Cowlitz Smelt Opener Set; Dippers Asked To Mask Up, Social Distance
Anglers will have an opportunity to dip for smelt in 2021 during a limited-opening recreational fishery on Tuesday, March 2, with officials encouraging continued responsible recreation, proper use of facial coverings, and social distancing during the event.
Washington 2021 Salmon Forecasts Released
Washington salmon seasons are likely to once again be limited by low returns with a few potential bright spots in 2021, state fishery managers announced today at a meeting to present salmon forecasts for the coming year.
Wild Olympics Wilderness, Scenic Rivers Proposal Passes US House
A bill to designate nearly 200 square miles of national forest lands on the Olympic Peninsula as wilderness and portions of 19 rivers as wild and scenic passed the U.S. House today.
Nation’s DFWs To Receive $1 Billion In Annual Fish-Hunt-Boat Tax Disbursements
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is distributing $1 billion to state wildlife agencies through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR).
Washington Spring Bear Permit Application Deadline This Weekend
Hunters must buy and submit their 2021 spring black bear special hunt applications by midnight on Feb. 28. Hunts will occur in specific areas of western and eastern Washington.
Ocean Chinook Forecasts Out
Ocean salmon managers are forecasting an uptick in the numbers of Columbia fall Chinook out in the Pacific compared to the 2020 preseason prognostication, but fewer Sacramento and Klamath kings.
Change Ahead For Legendary Skagit Waterfowl Hunting Islands; So, How Will It Be Replaced?
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is moving forward with a project at the Skagit Wildlife Area Island Unit to restore critical estuary habitat for struggling salmon populations. Historically, the site was a tidally influenced estuary that provided rearing habitat for juvenile Chinook salmon.
Federal Grants For Stillaguamish Restoration, Other Puget Sound Estuary Projects Awarded
One million dollars in federal funding has been awarded to a Washington state agency and a local tribe to acquire more land on the Stillaguamish Delta for restoration that will benefit fish and wildlife, part of $3.5 million just disbursed for coastal work throughout Puget Sound.
Surge Of Smelt Moves Up The Columbia
Columbia smelt managers extended the research-level commercial fishery as a push of the oily fish entered the big river in recent days and rekindled hopes of a sport dipping opener on the Cowlitz as well.
Youth Turkey Hunters, Apply Now For Guided Gobbler Hunt On Large Southern Oregon Ranch
Youth turkey hunters have a chance to win a one-day guided hunt (and an additional unguided day if needed) on the C2 Cattle Company Ranch during the April 10-11 Youth Turkey Weekend and the General Spring Turkey Season, April 15-May 31.
Spring Chinook Seasons Approved On Columbia
Columbia spring Chinook managers have approved a lower river season through April 4 with a new no-boat-fishing bubble around the mouth of the Cowlitz.
New Watercraft Inspection Station To Open Off I-90 Near Cle Elum
With Feb. 22-28 declared Invasive Species Awareness Week by Washington Governor Jay Inslee, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is pleased to announce that a new watercraft inspection Station will open near Cle Elum in mid-March.
Columbia Managers To Set Springer Seasons
Columbia spring Chinook fishery managers will discuss reopening the lower river for the first time in three years, but also instituting a new closure at the mouth of the Cowlitz as they set this year’s initial seasons on Tuesday.
SW WA, Columbia Fishing Report (2-22-21)
Lower Columbia mainstem from Bonneville to Astoria – 21 salmonid boats and 28 Washington bank rods were tallied during Saturday’s (2/20) effort count.
Puyallup Sportsmen’s Show Cancelled
Organizers of the Washington Sportsman’s Show have cancelled this year’s event in Puyallup and say it will be back in early 2022.
University Details Idaho Steelhead Research
University of Idaho researchers are helping anglers and state fishery managers learn more about steelhead to better manage a renowned fishery that has had its ups and downs.