW.com for info on hunting, angling, and more

WDFW has rolled out a promotional website for all things hunting, angling, foraging, recreating, and more. At myWDFW.com, you’ll find informative how-to articles on the season’s major fishing and hunting opportunities, as well as a portal to online license sales and a regular update on WDFW’s latest Life Outdoors articles.

Each quarter, new fishing and hunting highlights are posted to help you get ready and take part in Washington’s current and upcoming opportunities. Dedicated to current agency promotions, outdoor recreation information, and educational content, myWDFW.com preps you to meet with success in the field and on the water.

Hoof disease in elk 

As many hunters know, Treponeme-Associated Hoof Disease (TAHD) has spread among elk in Western Washington in recent years, including in the North Cascades Elk Herd. While elk are susceptible to many conditions that cause limping or hoof deformities, the prevalence and severity of this new affliction – now known as treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD) – suggests something different.

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Skagit Valley bull elk in fog
Photo by WDFW

In 2021, WDFW implemented an incentive-based pilot program to encourage Western Washington (400, 500, 600 series GMUs) hunters to harvest limping elk, potentially reducing prevalence of the disease over time. General season or permit hunters can choose to participate in the program by submitting elk hooves at one of the many collection sites in western Washington. 

See the WDFW website for the locations of collection sites. Hunters that submit hooves with signs of TAHD (for example, abnormal hooves) will be automatically entered into a drawing for a special incentive permit for the following license year. Multiple bull permits in western Washington with season dates of Sept. 1 – Dec. 31 will be awarded. Additionally, all participants will receive a custom, waterproof license holder. 

What hunters can do to help: 

  • Harvest a limping elk from any 400, 500, 600 series GMUs 

  • Turn in your elk hooves along with complete registration forms at one of several collection sites in western Washington 

  • Report elk: Hunters can help WDFW track TAHD by reporting observations of both affected and unaffected elk on the department’s online reporting form. 

  • Clean shoes and tires: Anyone who hikes or drives off-road in a known affected area can help minimize the risk of spreading the disease to new areas by removing all mud from their shoes and tires before leaving the area. 

Wildlife watching and recreation

Searching for places to watch wildlife or recreate on State Wildlife Areas or WDFW Water Access Areas? Visit our Places to Go webpage, Wildlife Area map or Water Access Area webpage for ideas.

Or visit our wildlife viewing webpage for more information and tips on wildlife watching!

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The short dike-top trail is a popular site for birding at Fir Island Farms
Photo by WDFW

Watchable Wildlife

As we move into spring, it’s the perfect time to plan your next wildlife viewing adventure! The Great Washington State Birding Trail is an outstanding resource that highlights the best places for bird watching in Washington. Described in full-color maps, birds are identified along seven routes, plus descriptions of habitat, access, and when to go.

WDFW statement on cougar incident in King County on Feb. 17

Learn more about this incident in our statement

“We are thankful that the victim is stable after the incident this weekend,” said Lieutenant Erik Olson. “The people on scene took immediate action to render aid, and one of our officers was able to arrive within minutes to continue medical aid and coordinate transport. We may have had a very different outcome without their heroic efforts.”

For more information on Washington cougars visit WDFW’s website.

Skagit Wildlife Area Headquarters Unit to remain closed to public

Following heavy rains and flooding, we have determined that the Skagit Wildlife Area Headquarters Unit near Conway will remain closed to public access until further notice due to safety concerns. Walk-in access is prohibited.

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Great blue heron at Skagit Wildlife Area Headquarters Unit in March 2022
Photo by WDFW

WDFW hopes to reopen the Skagit Headquarters Unit to the public later in 2024 once critical public safety and habitat protection work is complete. Learn more in our statement.

Since 2016, multiple high-water events have overtopped dikes in the area, resulting in temporary inundation of public and private property. This construction project will raise and widen the dikes in accordance with Army Corps of Engineers standards. More information is available on this webpage.

Negative wildlife interactions 

During this time of year, small mammals such as raccoons, skunks, and marmots are plentiful in both rural and urban environments across the region. However, they may cause issues when they nest in areas like crawl spaces, under porches, or corners of garages or sheds to give birth, leading to negative interactions with humans. Learn how to peacefully enjoy these wildlife neighbors without problems at WDFW’s Living with Wildlife webpage. 

#LifeOutdoorsWA

The outdoors fits into everyone’s life in unique and personal ways. We want to help people connect with nature wherever they are. Check out our Life Outdoors resources to plan your next adventure, whether it be birding in your neighborhood or camping across the state. We hope to see you in the field and on the water enjoying the Life Outdoors!

Bears are hungry

Bears can be active year-round in lowland areas of Western Washington! Females with new cubs will be particularly hungry and may be attracted to human-provided sources of food such as compost, bird feeders, garbage cans, and fruit trees. 

To avoid attracting bears, secure garbage cans in a shed or fenced area, and keep meat scraps in the freezer until shortly before garbage cans are picked up or hauled away. 

Get more tips in our new blog post, Keep bears wild by cleaning up backyard attractants. Or learn more at wdfw.wa.gov/blackbears and in our new video, below.

Tips for living with coyotes

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are present across nearly all of Washington state, from the shrubsteppe to the alpine, as well as urban and suburban areas. They are common in many larger, wooded green spaces and parks within cities including Seattle.

You may hear coyotes more frequently than you see them, especially when they have pups. Juvenile coyotes are often heard in summer, trying out their voices. Coyote sightings often increase in winter when they are more active, or in late-winter and spring when they may have dens and pups to care for.

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Coyote pup
Photo by David Linn

Urban coyotes are a good reminder to keep a close eye on children and small pets or to keep them inside if unsupervised. Visit our coyote webpage or learn more in this recent blog post

Find ADA-accessible facilities to enjoy the outdoors 

 Whether you’re looking for fishing, hunting, or wildlife viewing opportunities, our website offers many tools to find ADA-accessible facilities to enjoy the outdoors. WDFW-managed lands with ADA facilities include water access areas and wildlife areas. Our website also has a list of fishing piers that you can filter by county and availability of ADA-accessible facilities. Visit our blog post to learn more

Conserving species and habitats

Looking for more info on wildlife conservation and species management around Washington? Check out our Bi-Weekly Wildlife Program reports.

Check out our November/December WDFW Director's Bulletin for more conservation highlights!

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Close up of a fisher in the forest
Photo by John Jacobson
A fisher, one of Washington's rarer wildlife species.

Wild Washington Youth Education: Celebrate World Wildlife Day and Washington's biodiversity 

March 3 is World Wildlife Day! This makes March a great month to learn more about Washington’s wildlife. 

Our variety of ecosystems and species is called biodiversity. Celebrate biodiversity and Washington’s wildlife with your family this month by engaging in our family educational resources. From Habitat at Home activities to learning about invasive species, these resources are a great way to get outdoors and celebrate Washington’s rich abundance of wildlife.  

Learn more on our Wild Washington youth education program webpage.

Habitat at Home

Planning a spring-cleaning of an outdoor space? Where possible, leave snags and fallen trees to provide habitat, incorporate logs into your landscaping for wildlife shelter, and save cleaning up the leaves and other yard debris until after our first full week of 50° weather – this allows beneficial overwintering insects to hatch or awaken.

Learn more on our Habitat at Home webpage.

Updates on WDFW's 25-year Strategic Plan

This winter, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) 25-Year Strategic Plan turned three, launching us a few years into a long forward-thinking vision for the future of fish and wildlife conservation here in Washington through 2045.

As we look back on our progress in 2023, it’s also an opportunity to pause and reflect on all that we’ve accomplished together in these first few years on the goals outlined in our strategic plan. Learn more about implementing our 25-Year Strategic Plan: A Path to an Improved Era for Fish, Wildlife, and People, in this blog post.

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Close up of the head of an adult peregrine falcon
Photo by Jon David Nelson - Creative Commons

 

WDFW assessing status of rebounding raptor populations

WDFW is seeking public input on its draft periodic status reviews for the bald eagle and peregrine falcon. Both species have previously been removed from Washington’s list of state endangered species due to population recovery in the state. Based on the latest available information, WDFW biologists recommend that both birds retain their status as successfully recovered.

The public comment periods for the bald eagle and peregrine falcon draft status reviews are open through May 27, 2024. Learn more in our news release.

The draft Periodic Status Reviews for bald eagle and peregrine falcon are now available on WDFW’s website. The public can submit written comments on the documents via email or by mailing the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife ATTN: Taylor Cotten, P.O. Box 43141, Olympia, WA 98504.

Keeping Washington's habitat connected

Animals rely on movement to survive, in pursuit of food, resources, and seasonal habitat. As Washington's human population grows, the state's natural habitats grow increasingly fragmented. Habitat connectivity is about ensuring animals have the freedom of movement they need to thrive, and WDFW is working hard with its partners to help improve those connections across Washington.

Cases of mistaken crab identity underscore request to report and release suspected European green crabs

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European green crab identification graphic, 2022
Photo by WDFW

In February, our Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) unit received a report from a concerned member of the public who claimed to have collected nine invasive European green crabs from a Hood Canal beach. Upon reviewing their photos, we quickly determined these were in fact helmet crabs, a common native species unlawful to kill or retain.

While we appreciate their concern about invasive species, the reporting party was reminded to photograph and report suspected European green crabs using the form at wdfw.wa.gov/greencrab, leaving the crab in question where it was found.

Incidents like this are one reason why WDFW has not yet opened recreational harvest for European green crabs in Washington. Other reasons include restrictions on access to private tidelands and shellfish beds, and concerns about bycatch of protected fish and shellfish, especially if traps are exposed during low tide. Read more in our blog post.

Volunteers needed!

WDFW welcomes volunteers of all abilities who want to contribute to conservation of fish, wildlife, and habitat. Diverse volunteer opportunities are available, including projects on state wildlife areas and water access areas, habitat restoration projects, Hunter Education instruction, and assisting at outreach events.  

For more information about the volunteer program and upcoming volunteer opportunities, visit the WDFW volunteer webpage

Join the WDFW Team 

If you’d enjoy preserving, protecting, and perpetuating the state’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities, then check out some of our current job openings or sign up for job alerts. From fish hatchery specialists to environmental engineers and budget analysts to wildlife biologists, a career with WDFW makes a difference. 

Meet your Regional Director - Brendan Brokes

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Brendan Brokes, Region 4 Director
Photo by WDFW
Brendan Brokes, Region 4 Director

Brendan Brokes, North Puget Sound Region Director (Region 4), holds a master's degree in fisheries science from Oregon State University and has lived in the Pacific Northwest since 1987. He served as the Habitat Program Manager in this region since 2015, after filling a decade-long role as the Assistant Regional Habitat Program Manager.

Before arriving at WDFW in 2001, Brokes worked at Mount Rainier National Park as a researcher and biological technician in aquatic ecology. He also worked with the National Marine Fisheries Service monitoring foreign commercial fisheries compliance.