Customer service staff at the Ridgefield Regional Office are available for walk-in service Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (excluding legal holidays). The Cowlitz Wildlife Area field office in Morton is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (excluding legal holidays), and now offers license sales, Discover Passes, and pelt sealing.
5525 S 11th Street
Ridgefield, WA 98642
United States
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, 2024. The 2024-25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet is now available online and 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.
Columbia River summer Chinook fishery update
Update (June 3): For more information, refer to the 2025 summer and fall fishery plan on the Columbia River Compact reports and forecasts webpage.
Summer Chinook fisheries are not expected to occur in the Columbia River in 2025. Although the preseason forecast of 38,000 Upper Columbia River summer Chinook remains above conservation thresholds, it is not large enough to support recreational fisheries due to allocation constraints.
Under the U.S. vs. Oregon Management Agreement, the escapement goal at the mouth of the Columbia River is 29,000 summer Chinook, providing a harvestable surplus of about 14,000 fish to be split evenly between treaty and non-treaty fisheries. After accounting for non-treaty ocean harvest and allocation for the Colville and Wanapum tribes, there is insufficient room within the recreational allocation to support directed sport fisheries for summer Chinook.
Instead, the limited recreational allocation available is being reserved to cover fishing-related mortalities during ongoing sockeye and steelhead fisheries during the summer management period, which runs from June 16 through July 31. Fisheries occurring prior to June 16 fall within the spring management period. Prior to June 16, all Chinook harvest and passage at Bonneville Dam is managed as spring Chinook and does not affect summer Chinook accounting.
This year’s upriver spring Chinook return exceeded preseason expectations, creating additional room within the recreational allocation. That positive balance has supported additional fishing opportunities in the Columbia River, both upstream and downstream of Bonneville Dam, and Snake River through carefully managed extensions during the spring management period, which runs through June 15.
Fishery managers on June 4 took joint state action (PDF) to extend the spring Chinook fishery downstream of Bonneville Dam through June 15. The fishery upstream of Bonneville Dam is also open through June 15. As part of this joint state action, the adult Chinook limit was increased to two fish per angler. For more information, including specific dates, locations, and regulations, refer to the emergency fishing rules or review the spring Chinook section below.
The U.S. v. Oregon Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) monitors summer Chinook passage at Bonneville Dam during the summer period and may update the expected run size, which typically occurs in early July. An update to the run size would result in a change in the number of fish available to harvest in fisheries.
Columbia River steelhead and sockeye
Steelhead fishing is open through July 31 in the mainstem Columbia River, from the Astoria-Megler Bridge upstream to The Dalles Dam, with a daily limit of one hatchery steelhead. Sockeye fishing is open in the same stretch of river June 22 through July 6, with a daily limit of one sockeye, in addition to one hatchery steelhead.
A section of the mainstem Columbia River, from The Dalles Dam, upstream to a line starting at a fishing boundary sign on the Washington north shore, located approximately 1,300 feet upstream of The Dalles Dam and Lock boat ramp, projected easterly across the Columbia River to a boundary sign on the Washington south shore, located approximately 200 feet above the fish ladder exit, is closed to fishing. Refer to the emergency fishing rule for details.
Selective fishing practices are essential to protecting wild stocks, particularly those listed under the Endangered Species Act. Anglers should handle fish with care, keeping wild salmon and steelhead in the water as much as possible when preparing to release. For tips on how to properly release a salmon or steelhead, refer to our blog post or watch our YouTube video.
To receive regulation updates and Columbia River Compact fishery notices via email, subscribe to WDFW’s mailing lists. For more information about this year’s Columbia River salmon fisheries, refer to the 2025 summer and fall fishery plan on the Columbia River Compact reports and forecasts webpage.
Columbia River spring Chinook
Update (June 4): Fishery managers took joint state action to extend spring Chinook fishing below Bonneville Dam through June 15. Additionally, the adult spring Chinook daily limit was increased to two fish per angler. For more information, refer to the emergency fishing rule.
Recent extensions follow an in-season run size assessment from the U.S. v. Oregon Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), which updated the expected return of upriver-origin spring Chinook to the mouth of the Columbia River to 153,800 fish. The updated expectation is an increase from the preseason forecast of 122,500 fish and provides enough room within the recreational allocation to provide additional fishing time both upstream and downstream of the dam.
Regulations may be modified in-season. Anglers should review the Washington Sport Fishing rules pamphlet or Fish Washington® mobile app for all permanent rules for the waters they plan to fish, as well as check the emergency rule changes before fishing.
Fishing the tributaries
Update: On June 4, the Cowlitz River fishing boundary below the Salmon Hatchery barrier dam will be moved from 400 feet downstream of the dam to 100 feet. The upstream boundary, located 1,700 feet above the dam near the water intake, remains unchanged. The extended boundary downstream of the barrier dam was set at 400 feet to support brood collection goals and fish transport needs in the upper basin.
Fishing for spring Chinook has been productive in several southwest Washington tributaries in recent weeks, with the Kalama River producing consistent limits. However, beginning in June and into July, anglers will shift their focus to summer steelhead fishing in the Cowlitz and North Fork Lewis rivers. Above Bonneville Dam, Drano Lake continues to produce limits of hatchery spring Chinook, with hatchery steelhead fishing open through June 30.
Regulations may be modified in-season. Anglers should review the Washington Sport Fishing rules pamphlet or Fish Washington® mobile app for all permanent rules for the waters they plan to fish, as well as check the emergency rule changes before fishing.
For recent catch reports, refer to the Southwest Washington fishing reports webpage.
Free Fishing Weekend
WDFW's annual Free Fishing Weekend, when licenses are not required to fish for certain species, is June 7-8. A valid fishing license is required for anyone 15 years or older to harvest any fish species requiring a catch record card (including salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and halibut) or shellfish.
All other species open for harvest can still be harvested without a license during Free Fishing Weekend, including:
- Trout and bass in lowland lakes, and in the many rivers open to gamefish throughout the state. Search for a lowland lake near you and see which lakes have been recently stocked.
- Lingcod, cabezon, and rockfish on the Washington coast. No boat? No problem. See our blog post on jetty fishing for more information.
- Shad on the Columbia River. See our recent blog post on shad fishing.
Also on Free Fishing Weekend, Vehicle Access Passes are not required to park at WDFW lands, nor is a Discover Pass needed to park on WDFW, DNR, or Washington State Parks lands.
Anglers should note that, even for species that don’t require a license on Free Fishing Weekend, other rules such as seasons, size limits, daily limits, and area closures still apply. Be sure to check current fishing regulations and emergency rules before heading out.
Trout fishing in lakes and ponds
With cooler spring weather, trout are still on the bite in many lowland lakes. WDFW hatchery personnel have also been busy planting lakes with catchable trout in recent weeks, including:
- Battle Ground Lake in Clark County
- Horseshoe Lake, Kress Lake, and Lake Sacajewea in Cowlitz County
- Spearfish Lake, and Horsethief Lake in Klickitat County
- Swofford Pond, Lewis County Park Pond, and Mayfield Lake in Lewis County
- Swift Power Canal and Swift Reservoir in Skamania County
Other lakes that should produce trout in June include: Klineline Pond, Lacamas Lake, Fort Borst Park Pond, and Lake Sacajawea. Anglers can target landlocked coho in Riffe Lake, with Lake Merwin and Yale Reservoir producing kokanee at various depths. Swift Reservoir opened May 24.
For up-to-date catchable trout plants in Southwest Washington, visit the catchable trout plants webpage. To explore more fishing opportunities, check out the lowland lakes webpage, featuring thousands of lowland lakes across Washington.
Annual statewide trout derby
WDFW's annual statewide trout derby is underway at more than 100 stocked lakes in Washington state. Over 100 participating businesses are offering more than 1,100 prizes valued at over $54,000.
Several lakes in southwest Washington with unclaimed derby fish include:
- Battle Ground Lake, Klineline Pond, and Lacamas Lake in Clark County.
- Carlisle Lake, Fort Borst Park Pond, Mineral Lake, and Lewis County Park Pond in Lewis County.
- Horseshoe Lake, Kress Lake, and Lake Sacajawea in Cowlitz County.
- Rowland Lake and Spearfish Lake in Klickitat County.
- Icehouse Lake and Swift Power Canal in Skamania County.
Anglers can check the WDFW webpage for each lake to see the remaining prizes left to be claimed. The derby is open to anyone with a valid 2025 fishing license. There is no entrance fee or registration required. Simply catch a tagged trout anytime through Oct. 31 and you win! Plus, youth under the age of 15 fish for free. For more information about this year’s trout derby, refer to the trout derby webpage.
2025 Merwin Kids Day of Fishing
Join us July 12, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Merwin Fish Hatchery in Ariel for a special day designed to introduce children with disabilities to the joy of fishing. Hosted annually by Pacific Power and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), this free event provides each child with a fishing rod, reel, and tackle, along with a volunteer to guide them. Families can also enjoy games, educational booths, hand-on activities, and a delicious barbecue lunch.
To register for this event for find more information, refer to the WDFW event or Pacific Power webpages.
Columbia River shad migration underway
Update (May 30): Shad counts at Bonneville Dam are now over 20,000 fish per day. For more information about shad, including how to fish for them, refer to our blog post.
Record shad returns over the past decade have turned the Columbia River into one of the most consistent and easily accessible sport fisheries in the region. In 2024, over three million American Shad were counted at Bonneville Dam, with an estimated recreational catch of 153,900 fish.
Anglers typically begin targeting shad when counts across Bonneville Dam reach 20,000 shad per day. You can track the shad migration by going to the Columbia River Fish Passage website. For more information on American shad, their introduction into the Columbia River, and how to fish for them, refer to the American shad webpage or our recent blog post.
Get paid to fish
The 2025 Northern Pikeminnow Sport-Reward Fishery is now open, offering anglers the chance to earn cash while helping protect vulnerable salmon and steelhead in the Columbia and Snake rivers. The fishery will operate daily through Sept. 30 at most locations.
Funded by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), the sport-reward program pays recreational anglers to catch predatory northern pikeminnow; a native fish that consumes millions of juvenile salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River basin each year.
The goal of the program is not to eradicate native northern pikeminnow, but to remove 10-20% of the larger, predator-sized northern pikeminnow each year. Removing these fish helps shift the population toward smaller individuals, which consume fewer salmon and steelhead smolts.
In 2024, anglers turned in 176,420 qualifying northern pikeminnow, with each angler averaging 14.5 fish per day. The top 20 anglers averaged 4,514 fish and $45,405 in cash rewards over the five-month season. The program’s top angler earned $164,260 by catching 16,150 fish — a new program record, surpassing the previous highs of $119,341 and 14,109 fish set in 2016.
For more information about the sport-reward fishery including regulations, locations and maps, registration, and catch data, refer to pikeminnow.org, our news release, or call the hotline at 800-858-9015.
The sport-reward fishery is part of a larger BPA-funded effort approved by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council to help mitigate the impacts of Columbia River dams on salmon and steelhead. The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission oversees the program and partners with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and WDFW, which jointly manage registration, check stations, fish tagging, and research used to track program effectiveness.
Warmwater fish
Crappie fishing is holding its own at Silver Lake in Cowlitz County. Yellow perch are being encountered at many southwest region lakes including Lacamas Lake in Clark County. Rowland Lake in Klickitat County has been a good option for targeting bluegill and pumpkinseed. Smallmouth bass anglers have had success in Riffe Lake in Lewis County, with Kress Lake in Cowlitz County producing largemouth bass bites. Those in pursuit of tiger muskie are finding action at Mayfield Lake in Lewis County.
The post-spawn walleye bite is on in the Dalles Pool, as well as above and below John Day Dam. Walleye anglers should note that designated areas of the Columbia River (below several dams) are closed to fishing with sturgeon spawning sanctuaries in effect through Aug. 31.
Sturgeon spawning sanctuaries in effect
Through Aug. 31, sturgeon fishing will be closed in several designated areas of the Columbia River with spawning sanctuaries in effect. Areas closed to sturgeon fishing include below Bonneville, The Dalles, John Day, and McNary dams. A spawning sanctuary is needed as these areas are prime spawning habitat and handling sturgeon during this period could adversely impact their spawning success.
Sturgeon fishing in the Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream to McNary Dam remains open for catch and release fishing only non-sanctuary sections. Anglers should review permanent and emergency rules for the area they plan to fish before heading out.
Purchase your 2025 license
With summer on the horizon, Washingtonians should consider purchasing 2025-26 recreational hunting and fishing licenses if they haven't done so already. New licenses are valid from April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026. Licenses can be purchased online or at a license dealer near you.
Clean, drain, dry your boat
Help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species this summer by having your boat checked every time you pass a watercraft check station and by cleaning, draining, and drying it every time you take it out of the water. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are a huge threat to the state's native ecosystems, in particular, invasive mussels, recently found as close to Washington as the Snake River in Idaho, are a major concern but you can take some quick, easy steps to try to help prevent their spread. Learn more about how you can help stop the spread on the WDFW website.
Boating safety
With freshwater fishing season openers in March and April, the Washington State Park and Recreation Commission Boating Program reminds you to take a boater safety education course, if you haven’t already, to be prepared for the season. In Washington, boaters who operate a vessel with a 15-horsepower engine or greater must carry a Boater Education Card to prove they passed an accredited boating safety education course.
Boaters are also reminded to help protect Washington’s waters from aquatic invasive species (AIS) by remembering to clean, drain, and dry all your gear, equipment, and watercraft – motorized and non-motorized. More information about preventing the spread of AIS is available on our website.
Public access closure at Klickitat Salmon Hatchery
Public access to the Klickitat River through the Klickitat Salmon Hatchery near Glenwood is closed due to construction. The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, with funding from the Bonneville Power Administration, is leading a $35 million effort to modernize the 75-year-old facility and support long-term salmon recovery goals in the Klickitat River basin.
To ensure public safety, all parking areas, river access points, and portage routes on hatchery grounds are closed for the duration of construction. Signs have been posted to notify visitors of the closure. Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2026, with public access reopening once the project is complete.
During the closure, boating or rafting from launch sites upstream of the hatchery is not recommended, particularly due to hazards associated with a low-head dam on the Klickitat River near the hatchery. For more information, refer to the American Whitewater news release.
The Klickitat Salmon Hatchery is operated by the Yakama Nation to raise spring and fall Chinook, and coho salmon. In 2024, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) transferred ownership of the hatchery to the Yakama Nation, which has managed its operations since 2006.
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 will show 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 at MobileAppDev@dfw.wa.gov. Learn more in our news release.
Hunting tips and news
For an overview of hunting in Washington and how to get started, visit our Hunt Washington blog post.
Purchase your 2025 license
With summer on the horizon, Washingtonians should consider purchasing 2025-26 recreational hunting and fishing licenses if they haven't done so already. New licenses are valid from April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026. Licenses can be purchased online or at a license dealer near you.
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 2024-25 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.
Digital and physical 2025-26 hunting pamphlets are typically available by mid-April. For current hunting regulations, refer to wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations.
Wildlife feeding ban
WDFW recently passed a rule to make feeding deer, elk, or moose, or any feeding that causes those species to congregate, illegal statewide. This rule change aims to prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Feeding draws animals together where they can spread disease to each other. CWD is very infectious and spreads through saliva, urine, other bodily fluids, and through soil and the environment.
Other rules have also been changed due to CWD, that could impact hunters during upcoming deer, elk, and moose seasons. To learn more about the disease and regulations to be aware of as you plan your hunts, refer to the CWD webpage or our recent blog post.
Deer salvage approved in three counties
WDFW has approved a rule change that will allow people to salvage deer accidentally killed in motor vehicle collisions in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties. The rule went into effect on May 17.
Previously, deer salvage was prohibited in these counties to prevent the accidental or intentional possession of federally protected Columbian white-tailed deer. Under this rule, the salvage of deer — specifically black-tailed deer — and elk is allowed with a WDFW-issued roadkill salvage permit.
It remains illegal to salvage, handle, or possess Columbian white-tailed deer in Washington. If salvagers find a dead Columbian white-tailed deer, do not salvage the animal and report your observation to WDFW immediately. Learn how to identify Columbian white-tailed deer online.
More information about roadkill salvage, including carcass transport regulations and rules regarding Chronic Wasting Disease, is available on WDFW’s roadkill salvage permit webpage.
Turkey reporting deadline
Spring wild turkey season ended May 31, so it’s time to submit your spring turkey report, even if you plan to hunt turkeys again this fall. Reports are required whether you were successful in harvesting a turkey or not. Information in these reports is used to help monitor hunter effort, distribution, harvest, and trends. Although the reporting period is open until Jan. 31 for both spring and fall seasons, WDFW recommends completing your spring report while your memory is fresh. Hunters who do not fulfill their tag in the spring must submit reports for both spring and fall by the Jan. 31 deadline. Report your turkey hunting success on WDFW's licensing website.
First Turkey Program
With the spring wild turkey hunting season wrapped up as of the end of May, now is the time to celebrate if this was your first turkey season. Send us your first turkey harvest information and receive an official WDFW First Turkey certificate. With the certificate, you can register your turkey with the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Washington state chapter to receive an official First Turkey pin.
Sign up for in-person hunter education
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, refer to the Hunter Education webpage.
Hoof disease in elk
As many hunters know, Treponeme-Associated Hoof Disease (TAHD) has spread among elk in Western Washington in recent years. 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.
Head to myWDFW.org 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.org, 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.org preps you to meet with success in the field and on the water.
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 March/April Director's Bulletin for more conservation highlights!
Habitat at Home
Summer is the perfect season to start transforming your outdoor space into a thriving wildlife habitat! WDFW’s Habitat at Home program helps you create spaces that support local species while making your outdoor area more vibrant and sustainable. Plus, you can certify your habitat and proudly display a sign showing your commitment to conservation. You don’t need a yard to get started- small spaces like apartment balconies or community areas like HOA’s and schoolyards can also qualify. Turn your space into a wildlife haven!
Wild Washington Youth Education program
As Pollinator Week buzzes into action June 16-22, families can embark on a journey to safeguard our vital pollinators. Dive into the world of bees, butterflies, and beyond with these engaging activities that can be done near and away from the home. Grab your smartphone, download iNaturliast, and join Pollinator Partnerships’ national pollinator bioblitz (PDF) (ends July 31).
Want to stay closer to home? Check out one of our many activities; from planting a pollinator garden, to crafting bee hotels, embarking on a pollinator scavenger hunt, or exploring pollinator-themed coloring books, there’s a pollinator week activity for every family!
Pollinators: Why we love them and how you can help
Did you know Washington is home to over 600 native bee species? Washington’s pollinators are essential for our state’s ecosystems and food supply. At WDFW, we work hard to recover and protect endangered pollinators, while providing healthy habitat for common native pollinators as well.
#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!
Volunteer opportunity spotlight
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, and helping at National Hunting and Fishing Day in East Wenatchee this fall.
To get started as a volunteer, register online to explore upcoming volunteer opportunities around the state. Be sure to add interest groups to your profile – this helps our staff connect you with projects that match your interests.
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 fishery technicians and environmental planners to data scientists, archaeologists to wildlife biologists, a career with WDFW makes a difference.
Wildlife viewing 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!
Practice 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 obtain. 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 and our blog.
What to do if you encounter young wildlife
Just because young wild animals may appear to be alone does not mean they are abandoned or need help! Many wild species leave their young alone for hours at a time while they forage for food nearby. Each spring, many young wild animals such as fawns, baby seals, and baby birds are needlessly “rescued” and referred to wildlife rehabilitators. This can be harmful or fatal to the young animal, and difficult for wildlife rehabilitators who need to concentrate limited resources on truly orphaned or injured wildlife.
This year, it is particularly important to leave fawns alone in WDFW’s Region 1 as rehabilitators are not able to take fawns or elk or moose calves. This is to potentially prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) by moving young animals to rehabilitation locations. Moving fawns in Region 1 could literally be a death sentence for them. Refer to our blog to learn what you should do if you encounter young wildlife and how to know if it actually needs help.
Watchable Wildlife
Summer is upon us! As you begin your summer outdoor adventures, be sure to respect the wildlife you encounter. A simple trick to make sure you’re at a safe viewing distance from wildlife is to follow the “rule of thumb”:
- Hold up your thumb in a hitchhiker fashion.
- Hold out your arm in front of you and place your thumb in line with your vision over the animal you are watching. If the pad of your thumb covers the animal, you are at a safe viewing distance. If not, back away until you are at a safer distance.
- If the animal still seems disturbed and is altering its natural behaviors, continue to distance yourself from the animal.
To learn more about ethical and safe viewing tips and tricks, refer to the wildlife viewing webpage.
Amphibians and reptiles
Did you know Washington is home to at least 25 species of amphibians (salamanders and frogs) and 28 reptiles (turtles, snakes, and lizards)? If you hadn’t noticed, there’s a lot of ribbit-ribbit, croaking, trilling, hopping, and slithering happening right now near ponds, waterways, and greenbelts. Amphibians and reptiles are both important members of aquatic (water) and terrestrial (land) ecosystems, using different habitats throughout the year, and it’s especially noticeable and visible during spring. For more information, visit the amphibian and reptile or species webpages.
Wildflower viewing
Summer can be good time for wildflower viewing especially along mountains and hillsides. As wildflowers have come into full bloom that means butterflies and bees are enjoying them too. Right now, is one of the better months to see the greatest variety of butterflies.
Be aware of avian influenza (bird flu)
With the bird migration underway, 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.
WDFW offers accessible wildlife-viewing blinds
Did you know WDFW offers wildlife-viewing blinds and platforms throughout Washington that are accessible to people with disabilities? Learn about these Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) designated sites at our ADA Hunting and wildlife-viewing blinds and platforms webpage.
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 Inland Northwest Wildlife Council and Washington Waterfowl Association.
Wildlife Program biweekly reports
To read reports published prior to 2023, visit the Biweekly Wildlife Program activity reports page.
2025
2024
Meet your Regional Director: Rian Sallee
Rian Sallee has worked in the non-profit, private and government sectors on environmental protection and conservation, specializing in water quality policy. She joined WDFW in 2023 from the Washington State Department of Ecology where she led the Vancouver Field Office with a focus on environmental justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Rian is honored to serve WDFW as Region 5 Director. She looks forward to co-creating a culture of belonging at the agency informed by our shared values and the legacy of the exceptional work and dedication of our employees. She is motivated to collaborate internally between regions and across programs, and externally to support our partnerships. Rian enjoys working at the intersection of people, science and policy and is excited to connect with and learn from our employees throughout the state as they work to conserve Washington’s fish, wildlife and the habitats that support them.
Rian serves as Chair of the Board of the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership. She is from the Midwest and spent years living and working on Lake Erie which instilled in her a passion for and commitment to natural resource conservation and environmental protection. She holds a Master of Environmental Science degree from Miami University in Ohio.