Discover recreational opportunities in Eastern, North Central, South Central, North Puget Sound, Southwest, and Coastal Washington.
Life Outdoors: Enjoy the outdoors all winter long
The outdoors fit into everyone’s life in unique and personal ways. WDFW is committed to helping Washingtonians foster connections and appreciation of nature, wild spaces, fishing, shellfishing, hunting, wildlife watching, and other outdoor recreation on WDFW-managed lands and waters. As we close out 2024, we’d like to introduce you to our rebranded e-newsletter: Life Outdoors!
You can look to quarterly Life Outdoors, which will replace our monthly Weekender e-newsletter, for updates straight to your inbox with tailored outdoor opportunities for each season. We invite you to continue to connect with us via our Newsroom, social media channels, Medium blog, and other email distribution lists.
Despite the winter chill, Washingtonians have plenty of reasons to head outdoors this winter. Seasonal fisheries are underway throughout the state, waterfowl hunting is in full swing, and birders are gearing up for some prime viewing opportunities. There’s lots to do out there this winter – so enjoy Life Outdoors.
Looking for more frequent updates? Visit our regional webpages to stay informed about fishing, hunting, conservation, and recreation opportunities in your area.
Popular outdoor opportunities in winter
Migratory waterfowl
Migratory waterfowl are a highlight across Washington during the winter, with millions of ducks, geese, and shorebirds winging south on the Pacific Flyway. Storms often push large numbers of birds into our state, where they find refuge and forage in estuaries, pothole lakes, large rivers, and agricultural areas. For tips on places to watch waterfowl and other migratory birds, check out our wildlife viewing webpage. Washington is also routinely ranked as one of the best states in the nation for hunting diverse duck and geese species, from snow geese and northern shovelers to pintails, wigeon, and sea ducks. Visit the link for tips and places to go.
Razor clamming
Razor clam digging has been good since it opened in early October. The next confirmed digs are Dec. 1-5 with more tentative dates on Dec. 12-18 and Dec. 28-31. Additional digs are planned in January and February 2025, and WDFW will send out a news release sometime in December. Digging is allowed from 12 p.m. to midnight only. Not all beaches are open for every dig, so make sure to check before venturing out. Final approval usually occurs about a week prior to the start of each digging series.
Squid jigging
Migrating adult squid can be found into February by both pier and boat-based anglers throughout Puget Sound. There are numerous piers to catch them from Port Angeles to Tacoma and many points in between. If the bite isn’t happening at one pier, consider packing up and moving to another. Squid feed mainly at night and are attracted to light, which is why public piers are good locations for anglers. Hungry squid lurk in the dark fringes near patches of lighted water and then dart into the bright area in pursuit of food such as young herring and other small fishes. Incoming and high tides are typically preferable for squid jigging. Because a boat isn’t necessary and jigging equipment is inexpensive, squid jigging is known as an accessible fishery for newer anglers and those in urban areas. At unlit locations, many "squidders” bring a camping lantern, battery-powered work light, or headlamp. Anglers ages 15 and up must have a valid shellfish/seaweed license, available online at the WDFW website or through license dealers statewide. Daily limit, gear, and other regulations also apply. Click on the link for more squid regulations.
2025 First Day Hikes
Kick off the new year right by spending some time in Washington’s great outdoors! Every Jan. 1, Washington State Parks hosts a series of guided First Day Hikes at parks and trails statewide. From snowshoe hikes to bird walks, there are plenty of options for those looking to spend the first day of 2025 outside. Jan. 1 is also the first of 12 days throughout the year when visitors can park at state-managed lands (including WDFW lands) for free, without needing a Discover Pass. Find a First Day Hike - some hikes may require pre-registration.
Winter steelhead fishing
Winter steelhead fishing offers exciting opportunities for anglers statewide. December kicks off with early-returning hatchery steelhead in Puget Sound rivers like the Snoqualmie and Skykomish, as well as coastal and lower Columbia River tributaries, including the Bogachiel and Cowlitz. As the season progresses into January and February, these runs peak, and rivers such as the Elochoman, Grays, and Kalama provide good opportunities, with the Snake River and its tributaries remaining productive, especially on warmer days. Wild steelhead returns typically begin in January and pick up through spring, with catch and release fisheries available in certain rivers. Conservation concerns limit opportunities in some areas, so anglers should review the emergency fishing rules or Fish Washington® mobile app for the area they plan to fish before heading out.
Columbia River sturgeon fishing
The 2025 white sturgeon fishing season gets underway Wednesday, Jan. 1 in select areas of the Columbia River upstream of Bonneville Dam. Starting New Year’s Day, retention of legal-size sturgeon opens in the Bonneville, The Dalles, and John Day pools. Retention fishing will be open Wednesdays and Saturdays only through Jan. 29, or until quotas for each pool are reached, in the Bonneville and The Dalles pools. In the John Day Pool, retention will be allowed daily until the harvest quota is met. For details, including pool-specific regulations and current harvest totals, visit the WDFW website.
Outreach events this season
When not in the field or on the water, we invite you to connect with WDFW at winter events near you! Check out WDFW’s Event Calendar for more details.
Winter is sports show season in the Pacific Northwest, and we look forward to having a presence at several shows, including:
- Tri-Cities Sportsmen Show – Jan. 24-26, Pasco
- Washington Sportsmen's Show – Jan. 29 - Feb. 2, Puyallup
- Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show – Feb. 12-16, Portland, OR
- Central Washington Sportsmen Show – Feb. 21-23, Yakima
- The Big Horn Show – March 20-23, Spokane
WDFW will have a booth or guest speakers at several of the sports shows, so swing by and say hello!
Additional opportunities include
Upland bird and forest grouse hunting
Washington is one of the country’s premier forest grouse states, with a long hunting season and generous bag limit. There are four species of forest grouse in our state open to hunting (ruffed grouse, spruce grouse, dusky grouse, and sooty grouse), and at least one species (ruffed grouse) occupies almost every county in Washington.
Remember: grouse hunting is open Sept. 15 through Jan. 15. WDFW initiated a slightly later season start date in 2021 to reduce the harvest of breeding-age hens and ultimately increase forest grouse abundance and availability for hunters. Review Washington’s Small Game and Game Bird Hunting Regulations for specifics about grouse hunting regulations in Washington. For upland bird hunters, opportunities continue into January for pheasants, quail, chukar and partridge depending on the area. Visit our webpage for hunting tips.
Big Game Hunting photo contest
Submit your photo during Washington's Big Game Hunting Pamphlet Cover Photo Contest for a chance to be featured on the cover of Washington's 2025 Big Game Regulations!
This year's photo contest theme is “Hunters contributing to conservation.” We know that hunters contribute to conservation by buying 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
River and stream fishing
There’s no need to hang up your spinning gear or fly-fishing rods during the winter; many rivers and streams remain open year-round. Be sure to check the regulations or Fish Washington® mobile app before hitting the water. On the coast, North Puget Sound and southwest Washington rivers, big late-season or “B run” coho return through December. In Eastern Washington, spring creeks such as Rocky Ford and Crab Creek can provide excellent winter trout fishing. The Yakima River can also fish well during warm snaps and later in winter. Those interested in smelt dipping on the Cowlitz River should be sure to look out for updates or visit our webpage for potential fisheries. Note that a valid fishing license is now required to dip for smelt.
Chronic wasting disease in Eastern Washington
An extensive chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing program in WDFW’s Eastern Region 1 during deer hunting seasons this fall confirmed a second detection in November. CWD was first confirmed in Washington in early August 2024 in the Fairwood area of north Spokane. The second case, confirmed in mid-November, was found about five miles from the first, and in the same game management unit 124. WDFW’s CWD web page has extensive information on the disease, how to have salvaged deer and elk tested for the disease, and how to help avoid the spread of CWD.
Watchable Wildlife
Join the nation’s longest-running community science project for birds! For 125 years, dedicated bird enthusiasts have been participating in the National Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC). During a chosen 24-hour period between Dec. 14 and Jan.5, participants count as many birds and bird species as they can in a pre-determined area. Whether you’re walking a trail or counting birds at your feeder from home, your data is valuable!
Information gathered from CBC’s can help scientists better understand emerging and long-term trends to the populations of our feathered friends.
Everyone is welcome to participate in the CBC. Visit the National Audubon’s webpage to learn more about how you can get involved and locate a participating group near you. Participants must sign up to participate in advance with the contact listed in your area.
Wild Washington youth education
What is your neighborhood like through the eyes of winter wildlife? Take a closer look with the Winter Wildlife Habitat Family Scavenger Hunt (PDF). Even in winter, signs of life are all around us. Uncover the places and natural elements that winter wildlife rely on for habitat. Getting in the mindset of a busy squirrel or flock of songbirds, this hunt will have you and your family searching for berries, dried grasses, and water sources. This is a great way to see how wildlife use neighborhoods throughout the year to find food, water, shelter and space.
Habitat at Home
Wondering what to gift your loved ones for the holidays? Bird houses, bat houses, and bird feeders make wonderful gifts that benefit humans and wildlife! Birds and bats can be picky about their shelter, so check out our woodworking for wildlife page to learn about how to build houses for particular species.
NEW: Volunteer opportunity
As we continue to engage with Washingtonians statewide, we are expanding the volunteer outreach program in 2025. We invite you to apply for this unique opportunity to connect the people with Washington's natural landscapes and outreach efforts. The volunteer outreach program is open to people 18 years and older who are based in, or willing to travel to community events in Clark, Clallam, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Snohomish, or Thurston counties.
We hope to expand these opportunities to other counties in future years.
This core team of volunteers will assist WDFW staff at events ranging from wildlife festivals to family fishing events to regional workshops, and more! WDFW welcomes volunteers of all abilities who want to contribute to conservation of fish, wildlife, and habitat.
There are limited positions available so apply early! The form will close after all positions have been filled.
You don’t have to be a natural resources expert to be part of the volunteer outreach team. We are looking for people who are passionate about natural resource conservation and are willing and excited to learn. The Department is committed to belonging and inclusion, and members of the volunteer outreach team must be comfortable interacting and engaging with people from all walks of life.
Learn more about the commitment, benefits, and how to apply by clicking this link. Applications will be reviewed in early January 2025.
Watch: Restoring Biodiversity in Washington
No matter what your connection with Washington’s fish and wildlife is – whether you go to your local park to see birds, do wildlife watching in the backcountry, or you hunt, fish, or hike – the work that WDFW and partners are engaging on to protect and restore Washington’s biodiversity is helping ensure that Washingtonians continue to have access to these opportunities for generations to come.
Watch the video: Biodiverse Washington: Restoring and Protecting Washington's Greatest Asset
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 human resources specialists and budget analysts to wildlife researchers, a career with WDFW makes a difference.