Customer service staff in the Montesano Regional Office are available for walk-in service 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding legal holidays.
The Port Townsend District Office is open by appointment only. Please call 360-302-3030 to schedule an appointment.
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 go 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.
Be sure to buy your 2024-25 recreational fishing license before heading out. Licenses are available on WDFW’s licensing website, at WDFW regional offices, or through license vendors.
Current fishing regulations and emergency Fishing Rule Changes are also available online at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations.
Biotoxin closures continue on coast, areas of Puget Sound
When planning a bivalve shellfish gathering trip, 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. Many areas of the Washington Coast and Puget Sound are currently closed to bivalve (clams, oysters, and mussels) shellfish harvest due to elevated risk of paralytic shellfish poisoning or other biotoxins.
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.
Summer crabbing seasons get underway
Summer crab-fishing or “crabbing” seasons get underway July 1 in many areas of Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Summer crab seasons are typically closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the Puget Sound management area. Detailed regulations and season dates are available on our webpage, or learn more in our news release.
Extreme low tides around the July 4 holiday will pose a challenge for launching boats at some sites. Crabbers should target the portion of the day with the least tide exchange and make sure their pots are weighted down during these extreme low tides to avoid them moving and becoming lost. Crabbers can find helpful information on how to properly weight crab pots by going to the Northwest Straits Commission webpage.
Information on crabbing on the Washington coast, Grays Harbor, Willapa Bay and the Columbia River estuary is available on this webpage.
Recreational spot shrimp fishing continues
Several Puget Sound marine areas remain open for shrimping, with additional days added in July. See our latest news release for details.
Also known as prawns, spot shrimp are the largest shrimp in Puget Sound and may grow up to 9 inches in length. More details, including scheduled dates as well as regulations and gear rules, are available on our recreational shrimp fishing webpage.
Salmon fishing continues along the coast, in Puget Sound
Summer salmon fishing along the Washington coast and in areas of Puget Sound continues this month. Visit our newsroom including our ocean salmon seasons news release and The Salmon Daily Current blog post for more details.
On the coast, Ilwaco (Marine Area 1) is open daily through Sept. 30, while La Push (Marine Area 3) and Neah Bay (Marine Area 4) are open daily through Sept. 15. Westport-Ocean Shores (Marine Area 2) is open through July 11 on Sundays through Thursdays, and then daily from July 14 through Sept. 15. All ports could close sooner if catch quotas are met.
The Strait of Juan de Fuca at Sekiu/Pillar Point (Marine Area 5) and Port Angeles (Marine Area 6) areas open July 1. Each area has catch guidelines and could close for Chinook retention once they are met.
Summer Chinook fisheries open July 18-20 in San Juan Islands (Marine Area 7), Admiralty Inlet (Marine Area 9), Seattle/Bremerton (Marine Area 10), and Tacoma-Vashon Island (Marine Area 11). WDFW will assess the Chinook catch after the initial three-day opener, and additional Chinook openings may occur in each marine area based on available quota.
See the fishing regulations or Fish Washington mobile app for details including catch limits.
Many rivers and streams open, certain rivers closed to protect salmon
Dozens of rivers and streams across Washington are open for gamefish, including trout, steelhead, char, and whitefish, as well as numerous non-native fish species like bass and perch. Areas such as the forks of the Sol Duc, Chehalis, and other rivers can hold surprisingly large native rainbow and cutthroat trout that can be caught using small spinners, spoons, jigs, or fly-fishing gear.
The Wynoochee River can also be a good bet this month for hatchery summer steelhead. See our steelhead plants webpage for more information.
Many rivers and streams are managed under catch and release or selective gear rules — which prohibit using bait, barbs, and treble hooks — to protect wild steelhead and salmon. Be sure to check the fishing regulations and emergency Fishing Rule Changes or use the new and improved Fish Washington mobile app before heading out.
Several rivers in the Puget Sound and coastal regions will remain closed to fishing this summer to protect Chinook salmon.
Lowland lakes trout fishing, annual trout derby open through October
The statewide lowland lakes trout-fishing season is now open. Search for local fishing spots, with information on bank access, what’s in the water, and when it’s biting on our lowland lakes page. You can also find out how many fish were stocked in each lake by checking the stocking reports.
WDFW's annual statewide trout derby at more than 100 stocked lakes runs through Oct. 31. Over 100 businesses are offering more than 800 prizes valued at over $42,000. There is no entrance fee or registration required; just catch a tagged trout during this timespan and you win!
Boating season is here! 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. Tips and more information are available on our webpage.
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 help prevent their spread. European green crabs are another AIS of concern in Western Washington.
Additional recreational halibut opportunities in August and September
Spring halibut catches, and effort were lower than anticipated, which means we have sufficient remaining quota to offer more harvest opportunity scheduled later this summer. Visit our news release for details before you start planning trips.
Fishing regulations include depth restrictions and area closures designed to reduce encounters with yelloweye rockfish, which must be released under state and federal law. Anglers are reminded that a descending device must be on board vessels and rigged for immediate use when fishing for or possessing bottomfish and halibut. Refer to WDFW’s webpage for information about descending devices.
Coastal recreational bottomfishing continues
Recreational coastal bottomfishing season continues into October. Learn more and review regulations in our news release.
Bottomfish regulations remain the same as in 2023. Anglers are reminded that possession of copper rockfish, quillback rockfish, and vermilion rockfish will be prohibited through July, when peak effort for bottomfish occurs.
There are also helpful WDFW blogs about descending device requirements and rockfish identification and retentions rules.
Surfperch and shiner perch are not part of the bottomfish limit in coastal marine areas. Surfperch has a daily limit of 12 and shiner perch has a daily limit of 15 with no minimum size restriction. Fishing is open through the third Saturday in October except fishing for surfperch is open year-round from the beach.
Fishing for, retaining or possessing sixgill, sevengill, and thresher sharks is closed in all marine areas. A sixgill shark may not be removed from the water.
WDFW to phase out recreational fishing and shellfishing hotlines
For several decades, WDFW provided phone hotlines where people could listen to prerecorded messages about fishing seasons and rule changes. In the years since we established the hotlines, WDFW launched several new options to find accurate, up-to-date fishing information. In summer 2024, we are phasing out the phone hotlines for recreational fishing and shellfishing. There are no changes to the commercial hotlines.
There are many places to find WDFW fishing regulations and information. We encourage anglers who used the prerecorded hotlines to take advantage of one of the web, mobile app, or other customer service phone options we offer. Visit our Fishing Hotlines Page to see the full list of new options and find more information.
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 2024-25 hunting license
Be sure to buy your 2024-25 recreational hunting license before heading out. Licenses are available on WDFW’s licensing website, at WDFW regional offices, or through license vendors.
2024-25 Hunting Regulations
The 2024-25 Big Game Hunting Regulations pamphlets are available online and at hundreds of license dealers around the state. The latest Game Bird and Small Game Regulations pamphlets are expected to be available soon.
Current hunting regulations are also available online at wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations.
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.
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 at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/hunting-and-wildlife-viewing-blinds.
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. Thank you!
Wildlife watching and recreation
Find more tips on our wildlife viewing webpage.
Rat Island closed through Aug. 31 to protect wildlife
Rat Island — which is part of the the WDFW-managed Marrowstone Wildlife Area Unit in Port Townsend Bay — is closed to public access through Aug. 31 to protect wildlife, including nesting shorebirds and seals with pups.
The island is closed from the vegetation line on the north end to the southern edge. The adjacent spit off of Fort Flagler State Park remains open. More information about the area and a map of the closure are available on our webpage.
Watchable Wildlife
Whale watching is a popular pastime that can be done on land and sea. Orcas, humpback whales, gray whales, minke whales, and harbor porpoises (just to name a few) can all be spotted during this time of year. Search for a reputable and responsible boat operator through the Pacific Whale Watch Association, or explore the Whale Trail for best viewing locations on shore.
No coastline? No problem. There’s always wildlife to watch across the state! Check out a Wildlife Area near you to enjoy time outside and find birds, mammals, amphibians, and more. When viewing all wildlife, be sure to follow responsible and ethical viewing and photography practices to have a safe and enjoyable experience. More information on wildlife viewing, including how to get started, can be found on our webpage.
Help protect wildlife by keeping dogs leashed
With summer right around the corner, now’s the time to get out and enjoy Washington’s great outdoors. Also during this time, does are giving birth to fawns, ground-nesting birds are tending to their eggs and young chicks, and sensitive plants are growing to provide food and habitat for wildlife.
If you have a canine companion, chances are they’re eager to join you outdoors, too. While dogs are welcome at WDFW wildlife areas and water access areas, please keep in mind that they must be leashed through July 31. Learn more about how this helps to protect habitat, wildlife, and people in our 2022 blog post.
Take a hike — and practice safety!
Coastal Washington is full of hiking trails where you can see a variety of landscapes, wildlife, and plants. Proper planning can help keep you safe during your next hiking trip!
- Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be home. Travel with a buddy when possible.
- Stay aware of your surroundings and be sure you can easily see and hear what’s behind and in front of you.
- Carry survival gear, including a first-aid kit and extra clothing, food, and water. A sleeping bag or other form of shelter is also a good idea in case you need to spend the night outside.
- Bring a reliable map, compass, and GPS with extra batteries. Remember that electronic locators and communication devices, like cellphones, may not work in the backcountry.
Wild neighbors: what to do if you encounter young wildlife
If you find fawns, baby birds, or other young animals, please leave them be, even if they appear to be orphaned or abandoned. Most animals have a parent foraging or hunting nearby. Read our blog to learn about when not to rescue wildlife and what to do if you encounter certain species.
For wildlife that do require care, WDFW relies on permitted rehabilitators. Rehabilitators are trained and highly skilled in providing the unique attention needed for injured or orphaned wildlife, and care deeply for the animals entrusted to them.
Visit our website to learn more about Washington’s wildlife rehabilitators and find one near you. Remember to thank the rehabilitators in your region for the important work they do on behalf of our state’s wildlife!
Practice black bear awareness this summer
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.
Check out our May/June 2024 Director's Bulletin for more conservation highlights!
Boaters, remember to Be Whale Wise
When boating this summer, make sure to follow Be Whale Wise regulations and guidelines to help protect endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) and other marine mammals. Avoid approaching SRKW, and at minimum stay the required distance away.
Boaters are also encouraged to watch for the Whale Warning Flag, an optional tool from the San Juan County Marine Resources Committee that lets others know there might be whales nearby. If you see the flag, slow down and follow guidelines. For more on how to keep marine life and yourself safe, including specific laws, visit the Be Whale Wise website.
Help protect snowy plovers when recreating on the beach
Snowy plover breeding season runs until mid-September. During this time, WDFW asks all beach visitors to respect closure areas and signs indicating snowy plover nesting habitat. Please also avoid throwing food or trash on the beach, as this can attract predators, and follow the beach speed limit of 25 miles per hour.
Native to Washington, western snowy plovers are listed as state endangered and as federally threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Learn more about these rare shorebirds in our blog post.
Wild Washington Youth Education
For a fun and educational family activity, explore Washington's endangered species together. Start by researching local species such as the pygmy rabbit or the Pacific lamprey, using resources from our family education webpage.
You can plan a visit to see local habitats where these species live, like wildlife areas or parks. Then engage your children by creating habitat models using cardboard, paint, and natural materials. Encourage discussions on conservation efforts and ways to protect these species.
Habitat at Home: Help hydrate wildlife
Summer is officially here! Unfortunately, that means the small pools of water that wildlife in Washington rely on are drying up.
Help wildlife stay hydrated by adding a bird bath and pollinator puddle to your Habitat at Home. Placing water features in the shade will keep the water cool and prevent it from drying up quickly. Change water daily to dissuade mosquitoes.
Look out for invasive European green crabs
Summer fun is just around the corner. While you enjoy your favorite outdoor activities around Washington's waters, be on the lookout for European green crabs.
Use our simple "5 Point" approach to identify this aquatic invasive species:
- 5 points outside of the eyes
- 4 inches or smaller
- 3 rostral bumps between the eyes
- 2 semi-flattened rear swimming legs
- 1 enormous threat to our native shellfish and aquatic habitat
Join us in the fight against this invasive species. If you spot a European green crab using these 5 points, report it at wdfw.wa.gov/greencrab.
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.
Regional Director: Heather Hall
Heather Hall started in her role as Coastal Washington (Region 6) Director on May 1, 2024.
Heather is excited to return to Region 6, where she began her career at WDFW in 1995. Most recently, she served as Intergovernmental Ocean Policy Manager, overseeing state fisheries and fisheries extending into federal waters.
Heather is committed to public service. She brings expertise to her new role ranging from fieldwork to policymaking, giving her a unique perspective on fish and wildlife management in the Coastal Region.
Heather holds a bachelor’s degree in science from Western Washington University. In her free time, she enjoys recreating along the Washington coast, including kayaking, standup paddleboarding, crabbing, and gathering oysters on Hood Canal.