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.
16018 Mill Creek Boulevard
Mill Creek, WA 98012-1541
United States
WDFW is currently seeking applicants for a new Regional Engagement Committee in the North Puget Sound Region. To learn more or apply, visit this webpage or review our news release.
Fishing tips and news
New to fishing in Washington? Check out our Fish Washington blog post for a guide on how to get started.
2024-25 Sport Fishing Rules
The latest fishing regulations went into effect July 1. The 2024-25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet is now available online and will soon be at hundreds of license dealers around the state.
Current fishing regulations and emergency Fishing Rule Changes are also available online at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations.
Winter steelhead season gets underway
Many anglers consider the week of Thanksgiving to be the traditional start of the winter-run steelhead season. These iconic fish return to waters across Western Washington from late-fall through spring depending on the river.
Early-winter hatchery steelhead are the first to return, and anglers should review our steelhead hatchery plants webpage for rivers to focus on this month. Wild steelhead, which must be released statewide, typically begin arriving in late December or January.
Puget Sound steelhead include wild and hatchery fish from watersheds such as the Skagit, Stillaguamish, Skykomish, Nooksack, and other rivers and streams.
Winter crabbing open in several marine areas
Several Puget Sound marine areas are open for the recreational crab fishing winter season. Learn more on our recreational crab regulations webpage.
Regulations may vary by area. In each area, crabbing will be allowed through Dec. 31.
Salmon fishing in the rivers
Several rivers across the North Puget Sound Region are scheduled to be open for salmon fishing in November, including the Skagit, Snohomish, Skykomish, Nooksack, and Green rivers.
Coho salmon are the main prize, though chum salmon are also a popular target in certain rivers such as the Green.
Be sure to review the fishing regulations (including any emergency rule changes) or the Fish Washington mobile app for detailed rules.
For tips on river fishing for salmon and steelhead, visit our webpage.
Saltwater fishing continues
Several areas remain open for coho and chum salmon, including central and south-central Puget Sound (Marine Areas 10 and 11 are open through Nov. 15). South Puget Sound (Marine Area 13) is open for hatchery Chinook and coho. Hood Canal (Marine Area 12) is open for chum from Nov. 1-30. Fishing for chum salmon is also open in several areas of the South Sound.
Be sure to watch the weather and water conditions and bring adequate clothing and safety equipment when heading out this time of year.
Be sure to double-check the fishing regulations and emergency rule changes or Fish Washington mobile before hitting the water.
For tips on salmon fishing in marine areas, visit our webpage. Or check out our recent blog post on coho fishing from shore including public beaches and points.
Sea run coastal cutthroat fishing in South Puget Sound and Hood Canal can also be exceptional this time of year as waters cool.
Black Friday trout fishing
Holidays are for spending with family and friends, so forget the mall this Black Friday and hit the lake with the people you love instead. WDFW stocked many lakes statewide in anticipation of this annual event.
Access our blog for trout fishing tips to help you enjoy a successful day on the water. For information about recently stocked lakes near you, visit our webpage.
Several beaches reopen for shellfish gathering
Always check the WDFW regulations for public beaches in your area as well as the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)’s Shellfish Safety Map at doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety.
WDFW works closely with DOH to ensure safe, legal harvest of shellfish on state beaches. In order to safely and legally harvest shellfish for human consumption, both the DOH health status and the WDFW season for a beach must be OPEN.
For open beaches, be sure to chill shellfish on ice or refrigerate immediately after gathering to slow the growth of harmful bacteria like Vibrio. The DOH shellfish illness prevention webpage has more tips and information.
Snagging fish is illegal
Fishing legally and ethically helps to ensure an enjoyable time for everyone. We would like to remind all anglers that snagging is illegal throughout Washington. Snagging is defined as “an effort to take fish with a hook and line in a manner that the fish does not take the hook or hooks voluntarily in its mouth.”
Violators are subject to fines or prosecution. Check out our short video to learn more and help spread the word about protecting our state’s fish resources. More information on fishing rules is available online.
Kill and report invasive pike
Northern pike, a harmful invasive fish, have been caught recently in Lake Washington and on San Juan Island.
If anglers catch northern pike in new areas, WDFW asks that they kill the pike immediately and do not release it, take a photo, and report it by calling 1-888-WDFW-AIS, email at ais@dfw.wa.gov, or use the Washington Invasive Species Council reporting form or mobile app.
It is illegal to possess live invasive species, including pike. Under state regulations, prohibited invasive species may be killed and retained if the person assumes responsibility for correct identification and adherence to fishing regulations. Learn more in our news release.
Fish Washington app receives major upgrades
WDFW launched an upgraded version of the Fish Washington mobile application on April 9, now available to download on both Apple iOS and Android devices. The new version is designed to run more smoothly while using less data and device memory.
Developers completely rewrote the app’s code, which now features a single code base for both iOS and Android platforms. This means a smaller app size, less frequent updates, and fewer bugs. Other improvements include:
- Location-enabled United States Geological Service (USGS) river gauges.
- More consistent emergency regulation delivery.
- Map upgrades.
The new version shows the full water body name and description on emergency regulation cards. With a data connection, the app also includes National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) tidal predictions for marine waters and portions of the Columbia River, as well as river gauges from multiple data providers. Users can ask questions, make suggestions, or report issues by emailing MobileAppDev@dfw.wa.gov. Learn more in our news release.
Hunting opportunities and news
For an overview of hunting in Washington and how to get started, visit our Hunt Washington blog post.
Buy your 2024 hunting license
With summer in full swing, Washingtonians will need to buy 2024-2025 recreational hunting and fishing licenses. People can buy licenses from WDFW’s licensing website, WDFW regional offices, or hundreds of license vendors around the state.
Current hunting regulations are also available online at wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations.
2024-25 hunting regulations
The 2024-25 Game Bird and Small Game Hunting Regulations and 2024 Big Game Hunting Regulations pamphlets are available online and at hundreds of license dealers around the state. The updated rules can help hunters make decisions about how to spend their time in the field.
Current hunting regulations are also available online at wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations.
Hunting outreach on Lopez Island
Heading to the San Juan Islands to hunt or hike? You may see some new faces during weekends throughout the 2024 deer hunting general season if you’re spending time near Watmough Bay on Lopez Island.
WDFW is partnering with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and San Juan County Conservation Land Bank to staff a new hunting information kiosk at the trail entrance for Chadwick Hill and Point Colville. Our kiosk has information on safely hunting and recreating in the area, hunting seasons, hunter education on the islands, and other resources. The kiosk will also serve as a reminder for all users of this area that hunting season is open, and orange vests will be available for all recreationists to borrow.
Public hunting access is extremely limited in San Juan County and the parcels of BLM and Land Bank property on southern Lopez Island are critical for hunting as a conservation tool to benefit people, healthy deer populations, and other sensitive habitats and species.
If you’re in the area, stop by to say hello and ask any questions you may have about hunting, wildlife conservation and management, and wildlife viewing!
Modern firearm hunting seasons for black-tailed deer are open in this and many other areas Oct. 12-31 and Nov. 14-17, 2024. San Juan County is a Firearm Restriction Area where hunting with centerfire or rimfire rifles is prohibited for safety reasons.
More information is also available in WDFW's Hunting in the San Juan Islands factsheet (PDF).
Late season black-tail deer hunting
Late season opportunities are available this month for black-tailed deer in many Western Washington units. Your chance of success ramps up this month as the deer rut (mating season) gets underway and wet and stormy weather has deer up and moving.
If you haven’t already identified where you will hunt this late season, review this year’s Washington Hunting Prospects for guidance and hunting information for each district.
Scouting is critical for consistent hunting success, especially in the heavily populated North Puget Sound Region. Abundant black-tailed deer, elk, and black bears reside in our region, but they often congregate in areas where they can avoid hunters and other outdoor recreationists while still finding quality food sources, such as private lands, riparian areas, thick forests, and backcountry basins without roads or trails. The Hunting Prospects are a valuable resource for finding areas where game numbers and past hunter success are higher, improving your odds this season.
November elk hunting
The modern firearm general elk hunting season runs Nov. 2-13 in many Western Washington Game Management Units (GMUs). Late muzzleloader elk season starts Nov. 27 and ends Dec. 8 or 15, depending on GMU. Late archery elk season runs from Nov. 27-Dec. 15.
Primarily Roosevelt elk with Rocky Mountain elk present in areas of the central and south Cascades, these elk travel in small herds or "bands", and tend to stick to thick cover during daylight hours.
Spending plenty of time researching, scouting and finding where the elk are at is often critical for success, as elk herds will be typically concentrated in small areas within much larger expanses of habitat. Learn more about Roosevelt elk in our blog post.
Game transport rules to limit spread of CWD
WDFW reminds out of state hunters of restrictions on bringing deer, elk, moose, or caribou into Washington if harvested outside the state, or within the 100 series GMUs in Eastern Washington. To prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD), animals should be boned out at the site of harvest if possible. Only deboned meat, cleaned skulls, antlers, hides, and specific tissues for research or taxidermy are allowed for transport. Visit WDFW’s website for CWD information, regulations, and testing instructions.
Waterfowl season picks up
Statewide waterfowl hunting seasons opened in October, and November storms will bring more ducks and geese winging south.
Hunters are reminded to check the migratory waterfowl regulations for specific season dates and for detailed rules and bag limits. Tens of millions of ducks and geese use the Pacific Flyway, and Washington is routinely ranked among the best states in the U.S. for waterfowl hunting, with diverse species and opportunities from coastal bays and marshes to farm fields, pothole lakes, and big rivers.
WDFW lands in the North Puget Sound Region provide some of Washington's most consistent waterfowl hunting. Check out our Hunt Planner webmap for places to go, or visit our Skagit Wildlife Area Waterfowl Hunting Guide (PDF) for tips.
New cougar regulations
A reminder for cougar hunters that, under new rules, GMUs may be closed to hunting when the harvest cap is reached. As of late October 2024, GMUs 124, 127, 130, and 564 are closed to hunting. Hunters can verify if the season is open or closed online or by calling the toll-free Cougar Hotline at 1-866-364-4868 (press 2 after greeting).
New bobcat submission requirements
Washington small game hunters and trappers are now required to submit the lower jaw of any bobcat they harvest, as part of the mandatory pelt sealing process. Information and a video on how to do this is on our webpage.
Forest grouse hunting continues
Grouse hunting seasons open Sept. 15 through Jan. 15. Starting in 2021, the start of this season was pushed back two weeks to reduce the harvest of breeding-age hens and ultimately increase forest grouse abundance and availability for hunters.
Ruffed grouse are common in forested foothills of the Puget Sound Region and throughout much of Washington, often near riparian areas. Sooty grouse (the coastal variation of blue grouse (PDF)) are found in mid-elevation conifer forests. Spruce grouse can be found on alpine ridgelines and forests near the Cascade Crest.
Black bear hunting season open through Nov. 15
The fall black bear hunting dates are Aug.1 – Nov. 15. More information including area restrictions is available in the 2024 Big Game Hunting Regulations.
Hunters are urged to not shoot a female with cubs. Bait or hounds are not allowed for bear hunting under Washington state law. Successful hunters must submit a tooth sample from their harvested bear, with instructions available at the link below.
Hunters that choose to hunt in GMUs located in grizzly bear recovery areas must successfully complete the annual WDFW online bear identification test. The online test is available through the WDFW Wild System or our Bear identification program webpage.
Photographers: Enter our Big Game Hunting Pamphlet cover contest
Enter our contest by Feb. 13 for a chance to be featured on the cover of Washington's 2025 Big Game Hunting Regulations pamphlet!
This year's photo contest theme is “Hunters contributing to conservation.” We know hunters contribute to conservation by purchasing state licenses, paying the Pittman-Robertson excise tax on equipment, and helping to meet management objectives through sustained harvest. We want to see all the other ways Washington hunters support wildlife management and conservation! Whether you’re educating new hunters, volunteering on habitat improvement projects on public or private land, staying involved in local outdoor associations, or contributing in other valuable ways, we want to see your photos!
Visit our contest page for details and to submit your photo. The winner will be announced in April 2025.
Be aware of avian influenza (bird flu)
As bird migrations resume, there is a chance we could also see a resurgence in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or commonly known as bird flu) to the state. 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.
New, prospective hunters must complete hunter education
Before hunting seasons start, be sure to complete your hunter education course.
Students may choose between a traditional classroom or hybrid course. The traditional course is a multi-session instructor-led training with an average of 15 hours of instruction. The hybrid course consists of a self-paced online class followed by a field skills evaluation by certified instructors.
Prospective hunters can learn more about hunter education requirements and register for either a traditional or hybrid course by visiting WDFW’s hunter education webpage.
Per Washington state law, all hunters born after Jan. 1, 1972, must complete a hunter education course in order to buy a hunting license. A hunter education deferral is available for hunters 10 and older who want to try hunting with an eligible licensed hunter before completing a hunter education course themselves.
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 (PDF). 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.
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.
WDFW offers accessible hunting and wildlife-viewing blinds
Did you know WDFW offers hunting and wildlife-viewing blinds and platforms throughout Washington that are accessible to people with disabilities? Learn about these Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) designated sites on our ADA hunting and wildlife-viewing blinds and platforms page.
Some sites can be reserved through WDFW's Private Lands Hunting Access program. Others can be reserved by calling the wildlife area manager.
Hunters without disabilities should yield ADA hunting and wildlife-viewing blinds and platforms to those with disabilities if the site was reserved.
Many of these ADA hunting and wildlife-viewing blinds and platforms are built and maintained with support from volunteers, master hunters, and partners including Washington Waterfowl Association. Thank you!
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.
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!
Skagit Wildlife Area Headquarters Unit reopen
One of our most popular wildlife areas, the Skagit Headquarters Unit, recently reopened to the public after being closed for more than a year due to construction and habitat restoration.
Located just minutes from I-5 in the lower Skagit Valley, this newly improved area includes more than a mile of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible dike-top walking trails, an updated wildlife-viewing blind, and a concrete boat launch with ADA-accessible loading ramp.
The site is a favorite for birders or for taking visitors to see abundant waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and marsh and estuary habitats on Skagit Bay.
Watchable Wildlife: Swans and snow geese return
The snow geese and swans have returned to the Skagit Wildlife Area from their summers spent in the Arctic. The skies are filling with a flurry of white feathers and a cacophony of cackles and honks as thousands of birds take flight. These birds and many others at the units of this wildlife area in the lower Skagit Valley provide an excellent viewing opportunity and a photographer’s delight.
With hunting seasons underway, we also have tips for sharing space at Skagit Wildlife Area on our blog.
Wild Washington Youth Education
Early season snows reveal animal tracks, hidey-holes, and other wildlife findings that might not be seen on bare ground. Additionally, seasonal changes in foliage can help youth hone observation skills. Observation and sensory activities help children make sense of how the world works and encourage critical thinking skills. For ideas, check out the activities on our website.
Learn more about out Wild Washington Youth Education program and lesson plans. Or find other family education resources on this page.
Feeding wildlife
Many well-meaning Washington residents in urban and suburban areas enjoy feeding deer in their yards. Although some people see this type of feeding as helping these animals, it can hurt them and potentially cause illness and death for the animal. Learn more about how to help us keep wildlife wild (PDF) by following the tips on our website.
Practice black bear awareness
Black bears are common throughout Washington, including suburban areas. Both when preparing for hibernation and awakening from it, they look for high-calorie foods that are easy to get. These may include garbage, bird feeders (both seed and liquid), fruit trees, and pet food.
As human populations encroach on bear habitat, people and bears have greater chances of encountering each other. Food sources provided by humans, whether intentionally or not, can attract bears. Removing these attractants is the best way to encourage bears to move along and focus on natural food sources
Ask your local waste management company if bear-resistant containers are available or if individually purchased bear-resistant containers are compatible with the company’s equipment. Secure your garbage cans, such as in a shed or garage, and put them out the morning of pickup — not the night before. To help reduce odors, freeze meat and fish waste before disposing of it and spray garbage cans with disinfectants.
More information on living with bears is available on our website.
Conserving species and habitats
Looking for more info on wildlife conservation and species management around Washington? Check out our Bi-Weekly Wildlife Program reports.
Permitting process keeps animal welfare at the forefront of Washington wildlife rehabilitation
Washington’s permitted wildlife rehabilitators play the crucial role of caring for sick, injured, orphaned, or abandoned animals while professionally preparing them to return to the wild. Animal welfare and ethics are at the forefront of the wildlife rehabilitation profession.
To do this important work, wildlife rehabilitators in the state must obtain permits through WDFW and must be approved for the specific species they plan to rehabilitate. Currently, there are 29 wildlife rehabilitation centers in Washington with permitted and approved rehabilitators overseeing operations. Learn more in our new blog post.
Fall clean-up: Pick your fruit trees
Is fruit piling up under your trees? Time for a fall clean-up!
Leaving fruit on the ground can attract rats, raccoons, and even bears. Plus, rotting fruit can spread harmful plant diseases, fungi, and parasites.
So, help out and pick up the fruit! You can compost or salvage it. To make apple cider, rent a cider press or take the fruit to a community cider pressing! Make sure to wash and inspect any windfall fruit for rot and insects before processing. Local brewing shops and conservation districts may have cider presses for rent. Community cider pressings often take place at local granges, community centers, and libraries.
Habitat at Home: Leave the leaves, but not in the street!
Leave the leaves — our friends need these!
That’s right: leaves that fall on the ground are crucial to wildlife surviving the winter. Ground-nesting pollinators and insects nest in them; amphibians and reptiles find cozy shelter in the warm, moist leaves; songbirds and small mammals use them for nests; and small mammals use leaves to keep them warm through the winter.
Can’t leave the leaves? Create small leaf piles around your yard; these mini hideaways make a big difference.
Avoid blowing leaves from your yard into the street. They can clog drains, which can lead to flooding. As streets flood, harmful chemicals build up in the water and rush into local streams and lakes. These chemicals ultimately harm the wildlife that depend on these water sources.
What can you do to help? Regularly clear your street drains of leaves and debris, and put those leaves in your garbage can, rather than compost.
Habitat at Home, formerly known as the Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Program, is the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's effort to encourage Washingtonians to connect with nature where they live, work, and play. By learning ways to increase biodiversity through planting native plants, coexisting with wildlife, and making decisions that positively impact the health of our communities, we can all make a difference.
Community Habitat signs are now available
Do you have wildlife habitat in your neighborhood, apartment courtyard, business front, schoolyard, or community center? Whether it’s a small garden or a larger area, if it provides a home for wildlife, we want to celebrate it!
Apply online and we’ll send you a free Habitat at Home Community Spaces sign along with resources to help steward the habitat.
To qualify, your space should:
- Be accessible to your community.
- Provide food, water, shelter, and space for wildlife.
- Feature native plants.
Biodiversity in Washington video series
Biodiversity supports all life in Washington and across the globe, from open wild spaces to backyard gardens. Washington is home to a wide spectrum of ecosystems, spanning from vast coastal mudflats, eelgrass beds and rocky reefs to temperate rainforests and high alpine meadows to arid grasslands and sagebrush steppe. Our incredibly biodiverse state provides habitat for a variety of native plant, animal, and fungi species, both common and rare. Many of these species, however, face mounting challenges to survival.
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.
Volunteer opportunity spotlight
WDFW welcomes volunteers of all abilities who want to contribute to the 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.
Wildlife Program biweekly reports
To read reports published prior to 2023, visit the Biweekly Wildlife Program activity reports page.
Meet your Regional Director: Brendan Brokes
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.