Discover Southwest Washington

New to fishing in Washington? Check out our Fish Washington blog post for a guide on how to get started.

2023-24 Sport Fishing Rules 

The 2023-24 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet is available online and at hundreds of license dealers around the state. The updated rules can help anglers make decisions about how to spend their time on the water. The 2024-2025 sport fishing rules and pamphlet are expected in June, and go into effect on July 1, 2024.

Current fishing regulations and emergency Fishing Rule Changes are also available online at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations. 

Image

Photo by WDFW

Lower Columbia River salmon and steelhead

Fishery managers from Oregon and Washington recently agreed (PDF) to re-open the spring Chinook fishery below Bonneville Dam June 1-15, with summer Chinook fishing set to open June 16-19 from the Astoria-Megler Bridge upstream to Bonneville Dam.

Spring Chinook fishing in the mainstem Columbia River above Bonneville Dam is closed, though the stretch of river above Bonneville Dam to Priest Rapids Dam will be open for summer Chinook retention June 16-30, and closed to retention thereafter.

Learn more about managing Columbia River salmon in our blog post.

Sockeye retention will be allowed in the daily salmonid bag limit from June 16-July 31 for waters downstream of Highway 395 Bridge in Pasco. The 2024 Columbia River sockeye forecast of 401,800 is up 16 percent over the recent 10-year average.

Anglers should review the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for the water they plan to fish, as well as check the emergency rule changes before heading out. Regulations may be modified in-season as returns materialize

Image

Photo by WDFW

Fishing the tributaries

The Kalama, Lewis, and Cowlitz rivers are open for hatchery Chinook retention through July 31 in most areas. Harvest rules were modified in the Cowlitz River to allow adipose clipped Chinook retention with broodstock goals expected to be met. Deep River will be open June 1-15 for spring Chinook fishing under rules consistent with the mainstem Columbia River.

Above Bonneville Dam, Drano Lake and Wind River remain open to hatchery Chinook and hatchery steelhead retention until further notice. The Klickitat River closed May 22.

For recent catch reports, see our Southwest Washington fishing reports webpage.

Trout and kokanee fishing in lakes and ponds

With the cooler spring weather, trout are still on the bite in many lowland lakes.

WDFW hatchery personnel have been busy planting lakes with catchable trout this spring. Lakes stocked with rainbow trout in recent weeks include:

• Battle Ground Lake in Clark County
• Horseshoe Lake, Kress Lake, and Lake Sacajewea in Cowlitz County
• Spearfish Lake, and Horsethief Lake in Klickitat County
• Swofford Pond, Lewis County Park Pond, and Mayfield Lake in Lewis County
• Swift Power Canal and Swift Reservoir in Skamania County

Additional lakes in the area that should produce trout in June include: Klineline Pond, Lacamas Lake, Fort Borst Park Pond, and Lake Sacajawea.

Anglers can target landlocked coho in Riffe Lake, with Lake Merwin and Yale Reservoir producing kokanee at various depths. Swift Reservoir opened to fishing May 25.

Free fishing weekend

This year’s Free Fishing Weekend, when fishing licenses are not required to fish for certain species, is June 8-9. A valid fishing license is required for anyone 15 years or older to harvest any fish species requiring a catch report card (including salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and halibut) or shellfish.

All other species open for harvest can still be harvested without a license during Free Fishing weekend, including:

• Trout and bass in lowland lakes, and in the many rivers open to gamefish throughout the state. Search for a lowland lake near you and see which lakes have been recently stocked.
• Lingcod, cabezon, and rockfish on the Washington coast. No boat? No problem. See our blog post on jetty fishing for more information.
• Shad on the Columbia River. See our recent blog post on shad fishing.

Also on Free Fishing Weekend, Vehicle Access Passes are not required to park at WDFW lands, nor is a Discover Pass needed to park on WDFW, DNR, or Washington State Parks lands.

Anglers should note that, even for species that don’t require a license on Free Fishing Weekend, other rules such as seasons, size limits, daily limits, and area closures still apply. Be sure to check current fishing regulations and emergency rules before heading out.

Image

Annual statewide trout derby

The Department’s annual statewide trout derby is underway at more than 100 stocked lakes in Washington state. Over 100 participating businesses are offering more than 800 prizes valued at over $42,000.

Several lakes in southwest Washington are stocked with derby fish including:

• Battle Ground Lake, Klineline Pond, and Lacamas Lake in Clark County
• Carlisle Lake, Fort Borst Park Pond, Mineral Lake, and Lewis County Park Pond in Lewis County
• Horseshoe Lake, Kress Lake, and Lake Sacajewea in Cowlitz County
• Rowland Lake and Spearfish Lake in Klickitat County
• Icehouse Lake and Swift Power Canal in Skamania County

Anglers can check the WDFW webpage for each lake to see the remaining prizes left to be claimed. The derby is open to anyone with a valid 2024 fishing license. There is no entrance fee or registration required. Simply catch a tagged trout anytime through Oct. 31 and you win! Plus, youth under the age of 15 fish for free.

For more information about this year’s trout derby, please visit the trout derby webpage.

Steelhead plants in area lakes

Several southwest Washington lakes were stocked with steelhead earlier this year, with plans to plant more. In total, over 600 steelhead have been stocked in southwest region lakes including:

• Kress Lake and Horseshoe Lake in Cowlitz County
• Fort Borst Park Pond in Lewis County

Planted fish will have a yellow tag along their dorsal fin with a phone number for WDFW staff, who will track the program’s success. Anglers should note that tagged steelhead are not part of WDFW’s annual trout derby, so there is no prize for catching them.

Image

Photo by Jon Tienhaara

Trout fishing in rivers and streams

Many rivers and streams in southwest Washington are now open for gamefish, including trout, steelhead, char, and whitefish, as well as numerous non-native fish species like bass and perch. Many streams hold surprisingly large rainbow and cutthroat trout that can be caught using small spinners, spoons, jigs, or fly-fishing gear.

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 Fish Washington mobile app or online regulations for any emergency rule changes before heading out.

Warmwater fish

Crappie fishing is holding its own at Silver Lake in Cowlitz County. Yellow perch are being encountered at many southwest region lakes including Lacamas Lake in Clark County. Rowland Lake in Klickitat County has been a good option for targeting bluegill and pumpkinseed. Smallmouth bass anglers have had success in Riffe Lake in Lewis County, with Kress Lake in Cowlitz County producing largemouth bass bites. Those in pursuit of tiger muskie are finding action at Mayfield Lake in Lewis County.

The post-spawn walleye bite is on in the Dalles Pool, as well as above and below John Day Dam. Walleye anglers should note that designated areas of the Columbia River (below several dams) are closed to fishing with sturgeon spawning sanctuaries in effect.

Image

Tiger muskie and northern pike

Image

Photo by WDFW

Get paid to fish

The 2024 Northern Pikeminnow Sport-Reward fishery, which pays anglers $6 to $10 for each qualifying fish, and up to $500 for a tagged fish, is open through Sept. 30. Funded by the Bonneville Power Administration, this program contributes to conservation by harvesting a portion of the largest pikeminnow preying on threatened salmon and steelhead populations in the Columbia and Snake River basins. In 2023, the top angler earned over $100,000—simply from fishing!

Visit pikeminnow.org for more information, including registration, rules, and regulations, then watch the webinar on YouTube to get started. To see weekly catch reports, visit the Pikeminnow Sport-Reward Fishery Program webpage.

The shad have arrived

Record shad returns over the past decade have turned the Columbia River into one of the most consistent and easily accessible sport fisheries in the region. In 2023, over four million American shad migrated through the Columbia River system.

As of June 1, over 200,000 shad have crossed Bonneville Dam, with counts averaging at least 20,000 daily since May 25, which means it’s time to go fishing. For more information on American shad, their introduction into the Columbia River, and how to fish for them, please visit the American shad webpage or read our recent blog post.

Sturgeon spawning sanctuaries in effect

Through Aug. 31, sturgeon fishing will be closed in several designated areas of the Columbia River with spawning sanctuaries in effect. Areas closed to sturgeon fishing include below Bonneville, The Dalles, John Day, and McNary dams. A spawning sanctuary is needed as these areas are prime spawning habitat and handling sturgeon during this period could adversely impact their spawning success.

Sturgeon fishing in the Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream to McNary Dam remains open for catch and release fishing non-sanctuary sections. Please check permanent and emergency rules before heading out.

Image

Photo by WDFW

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 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 try to help prevent their spread. European green crabs are another AIS of concern in Western Washington.

Purchase your 2024 fishing license

With summer on the horizon, Washingtonians are reminded to purchase a 2024-2025 recreational hunting and fishing licenses if they haven’t done so already. Licenses can be purchased from WDFW’s licensing website, and from hundreds of license vendors around the state.

Image

Fish Washington app receives major upgrades

WDFW launched an upgraded version of the Fish Washington mobile application on April 9, now available to download on both Apple iOS and Android devices. The new version is designed to run more smoothly while using less data and device memory.

Developers completely rewrote the app’s code, which now features a single code base for both iOS and Android platforms. This means a smaller app size, less frequent updates, and fewer bugs. Other improvements include:

• Location-enabled United States Geological Service (USGS) river gauges.
• More consistent emergency regulation delivery.
• Map upgrades.

The new version will show the full water body name and description on emergency regulation cards. With a data connection, the app also includes National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) tidal predictions for marine waters and portions of the Columbia River, as well as river gauges from multiple data providers. Users can ask questions, make suggestions, or report issues at MobileAppDev@dfw.wa.gov. Learn more in our news release.

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

Hunting Regulations 

The 2023-24 Game Bird and Small Game Hunting Regulations and 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. 

Image

Photo by Tanner Baumgartner

First Turkey Program

With the spring wild turkey hunting season wrapped up as of the end of May, now is the time to celebrate if this was your first turkey season. Send us your first turkey harvest information and receive an official WDFW First Turkey certificate. With the certificate, you can register your turkey with the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Washington state chapter to receive an official First Turkey pin.

Sign up for in-person hunter education

Hunter education is a mandatory program designed to promote knowledge and skills to continue our proud hunting tradition. WDFW offers two types of hunter education courses that teach firearms and outdoor safety, wildlife management, and hunter responsibility. All hunters born after Jan. 1, 1972 must show proof of hunter education course completion before purchasing their first Washington hunting license. For more information, visit the Hunter Education web page.

Morton office opens to the public

WDFW is pleased to announce that our office in the City of Morton is now open to the public. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., excluding legal holidays. Previously, the office was only open by appointment. The office will be able to assist with fishing and hunting license sales, Discover Pass sales, local access information, and pelt sealing. Learn more in our news release.

Share your thoughts on proposed cougar hunting changes

WDFW is accepting public comments on proposed changes to cougar hunting seasons.

Image

Photo by Rich Beausoleil

If adopted, the proposed rule would set the Washington cougar hunting season from Sept. 1 to March 31, place a cap of 13% of each population management unit (PMU) using a specific statewide density, and include all known human-caused cougar mortalities to determine when to close a PMU during the season. Additionally, in PMUs that reach the 13% cap prior to the Sept. 1 season start, the cap would be increased to 20% of the population to provide hunting opportunity in those PMUs. 

The public may submit comments online; via email, phone, or mail; or during a public hearing at the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission’s June meeting in Vancouver. 

Details on submitting comments are available in our news release.

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.

Be aware of avian influenza (bird flu) 

With the spring 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. 

Image

Photo by Eric Koltes

Hoof disease in elk 

As many hunters know, Treponeme-Associated Hoof Disease (TAHD) has spread among elk in Western Washington in recent years. While elk are susceptible to many conditions that cause limping or hoof deformities, the prevalence and severity of this new affliction – now known as treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD) – suggests something different.

In 2021, WDFW implemented an incentive-based pilot program to encourage Western Washington (400, 500, 600 series GMUs) hunters to harvest limping elk, potentially reducing prevalence of the disease over time. General season or permit hunters can choose to participate in the program by submitting elk hooves at one of the many collection sites in western Washington. 

See the WDFW website for the locations of collection sites. Hunters that submit hooves with signs of TAHD (for example, abnormal hooves) will be automatically entered into a drawing for a special incentive permit for the following license year. Multiple bull permits in western Washington with season dates of Sept. 1 – Dec. 31 will be awarded. Additionally, all participants will receive a custom, waterproof license holder. 

What hunters can do to help: 

• Harvest a limping elk from any 400, 500, 600 series GMUs.
• Turn in your elk hooves along with complete registration forms at one of several collection sites in western Washington. 
• Report elk: Hunters can help WDFW track TAHD by reporting observations of both affected and unaffected elk on the department’s online reporting form. 
• Clean shoes and tires: Anyone who hikes or drives off-road in a known affected area can help minimize the risk of spreading the disease to new areas by removing all mud from their shoes and tires before leaving the area. 

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!

Image

Photo by Don Ashmore

Leave wild babies wild

June is another busy month for the birth of baby animals. 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!

Watchable Wildlife

Help protect wildlife by keeping dogs leashed

Image

Photo by Curt Dahl

#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!

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.

Image

Photo by WDFW

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!

Practice bear awareness this spring

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.

Amphibians and reptiles

Did you know Washington is home to at least 25 species of amphibians (salamanders and frogs) and 28 reptiles (turtles, snakes, and lizards)? If you hadn’t noticed, there’s a lot of ribbit-ribbit, croaking, trilling, hopping, and slithering happening right now near ponds, waterways, and greenbelts. Amphibians and reptiles are both important members of aquatic (water) and terrestrial (land) ecosystems, using different habitats throughout the year, and it’s especially noticeable and visible during spring. For more information, visit the amphibian and reptile or species webpages.

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

Check out our March/April 2024 Director's Bulletin for more conservation highlights!

Image

Photo by WDFW

Wild Washington Youth Education program

As Pollinator Week buzzes into action June 17-30, families can embark on a journey to safeguard our vital pollinators. Dive into the world of bees, butterflies, and beyond with these engaging activities that can be done near and away from the home. Grab your smartphone, download iNaturalist, and join Pollinator Partnerships’ national pollinator bioblitz (ends July 31).  

Want to stay closer to home? Check out one of our many activities; from planting a pollinator garden, to crafting bee hotels, embarking on a pollinator scavenger hunt, or exploring pollinator-themed coloring books, there’s a pollinator week activity for every family! 

Local pollinators

It’s a great time to get outside and see your local pollinators! From bees to butterflies and moths to hummingbirds, all of Washington’s pollinators have a role to play in plant reproduction. Discover who’s buzzing and fluttering around your neighborhood, and learn how to support their habitat. Plus, June 17-23 is National Pollinator Week! Keep an eye on our social media pages and events webpage for celebrations near you.

Image

Photo by Alan L. Bauer

Wildflower viewing

Early summer is usually a really good time for wildflower viewing throughout Washington and especially along mountains and hillsides, although some blooms are a bit behind because of the recent cold, wintry-like weather. Given that fact, this month still holds a lot of promise for viewing and photographing a bright pop of wildflowers along most low elevation areas are typically pretty good. As wildflowers come into full bloom that means butterflies and bees are enjoying them too. June and July are the best months to see the greatest variety of butterflies.

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 

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.  

Image

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 2022 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 Vice-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.