Early Findings From Chehalis River Bass Suppression Study Released
More than 8,000 bass were electroshocked out of a 9-mile section of the Chehalis River this summer as part of a suppression and abundance study that also aims to estimate how removals of the invasive fish will help reduce predation on native Chinook.
New Agreement Prioritizing Bellingham Fish Passage Barrier Fixes Celebrated
A new agreement between Bellingham, local tribes and WDFW establishes a prioritized list of which of the city’s passage-blocking culverts to fix first, what’s being hailed as a unique and new collaboration.
Washington Coast Winter Steelhead Season Town Hall Scheduled For November 10
WDFW will talk 2026-27 winter steelhead forecasts and proposed regulations for rivers from Forks down to Willapa Bay, go over last winter’s returns, and take public comment and entertain questions during an evening virtual meeting next week.
SW WA, Lower Columbia Fishing Report (11-2-26)
Late October and early November 2026 Chinook, coho and steelhead catch stats for the Lower Columbia and select Southwest Washington tributaries.
Chetco, Winchuck Gear Restrictions Extended
With “abnormally low flows and no significant rain expected,” ODFW extended fishing gear restrictions on a pair of Southern Oregon rivers. The bobber- and fly-only rules will be lifted “once flows have increased and are forecasted to remain high enough to allow Chinook to distribute throughout the river.”
What Washington And Oregon Waterfowlers Can Expect During The 2026-27 Season
Time to dust off those decoys! Staff waterfowler MD Johnson has once again gathered intel from state and federal managers on what duck and goose hunters can expect as the heart of the 2026-27 season arrives. Find out how our harvest stalwarts are performing, as well as the duck species that is doing “fabulously well.”
Comment On Proposed 2027 Oregon Groundfish Regs, Deschutes Land Buy For ODFW Commission Meeting
ODFW outlines public comment opportunities ahead of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission’s last scheduled meeting of 2026.
SW WA, Lower Columbia Fishing Report (10-26-26)
Late October 2026 Chinook, coho and steelhead catch stats for the Lower Columbia and select Southwest Washington tributaries.
Walleye Deemed ‘Incompatible’ With Snake Salmon And Steelhead, Threaten Recovery
Walleye are piscis non grata on a 140-mile stretch of Washington, Oregon and Idaho’s Snake River. That’s the nut of a recently revealed tri-state policy statement as the nonnative species colonizes more and more of the watershed, threatening salmon and steelhead populations.
WDFW Recommends Making Columbia Fishing Endorsement Permanent; Comment Open
In a review of the legislatively reestablished Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement, WDFW recommends making permanent the $8.75 fee that supports its monitoring and management of Columbia system Chinook, A- and B-run, and other fisheries. It’s not required for bass, shad, etc.
WDFW Closing Coastal Rivers, Marine Areas 2-1, 2-2 Due To Drought, Lower Coho Returns
Salmon and game fish angling will close starting Saturday, October 24, on Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor system rivers, the Copalis and Moclips Rivers and Grays Harbor itself outside of two boat basins “due to low water conditions from the ongoing drought as well as lower-than-expected returns of coho salmon.”
2026 Northwest Upland Bird Hunting Forecast
Last month we looked at Northwest deer prospects. This month we’re turning to the feathersome forecast.
SW WA, Buoy 10, Lower Columbia Fishing Report (10-20-2026)
Mid-October 2026 coho, Chinook and steelhead catch stats for Buoy 10, the Lower Columbia and select Southwest Washington tributaries.
2 Washington Beaches Opening For Razor Clams Next Week, 2 Stay Closed Due To Marine Toxins
Mocrocks and Copalis beaches will open for digging razor clams on four separate evening low tides next week, but Long Beach and Twin Harbors remain closed till further notice due to elevated domoic acid levels.
IDFG Closing Steelhead Retention In Clearwater Basin
With historically low returns of A- and B-run steelhead back to the Inland Northwest this year, Idaho fishery managers announced that the Clearwater River will close to all steelhead harvest starting this Thursday, October 22, though C&R fishing will remain open.
Introduction Of Bipartisan Northwest Wetlands VIP Act In US House Applauded
Conservation groups including fishing and hunting organizations are cheering the introduction of the Northwest Wetlands Voluntary Incentives Program Act in the US House of Representatives this week, a bill that would help address the needs of waterfowl and migratory birds and salmon and steelhead.