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 underway
Puget Sound steelhead include wild and hatchery fish from watersheds such as the Skagit, Stillaguamish, Skykomish, Nooksack, and other rivers and streams.
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 such as the Skykomish, Snoqualmie, and Stillaguamish.
Wild steelhead, which must be released statewide, typically begin arriving in late December. Stay tuned for updates on the Skagit and Sauk river wild steelhead catch-and-release season that typically begins in February.
Late season coho fishing in the rivers
Late season or "B run" coho return to many Western Washington rivers well into December or even later. Several rivers across the North Puget Sound Region remain open for salmon fishing this month, including the Skagit, Snohomish, Skykomish, Snoqualmie, Green, and Wallace rivers.
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.
Winter crabbing continues 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.
Saltwater fishing in South Puget Sound
South Puget Sound (Marine Area 13) is open year-round for salmon, with most anglers targeting hatchery winter blackmouth (resident Chinook salmon) by trolling, jigging or mooching near Fox Island and in the Tacoma Narrows.
Several species of bottomfish such as flounder and seaperch are also open year-round in much of Puget Sound (excluding Hood Canal); check regulations or Fish Washington mobile app for details including daily limit and restriction on fishing deeper than 120 feet. All bottomfish anglers must have a descending device onboard and ready to deploy.
Catch-and-release fishing for sea run coastal cutthroat in South Puget Sound and Hood Canal can also be exceptional from December through January. Fishing for "sea runs" tends to slow down in February as these fish make their annual spawning run up small rivers and streams throughout the Salish Sea, then picks back up again in the spring when these anadromous cutthroat gorge themselves on outmigrating salmon fry and juvenile herring and smelt.
Squid jigging in Puget Sound
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.
Several beaches open 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.
Waterfowl hunting peaks in December
Washington is 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.
Hunting is often best in December and early January when storms push large flocks of migrating birds into estuaries, coastal bays, large rivers, sloughs and ponds, and agricultural areas.
Review game bird and small game hunting regulations for details, or visit this link for tips and places to go. Or check out our Private Lands Hunting Access program.
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 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.
More information is also available in WDFW's Hunting in the San Juan Islands factsheet (PDF).
Late season archery hunting
Late season archery opportunities are available this month for elk and black-tailed deer in certain Western Washington units.
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.
New rule in effect for bobcat hunters and trappers
Hunters and trappers must submit the lower jaw of any bobcat they harvest, as part of the mandatory pelt sealing process, following a rule update finalized through WDFW’s most recent season setting process.
WDFW uses canine teeth to determine the age structure of harvested bobcats and track changes over time. Because bobcats' canine teeth are not as easily removed as those of other species, the entire lower jaw must be submitted.
Pelts must be sealed by April 20. Visit WDFW's website for information on how to remove the lower jaw and how to request that the Department return the jaw to you after removing the canines. Contact WDFW at wildthing@dfw.wa.gov or 360-902-2515 with questions.
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.
New cougar regulations
Cougar hunting remains open in most GMUs through March 31 or until the 13% harvest cap is reached. Before heading out, make sure the GMU you're looking to hunt is open by calling the Cougar Hotline at 1-866-364-4868 (press 2 after greeting) or visiting WDFW's website.
Hunters may take one cougar per license year.
Please note that it is illegal to kill spotted kittens (usually less than 80 pounds) or adult cougars with spotted kittens. Observing multiple sets of tracks likely indicates a female with kittens.
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.
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!
WDFW invites feedback on design for new Elliott Bay Fishing Pier
The new fishing pier is proposed to be built within the footprint of the current pier to minimize environmental impacts. The project draft design packet (PDF) and a graphic rendering (PDF) of the new pier are available. Planned amenities include benches and shore power electrical outlets for squid fishing lights. More information is available on the pier webpage.
The WDFW-managed public fishing pier is located on the Seattle Waterfront adjacent to the Port of Seattle’s Centennial Park and Elliott Bay Trail north of the Pier 86 grain terminal. The current pier was built in 1980 and has been closed since 2016. Structural engineers have deemed the pier unsafe and in need of full replacement.
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.
Wildlife watching tips
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.
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. 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. Animal welfare and ethics are at the forefront of the wildlife rehabilitation profession.
If you have found wildlife in need of care, contact a permitted rehabilitator as soon as possible and follow their instructions. Do not attempt to treat or raise wildlife yourself — it is illegal to hold or care for wildlife without a permit.
Currently, there are 29 wildlife rehabilitation centers in Washington with permitted and approved rehabilitators overseeing operations. Learn more about WDFW’s wildlife rehabilitation permitting process in our new blog post, or find your nearest wildlife rehabilitator through WDFW’s wildlife rehabilitation webpage.
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.
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.
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 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.