Washington Broodstock Steelhead Bill Receives Hearing In Olympia
A bipartisan bill directing WDFW to fire up coveted wild steelhead-based “broodstock conservation programs” on all Washington rivers with native runs received a public hearing in Olympia today.
WDFW Proposing Changes To Geoduck, Cockle Clam Regs, Other Shellfish Season Tweaks
Washington clammers may not dig this news. WDFW is taking comment on a proposal that would chop the geoduck daily limit sharply, increase the minimum size for cockle clams, shorten seasons at two popular Pugetropolis beaches, and make other changes to 2026 shellfish regulations.
Big Tiger Trout Tops All At Bonaparte Ice Fishing Derby
A 12-plus-pound tiger trout took big fish honors and a youngster went back to back in the second of two ice fishing derbies held in Northcentral Washington’s Okanogan Highlands this month.
January 29-February 4 Razor Clam Dig OKed On Washington Coast
A seven-day razor clam opener has been greenlighted on Washington Coast beaches, with digging starting Thursday January 29, state shellfish managers announce.
Lower Columbia Sturgeon Managers See ‘Severe Recruitment Concern’ As Keeper Season Again Scrubbed
This will make for the fourth year in a row and seventh of the last 13 that it will be catch-and-release only between Buoy 10 and Bonneville Dam, with managers pointing to a sturgeon population that’s essentially been turned on its head, with more adults and subadults than juveniles. For the first time in their reporting, they use the phrase “severe recruitment concern” to describe the situation.
22.5-incher Wins Grand Prize At Molson Ice Fishing Derby
A 22.5-inch trout was the grand prize winner at last weekend’s 22nd Annual Molson Ice Fishing Derby, the first of two notable hardwater contests in the Okanogan Highlands this month.
WA US Senator Secures $190 Million For Fish Passage, Other Work On Upper Green River
Washington’s senior US senator says she has resecured $190 million for a fish passage and water storage project on eastern King County’s Green River.
Bipartisan Bill In Salem Would Clarify, Protect Corner Crossing In Oregon
With support from across the aisle and from multiple hunting and other conservation organizations, a corner crossing bill introduced in the Oregon Senate will provide “much needed clarity to protect public land users from allegations of trespass as well as landowners from allegations of negligence,” per OHA.
Predators Subject Of State Senate Committee Discussions
Some of Washington’s toothier critters came under scrutiny during a legislative committee hearing in Olympia on Monday afternoon.
Here’s What’s On Tap At The Upcoming Eugene Sportsmen’s And Outdoor Recreation Show
Feathers, foragers, photography and fantastic adventures await visitors of all ages at the 53rd annual KVAL Sportsmen’s and Outdoor Recreation Show, January 30-February 1, at the Lane Events Center in Eugene.
Sportsmen’s Orgs, Others Cheer Secretarial Order Opening More Federal Land To Hunting, Fishing
An order expanding hunting and fishing access to more public land managed under the umbrella of the federal Department of the Interior is being cheered by sportsmen’s organizations and others in the fish and wildlife world.
Reaction To Final ‘Not Warranted’ OlyPen Steelhead ESA Finding
Washington officials, environmental organizations and a fisheries-world representative are reacting to today’s final federal determination that an Olympic Peninsula steelhead ESA listing isn’t warranted right now, albeit from different portions of the spectrum.
ESA Listing ‘Not Warranted At This Time’ For Olympic Peninsula Steelhead: Final Determination
An Endangered Species Act listing is “not warranted at this time” for Olympic Peninsula steelhead, according to a final finding set to be published on the Federal Register tomorrow, a U-turn from what seemed like a looming listing for Washington’s “crown jewel” fish.
Restrictions On High Tech For Hunting Sent To Idaho Legislature For Consideration
Following a long public process with a cross section of hunters, the Idaho state legislature is set to consider banning night vision, thermal imaging optics, “transmitting” trail cameras and other gear for scouting or hunting. Traditional game cams would still be allowed.
A Bitter Pill In The North Cascades
There’s enough fish after all, just not enough money to hold a wild steelhead catch-and-release season in the North Cascades later this winter and in early spring.
John Day Pool Keeper Sturgeon Season To End After Friday
Columbia sturgeon managers decided to close John Day Pool sturgeon retention effective this Saturday, January 10, as catches approach the season guideline.