Discover Southwest Washington

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 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.

Fishing the tributaries

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Photo by Collin Kuykendall

Winter steelhead will start building in Lower Columbia River tributaries in December, with the Elochoman, Lewis, and Washougal rivers likely to produce this month. Anglers should review previous years' sport catch reports to get an idea of the best time to target steelhead on specific rivers.

In Southwest Washington, WDFW stocks winter steelhead in the Cowlitz, Elochoman, Kalama, and Lewis rivers, as well as Salmon and Rock creeks. There will be a gap year for winter steelhead releases in the Washougal River. The table below shows Southwest Washington rivers with the range of months when fish will be returning, with peak returns generally occurring in the middle of each range.

The Lewis and Kalama rivers remain open for hatchery Chinook, hatchery coho, and hatchery steelhead retention, with the Cowlitz River open for hatchery coho and hatchery steelhead only.

Cowlitz River anglers are reminded that the fishing boundary below the Salmon Hatchery barrier dam, previously set at 400 feet, has been moved to 100 feet. The upstream boundary (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. The downstream boundary will likely be extended back to 400 feet in early January.

Above Bonneville Dam, Wind River is open to hatchery steelhead retention in most areas, though anglers must release all salmon. Drano Lake returned to permanent rules beginning Nov. 1, with retention limited to one adult salmonid (salmon or hatchery steelhead) through Dec. 31.

The Klickitat River closed for steelhead retention upstream of the Fisher Hill Bridge on Dec. 1. However, the upper Klickitat River is known to produce good numbers of quality whitefish, with the season open in several stretches of river through Feb. 28.

Rules and regulations, including bag limits, may vary by location. Anglers should review the emergency fishing rules or Fish Washington® mobile app for the area they plan to fish before heading out. Anglers can be notified of any in-season rules changes as they are announced by signing up for WDFW regulation updates.

For recent catch reports, access the Southwest Washington fishing reports webpage.

Jumbo trout planted in Carlisle Lake

This information was added Dec. 20, 2024.

More than 1,000 jumbo trout—averaging greater than 14 inches in length and 1 pound or larger in weight—were recently stocked into Carlisle Lake in Lewis County, providing local anglers with an opportunity to reel in some big catches during the holiday break.

Carlisle Lake is generally planted with trout from April through early summer, however these jumbo trout became available due to higher-than-expected survival rates at Mossyrock Hatchery, creating a rare and exciting surplus for this time of year. Located on the northwest edge of Onalaska, the lake was chosen for its popularity and its potential to offer great winter fishing opportunities.

In addition to catchable trout, Carlisle Lake is stocked with rainbow trout broodstock during the winter. The lake also supports populations of largemouth bass, crappie, bullhead, and sunfish.

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.

Carlisle Lake is open year-round, though anglers should be aware that some lakes in the region may have closed to fishing under permanent regulations. Anglers are encouraged to review the annual fishing pamphlet or Fish Washington® mobile app for the lake they plan to fish before heading out.

Winter steelhead citizen science opportunity

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Photo by Joe Princen

Update (Dec. 20): The training for this opportunity was Dec. 19. However, WDFW is still seeking anglers to assist with collecting scale samples. If interested, contact WDFW biologist Steven Gray at steven.gray@dfw.wa.gov for more information.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking anglers to assist with collecting scale samples from natural-origin winter steelhead (PDF) in Southwest Washington. This effort aims to assess the age composition of steelhead populations, filling critical data gaps that hinder the understanding of population diversity and dynamics.

Current sampling efforts, which rely on carcass recovery, typically collect on average only 10 samples annually across 12 basins—a number insufficient to accurately represent population age composition. By encouraging angler participation, WDFW hopes to significantly increase sample collection.

Target basins for winter steelhead scale sampling include:

• Grays, Elochoman, South Fork Toutle, Green, Coweeman, East Fork Lewis, and Washougal rivers.
• Skamokawa, Mill, Abernathy, and Germany creeks.

Other waterbodies in Southwest Washington are also included, with the exception of the Cowlitz, North Fork Lewis, and Kalama rivers.

Participating anglers are asked to collect scale samples from incidentally caught natural-origin winter steelhead with intact adipose and ventral fins during normal angling under existing permanent rule seasons. Sampling will take place between Jan. 1 and March 15, 2025, or until the listed closure dates for specific waterbodies. The goal is to collect 100 samples per basin, though any increase from current collection rates will provide valuable data.

Interested anglers are encouraged to attend a training session on Dec. 19, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. at the Southwest Washington regional office located at 5525 South 11th Street, Ridgefield, WA 98642. The meeting will cover project goals and sampling protocols, and participants will receive their sampling gear and supplies.

The training is not required and there is no pre-registration, however interested anglers are encouraged to contact WDFW fish biologist Steven Gray at steven.gray@dfw.wa.gov prior to (or after) the meeting to confirm their interest.

Lower Columbia River salmon and steelhead

Chinook, coho, and hatchery steelhead fishing is open in the mainstem Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream to the Highway 395 Bridge in Pasco through Dec. 31. Fishery managers from Oregon and Washington took joint state action Oct. 30 to allow hatchery steelhead retention from The Dalles Dam upstream to the Highway 395 Bridge in Pasco effective Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. Previously, hatchery steelhead retention was set to open Nov. 1 only in waters downstream of The Dalles Dam under permanent rules.

Since 2017, fishery managers have implemented more restrictive regulations on steelhead fishing due to concerns about both A- and B-index runs. A-index steelhead, which measure under 78 centimeters, typically return earlier in the season, while B-index steelhead, which measure 78 centimeters or larger, return later. This year, the A-index run was the largest since 2016 and exceeded expectations. However, it’s the B-index run, the largest since 2010, that prompted fishery managers to consider a measured and modest expansion of recreational harvest opportunities for hatchery steelhead.

Preseason forecasts for steelhead returning to Bonneville Dam in 2024 was 89,900 A-index and 32,200 B-index fish. However, during an Oct. 7 meeting, the U.S. v. Oregon Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) updated the expected run size abundance at Bonneville Dam to 122,100 A-index and 49,900 B-index steelhead.

Rules and regulations, including bag limits, may vary by location. Anglers should review the emergency fishing rules or Fish Washington® mobile app for the area they plan to fish before heading out. Anglers can be notified of any in-season rules changes as they are announced by signing up for WDFW regulation updates.

To find Columbia River recreational catch data for the mainstem, Buoy 10, and other fisheries visit the Columbia River recreational fishing webpage.

Columbia River salmon forecasts

Update (Dec. 20): The Columbia River 2024 returns and 2025 expectations document is now available online.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has released the 2025 Columbia River adult salmon forecasts. The forecasts reveal a mix of both promising and concerning early indicators for spring and early summer salmon in the river’s mainstem and tributaries.

The 2025 forecast (PDF) expects 217,500 wild and hatchery spring Chinook to return to the mouth of the Columbia River, an increase from the 2024 forecast of 205,600 and actual return of 189,559. The 2025 forecast for upriver spring Chinook is 122,500, similar to the 2024 forecast of 121,000 and actual return of 116,332.

The 2025 Columbia River summer Chinook forecast is 38,000, down from the 2024 forecast of 52,600 and actual return of 42,511. This follows returns of 54,722 in 2023 and 78,444 in 2022. The 2025 Columbia River sockeye forecast is 350,200, continuing a trend of impressive returns. In 2024, the actual return surpassed the forecast by over 350,000, reaching a record-breaking 761,682, the largest run since counts began at Bonneville Dam in 1938.

For returns and forecasts for Columbia River tributaries, visit the Columbia River reports, forecasts, returns, and fishery plans webpage.

Columbia River spring Chinook fishing will be open daily Jan. 1 through March 31, 2025, from the mouth upstream to the Interstate 5 Bridge. Decisions on additional mainstem spring Chinook fisheries, including early April fishery in the lower river and the fishery from Bonneville Dam upstream to the Oregon/Washington border, will be made during a Columbia River Compact hearing in February.

Rules and regulations are subject to change and may vary by location. Anglers should check the current fishing regulations, including any emergency fishing rules, or the Fish Washington® mobile app before heading out. Anglers can be notified of any in-season rules changes as they are announced by signing up for WDFW regulation updates.

WDFW and ODFW plan to release preliminary 2025 Columbia River fall Chinook returns and provide a 2025 outlook by early January. This will be followed by the official 2025 fall Chinook forecast leading into the North of Falcon season-setting process.

Sturgeon seasons set for Columbia River

Weirs on southwest Washington rivers

Anglers may begin to see weirs installed on several southwest Washington rivers. WDFW uses “resistance board” weirs to manage the passage of fish traveling up a river. These weirs feature a trap that the fish swim into where they can be sorted, removed if necessary, and tagged by WDFW staff for monitoring purposes.

Learn more about fishing weirs and how they contribute to fish management on the WDFW blog.

The weirs allow fishery managers to reduce the number of “hatchery-origin” Chinook salmon making their way to the upstream spawning grounds, reducing competition with natural-origin, or “wild,” fish. The weirs will remain in the river long enough to intercept the salmon runs.

Weirs are currently installed and operating on the following rivers as of Dec. 9, 2024:

• Elochoman River at Beaver Creek Hatchery

Removed weirs:

• Kalama River (Oct. 14)
• Grays River (Oct. 17)
• Cedar Creek (Oct. 21)
• Coweeman River (Oct. 21)
• Washougal River (Oct. 24)
• South Fork Toutle River (Oct. 28)
• Green River (Oct. 29)
• Elochoman River at Foster Road (Dec. 9)

Anglers and those recreating in the areas of the weirs are reminded to obey all posted signs – trespassing on or around the weir is not only dangerous, but also illegal. Fishing boundaries are enforced upstream and downstream of temporary weirs. Anglers should refer to the annual fishing pamphlet for rules and regulations for the body of water you plan to fish.

This webpage will be updated when weirs have been removed and fishing and recreation restrictions have been lifted. For weekly updates and weir catch data, visit the Southwest Washington fishing reports webpage.

Razor clam digging opportunities

WDFW shellfish managers approved five additional days of coastal razor clam digs at four coastal beaches—Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, and Copalis—starting Nov. 29, with additional tentative digs planned through 2024. The 2024-25 season should offer similar opportunities to last year, provided marine toxin levels remain safe. On all open beaches, the daily limit is 15 clams per person. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container, and all diggers must keep the first 15 clams they dig, regardless of size or condition. More information about razor clam digging opportunities, including future tentative dates, is available on the razor clam webpage.

Watch: 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 hook voluntarily in its mouth.” Although more commonly witnessed during times of low flow, snagging occurs year-round. Violators are subject to fines or prosecution. Watch our short video to learn more and help spread the word about protecting our state’s fish resources. Additional fishing rules information can be found online.

Yale Reservoir salmon length restriction

Anglers fishing at Yale Reservoir will be restricted to retaining salmon 15 inches and under through Dec. 31. This rule applies to all salmon species as part of the ongoing efforts to support the reintroduction of adult coho into the upper Lewis River system. These coho are being released for habitat preparation and nutrient enhancement. The existing landlocked salmon (kokanee) fishery will continue under the same regulations, with the combined catch of trout and salmon counting toward the trout limit. No sport catch record card is required for salmon in this fishery. More information about this rule change and others can be found on the emergency rules webpage.

Trout fishing in lakes and ponds

With temperatures cooling and fish becoming more active, trout fishing is a great outdoor opportunity in December. While many of Southwest Washington’s lakes, including Carlisle and Mayfield, continue to produce with trout holdovers from summer plants, additional catchable trout were planted in area lakes in recent weeks.

Each fall leading up to Black Friday, WDFW stocks many lakes across Washington with thousands of “holiday special” trout, with some weighing up to three pounds and measuring 16-17 inches. Southwest Washington lakes that were stocked this year include:

• Battle Ground Lake and Klineline Pond in Clark County.
• Kress Lake in Cowlitz County.
• Rowland Lake in Klickitat County.
• Fort Borst Park Pond and South Lewis County Park Pond in Lewis County.

Visit the lowland lakes webpage to explore thousands of lowland lakes in Washington.

Anglers should be aware that some lakes in the region may have closed to fishing under permanent rules. Anglers are encouraged to review the annual fishing pamphlet (PDF) or Fish Washington® mobile app for the lake they plan to fish before heading out.

Trout fishing in rivers and streams

Trout fishing in many of southwest Washington’s rivers, streams, and beaver ponds has been solid in recent weeks. Many streams hold surprisingly large rainbow and cutthroat trout that can be caught using small spinners, spoons, jigs, or fly-fishing gear.

Anglers should be aware that the river or stream you’re fishing may be 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 Fish Washington® mobile app or online regulations for any emergency fishing rule changes before heading out.

Warmwater fish

Although water temperatures are cooling, warmwater fish are still active in some southwest Washington lakes. Recent reports from Silver Lake indicate crappie are still being caught in the canals, with bluegill and pumpkinseed also producing.

Fish Washington® app receives major upgrades

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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.

For an overview of hunting in Washington and how to get started, visit our Hunt Washington blog post.

Buy your 2024 hunting license

With hunting season beginning, 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 2024-25 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.

Current hunting regulations are also available online at wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations.

Klickitat County mule deer surveys

This information was added Dec. 10, 2024.

WDFW biologists will survey mule deer by helicopter in Klickitat County through Dec. 15, weather permitting. These aerial surveys will help biologists estimate mule deer populations in GMUs 382 (East Klickitat) and 388 (Grayback).

The survey involves flying transects over randomly selected survey units in Klickitat County, spanning the area between the Klickitat River and the county's eastern boundary. The helicopter will operate at low altitudes, which may attract the attention of area residents.

When a group of deer is spotted, biologists count and classify them by age, sex, and antler points (if present). They also gather additional data, such as vegetation type, snow cover, and the amount of available cover. When the surveys are complete, biologists analyze the data using a statistical model that estimates a population for the survey area.

Mule deer will not be captured during these surveys, and biologists will gather data as quickly as possible to avoid undue stress on deer and other wildlife.

More information about mule deer is available on our website.

Ducks and geese

With most big game hunting opportunities in the rear-view mirror, hunters’ attention will shift to ducks and geese in December, with winter weather pushing populations south.

Goose Management Area 2 – Inland (Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties) remains open on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays only through Jan. 12. Goose Management Area 3 (Lewis and Skamania counties) is open daily through Jan. 26.

Season dates will vary by location. Hunters are reminded to check the migratory waterfowl regulations for specific season dates and for detailed rules and bag limits. For more information about bird and small game hunting, including season dates and regulations, please refer to the 2024 Game Bird and Small Game Hunting Regulations.

Tens of millions of ducks and geese use the Pacific Flyway, and Washington is routinely ranked among the best states in the U.S. for waterfowl hunting, with diverse species and opportunities from coastal bays and marshes to farm fields, pothole lakes, and big rivers.

Deer and elk

Archers and muzzleloaders will be in the field for late deer and elk hunts in December. Rules, regulations, and locations for late-season deer and elk hunts are outlined in the Big Game Hunting pamphlet.

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. 

Upland game birds

Pheasant hunting remains open through Dec. 15 in some areas of Western Washington, with forest grouse open through Jan. 15. Hunters should check the 2024 Game Bird and Small Game Hunting Regulations for specific regulations.

Fall turkey general season

While turkey hunting is often associated with parts of eastern Washington, hunters may be surprised to discover the wealth of opportunities available in southwest Washington. The region, with healthy wild turkey populations and a new, expanded bag limit, offers an exciting option for hunters looking to explore a different part of the state.

The fall general season for wild turkey runs through Dec. 31 in several GMUs across Klickitat and Skamania counties, including GMUs 382, 388, and 568 through 578. This year, the bag limit has been increased to two turkeys (either sex) per hunter, compared to the previous limit of one.

For more turkey hunting tips, read our blog on five techniques to help you bag a turkey in Washington this fall. Learn more about wild turkeys on the WDFW website. For more information about the wild turkey fall general season, please refer to page 36 of the 2024 Game Bird and Small Game Hunting Regulations or visit the WDFW website.

New cougar regulations

A reminder for cougar hunters that, under new rules, GMUs may be closed to hunting when the harvest cap is reached. As of late November, many GMUs are closed to hunting cougars, including some units in Southwest Washington, including 564, 568, 574, and 578. Hunters can verify if the season is open or closed online or by calling the toll-free Cougar Hotline at 1-866-364-4868 (press 2 after greeting).

New bobcat submission requirements

Washington small game hunters and trappers are now required to submit the lower jaw of any bobcat they harvest, as part of the mandatory pelt sealing process. For more information, including a how-to video, visit WDFW’s bobcat webpage.

Hunter reporting requirement

The deadline for hunters to report their hunting activity for each special permit acquired and each deer, elk, bear, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and turkey tag purchased in 2024 is Jan. 31. Those who do not meet the deadline must pay a $10 penalty before they can purchase a license next year.

If you have a small game license, western Washington pheasant license, or migratory bird permit, you can now complete your harvest reports in your online WILD account through WDFW’s WILD licensing system.

You can submit reports for these licenses from Sept. 1 through Mar. 31. You can continue to add additional hunting days, species, locations, and harvests throughout the reporting timeframe as a log. At the end of the reporting timeframe (Mar. 31), all entries will be automatically submitted. Visit the reporting your hunt webpage for additional information.

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, visit the Hunter Education web page.

Hoof disease in elk 

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Photo by Eric Koltes

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.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.

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!

Watchable Wildlife

Join the nation’s longest-running community science project for birds! For 125 years, dedicated bird enthusiasts have been participating in the National Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC). During a chosen 24-hour period between Dec. 14 and Jan.5, participants count as many birds and bird species as they can in a pre-determined area. 

Whether you’re walking a trail or counting birds at your feeder from home, your data is valuable! Information gathered from CBC’s can help scientists better understand emerging and long-term trends to the populations of our feathered friends. 

Everyone is welcome to participate in the CBC. Visit the National Audubon’s webpage to learn more about how you can get involved and locate a participating group near you. Participants must sign up to participate in advance with the contact listed in your area.

Fall bird migration underway

Fall migration is in full swing on the Vancouver Lowlands with new arrivals showing up daily. Thousands of Canada geese can now be seen in area wetlands, along with great egrets and the occasional American white pelican. Sandhill cranes and swans can also be spotted visiting lowlands in November as they head south to their wintering grounds.

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.

2025 First Day Hikes

Kick off the new year right by spending some time in Washington’s great outdoors! Every Jan. 1, Washington State Parks hosts a series of guided First Day Hikes at parks and trails statewide. From snowshoe hikes to bird walks, there are plenty of options for those looking to spend the first day of 2025 outside. Jan. 1 is also the first of 12 days throughout the year when visitors can park at state-managed lands (including WDFW lands) for free, without needing a Discover Pass. Some hikes may require pre-registration.

WDFW offers accessible hunting and wildlife-viewing blinds

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Photo by WDFW

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 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. Thank you!

Gift a Discover Pass

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for an outdoor enthusiast? Look no further than the Discover Pass, the vehicle-access pass that opens the door to millions of acres of Washington state parks and recreation lands. Purchasers can choose the activation date when buying online or from recreational license vendors.

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 by following tips on our website (PDF).

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.

Looking for more info on wildlife conservation and species management around Washington? Check out our Bi-Weekly Wildlife Program reports.

Check out our September/October Director's Bulletin for more conservation highlights!

Wild Washington Youth Education program

What is your neighborhood like through the eyes of winter wildlife? Take a closer look with the Winter Wildlife Habitat Family Scavenger Hunt (PDF). Even in winter, signs of life are all around us. Uncover the places and natural elements that winter wildlife rely on for habitat. Getting in the mindset of a busy squirrel or flock of songbirds, this hunt will have you and your family searching for berries, dried grasses, and water sources. This is a great way to see how wildlife use neighborhoods throughout the year to find food, water, shelter and space.

Habitat at home

Wondering what to gift your loved ones for the holidays? Bird houses, bat houses, and bird feeders make wonderful gifts that benefit humans and wildlife! Birds and bats can be picky about their shelter, so check out our woodworking for wildlife webpage to learn about how to build houses for particular species.

#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!

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.

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. 

Volunteer opportunity spotlight 

As we continue to engage with Washingtonians statewide, we are expanding the volunteer outreach program in 2025. We invite you to apply for this unique opportunity to connect the people with Washington's natural landscapes and outreach efforts. The volunteer outreach program is open to people 18 years and older who are based in, or willing to travel to community events in Clark, Clallam, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Snohomish, or Thurston counties. 

This core team of volunteers will assist WDFW staff at events ranging from wildlife festivals to family fishing events to regional workshops, and more! WDFW welcomes volunteers of all abilities who want to contribute to conservation of fish, wildlife, and habitat.  There are limited positions available so apply early! The form will close after all positions have been filled. 

You don’t have to be a natural resources expert to be part of the volunteer outreach team. We are looking for people who are passionate about natural resource conservation and are willing and excited to learn. The Department is committed to belonging and inclusion, and members of the volunteer outreach team must be comfortable interacting and engaging with people from all walks of life. 

Learn more about the commitment, benefits, and how to apply by visiting our website. Applications will be reviewed in early January 2025. Want to find more ways to get involved? Check out our volunteer opportunities.

To read reports published prior to 2023, visit the Biweekly Wildlife Program activity reports page.

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Photo by WDFW

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.