Discover recreational opportunities in Eastern, North Central, South Central, North Puget Sound, Southwest, and Coastal Washington.
September brings cooler weather with fall hunting and fishing
Put the swimsuits away and get out your camo or hunter orange and pink. September brings in migratory wildlife and kicks off the fall fishing and hunting seasons.
Forest grouse hunting, early archery elk, and the High Buck Hunt are just a few of September’s hunting highlights.
Cooler weather also means salmon fisheries are underway in the Columbia River, Puget Sound, coastal bays, and other waters — especially for feisty fall-run coho salmon.
With the season’s change, migratory birds will be coming and going. Keep an eye out for golden-crowned sparrows, tundra swans, buffleheads, geese, and sandhill cranes.
Popular outdoor opportunities in September
Pre-register for National Hunting and Fishing Day
WDFW hosts the annual National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration Saturday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Cowlitz Public Shooting Range in Cowlitz County.
This free event is a great, family-oriented way to introduce youth to target shooting, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. It features many hands-on activities including a fishing pond, casting practice, target shooting, and arts activities. Please pre-register children 17 and younger for this year’s event.
Pre-register for National Hunting and Fishing Day
Review hunting prospects
To help hunters prepare for a successful hunting season, wildlife biologists from each district statewide compiled their personal observations about hunting prospects in their area. 2024 Hunting Prospects will be available online by Sept. 9. With archery deer hunting opening Sept. 1, archery elk starting Sept. 7, and the fall general black bear season already underway since Aug. 1, September is a great time for big-game hunters in Washington.
Visit WDFW lands to see fall colors
With the recent turn towards cooler, wetter weather, fall colors will soon start showing on leaves, larch trees, and other foliage, especially in higher-elevation areas.
The Sherman Creek Wildlife Area on the eastern slopes of northeast Washington’s Kettle River Mountain Range is a great option to see mountain larches, and potentially moose, mule and white-tailed deer, and other wildlife. In southwest Washington, the Klickitat Wildlife Area is another scenic option to take in the changing seasons.
Visit WDFW wildlife areas this fall
Chronic wasting disease in Eastern Washington
With fall hunting seasons starting, it is important for hunters to know that WDFW has recently confirmed the first case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Washington. A deer found in north Spokane County tested positive for the disease. CWD is a fatal illness of cervids, including deer, elk, moose, and caribou. To help manage the spread of this disease, WDFW has put some emergency rule changes in place that will impact some hunters in eastern Washington. Review the new rules at the link below. If you have questions, we have compiled a list of Frequently asked chronic wasting disease questions and answers including what can be imported from the affected game management units; how to have harvested deer, elk, and moose tested for CWD; and why baiting is not allowed this season in some areas.
CWD information
High Buck Hunts
High Buck Hunts are open Sept. 15-25 and provide deer hunters an early-season opportunity to pursue bucks with a modern firearm inside the boundaries of several designated Wilderness areas. Hunters should review the regulations closely as not all Wilderness areas are open for this hunt, including the Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness which remains closed.
The “High Hunt” has become very popular, and in prime backcountry areas it’s common to see many other hunting camps — even after hiking five to ten miles. Hunters should also expect to share the mountains with hikers, backpackers, and other outdoor recreationists.
High buck hunt information
Help prevent wildfires
Fire danger remains high in Eastern Washington due to prolonged hot temperatures and dry conditions throughout much of August. Fire and target shooting restrictions remain in place on WDFW-managed lands in eastern Washington. That means campfires, target shooting at most shooting ranges, smoking outside of vehicles, operating motor vehicles off established roads, and other activities are not allowed at this time to reduce the chance of wildfire. All restrictions will remain in effect until further notice except for the target shooting restriction, which runs through Sept. 15.
Washington Wildfire Information
Fishing for salmon
September is arguably the best month for river anglers: coho are thick in the Straits, Puget Sound, and coastal bays and will soon be flooding into freshwater. In the North Sound, sections of the Skagit, Snohomish and other rivers open for coho. Several coastal and southwest Washington rivers are also open for Chinook and coho, including the Hoh, Humptulips, and Chehalis rivers. And summer steelhead become more active as waters cool.
Be sure to doublecheck fishing regulations or the Fish Washington mobile app as special rules or gear restrictions may be in place to protect wild Chinook and other species.
Outreach events this month
When not in the field or on the water, there are lots of opportunities to connect with WDFW in September at upcoming events near you! Check out WDFW’s Event Calendar for more details.
- Wooden Boat Festival -- Sept. 6-8, Port Townsend
- Naches Sports Days -- Sept. 6-7, Naches
- Steppe Into the Square -- Sept. 7, Tieton
- Living with Bears and Cougars -- Sept. 7, Elma
- Swifts Night Out -- Sept. 7, Monroe
- Salmon on Sunset -- Sept. 14, Issaquah
- Run with the Chums -- Sept. 14, Blaine
- Woodard Bay Interpretive Walk -- Sept. 17, Olympia
- Wenatchee River Salmon Festival -- Sept. 21, Rock Reach Discovery Center
- Forever StreamFest -- Sept. 21, Port Angeles
- Wild Ways Film Tour -- Sept. 25, Roslyn
- Dungeness River Festival -- Sept. 27, Sequim
- National Hunting and Fishing Day -- Sept. 28, Castle Rock
Additional outdoor opportunities include:
Hike to fish for trout in an alpine lake
Washington’s high mountain lakes offer anglers of all skill levels an unparalleled and unforgettable experience, combining spectacular trout fishing and stunning views with fantastic hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. Learn more about popular high lakes fishing opportunities near you, including best practices, in our latest blog post.
Lower Columbia River salmon and steelhead
Anglers’ focus shifts toward coho during September, though the section of river from Buoy 10 to west Puget Island is scheduled to see a few more days of Chinook opportunity through Sept. 3, with a daily limit of two hatchery salmon, only one of which may be a hatchery Chinook. After that, only hatchery coho can be retained through Dec. 31. Visit the Buoy 10 fishing reports webpage for catch data. Further upstream, the mainstem remains open for coho and Chinook with varying open days and limits; be sure to check the permanent regulations for the section of river you hope to fish.
Hatchery Chinook returning to Whatcom Creek
Drawn by recent rains, hatchery-produced Chinook salmon are returning to Whatcom Creek in downtown Bellingham. These salmon are raised by Bellingham Technical College students as food for Southern Resident killer whales and to support tribal and recreational fisheries in an accessible urban area. The state-managed salmon fishery here is open Saturdays and Sundays only through Sept. 15 from the Whatcom Creek mouth to the footbridge below Dupont Street. Only hatchery Chinook may be retained. Learn more in our news release below.
Changes coming to Vernita Bridge
A reminder that if you're planning fishing trips for the fall Chinook season on the Columbia River and plan to camp or launch at the Vernita Bridge water access area, changes are underway to protect habitat due to the large volume of use of the area. There are now designated areas for overnight and day use. Learn more about the changes and what prompted them, to help plan your trip.
Changes at Vernita Bridge
Have a dog check your watercraft for invasive mussels!
If you launch your watercraft at Lake Roosevelt in Eastern Washington in September, you may see a familiar face. Original WDFW invasive mussel-sniffing dog Puddles is back! Puddles retired when her handler also retired from WDFW Police and is now working for Mussel Dogs, a company that trains dogs to sniff out invasive mussels on watercraft. WDFW has contracted Puddles and Pam as “roving inspectors” to check watercraft on Lake Roosevelt for invasive zebra and quagga mussels this fall at random watercraft launches around the reservoir.
Prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species
Fishing for sea-run cutthroat
September offers great light tackle or fly fishing for sea-run cutthroat in Puget Sound, Hood Canal, and coastal bays. These fish become more active as waters cool and the winter spawning migration approaches in South Puget Sound. In several North Puget Sound rivers where their run timing is earlier, some of these anadromous coastal cutthroat will already be in freshwater, and can be taken on small spinners, jigs, or flies, and are often found in pods under cutbanks or large woody debris.
Watchable Wildlife
September means wildlife are beginning to jump into travel status. Animals are returning to or departing from Washington on trips that can be thousands of miles. Welcome returning salmon home by exploring a salmon-viewing site near you and attend the Salmon on Sunset event in Issaquah on Sept. 14.
The shrubsteppe is a great place to explore in fall as temperatures cool down and wildlife become more active during the day. Check out a WDFW wildlife area near you and prepare for your adventure by visiting our wildlife viewing webpage.
Wild Washington youth education
Head outdoors with your family for a birdwatching adventure! Start by visiting a local park or your backyard with a bird guide and binoculars. Challenge each other to spot and identify different bird species using WDFW’s birding resources. Keep a checklist of the birds you see and note their unique colors, sounds, and behaviors. This engaging activity is perfect for connecting with nature and learning more about local wildlife!
Neighborhood Birding Adventures
Habitat at Home
No matter where you live, you can help protect fish habitat! Anything we put on the ground eventually flows into waterways, affecting the clean water fish depend on. Actions like picking up pet waste, managing livestock manure, avoiding fertilizer, keeping your tires inflated, and washing your car safely can make a big difference. Every effort counts when keeping our waterways clean and fish habitats healthy!
#LifeOutdoors
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 Life Outdoors!
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 with WDFW
WDFW’s National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration is a great, family-oriented way to introduce youth to target shooting, hunting and fishing, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. It's also an opportunity to recognize that hunters and anglers continue to be among the most active supporters of wildlife management and conservation. The Department needs volunteers to help at various booths, with parking, registration, and more. Assignments will be made based on event needs and volunteers’ skills and interests. This volunteer opportunity is Master Hunter hours eligible. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers shifts will be from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.