Headline News Northwest Fishing News (NWFN) serves as a comprehensive resource for anglers and stakeholders in the Pacific Northwest, offering timely updates on the sport fishing industry, conservation efforts, and legislative developments.
Sport Fishing Industry
NWFN provides in-depth coverage of the sport fishing sector, highlighting seasonal opportunities and industry trends. Recent features include “The Top Ten Places to Fish for Spring Chinook in the Pacific Northwest” (March 3, 2025) and “Top 10 Best Rivers to Fish for Steelhead in the Pacific Northwest in 2025” (February 27, 2025), offering readers valuable insights into prime fishing locations.
Conservation Efforts
The platform emphasizes the importance of sustainable fishing practices and habitat preservation. For instance, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) recently sought public input on the updated draft statewide Priority Fish Passage Barrier list, aiming to identify and address barriers that impede fish migration. This initiative underscores the commitment to enhancing fish passage and habitat connectivity.
Legislative Developments
NWFN keeps its audience informed about legislative changes impacting the fishing community. A notable update is the new requirement for recreational fishing licenses for freshwater smelt, crawfish, and carp in Washington State, effective June 6, 2024. This legislation aims to improve compliance with fishing regulations.
Additionally, the ODFW Commission adopted rules adding harvest days for wild coho on the Alsea and Coquille Rivers, reflecting adaptive management strategies to support both conservation and angler access.
Through its comprehensive coverage, Northwest Fishing News plays a pivotal role in informing and engaging the Pacific Northwest fishing community, promoting responsible practices, and supporting the region’s rich fishing heritage.
SALEM, Ore. —Mussel harvesting is now open from Cape Blanco to the California border the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today. Marine biotoxin levels in this area tested below the alert level. People should always call the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-2474 or visit the ODA Recreational …
Photo courtesy of Northwest Power and Conservation Council – Creative Commons 2.0 Attrib CLACKAMAS, Ore.— The last day to retain a white sturgeon in the John Day Pool (mainstem Columbia River from John Day Dam upstream to McNary Dam and adjacent tributaries) is Friday, Jan. 9. Fishery managers from Oregon and Washington made the decision today after determining that the harvest guideline in …
ROSEBURG, Ore – A temporary rule prohibits wild spring Chinook salmon harvest on the mainstem Umpqua River and keeps the North Umpqua bag limit the same as 2025, ODFW announced today. Feb. 1 – June 30, 2026: Mainstem Umpqua River: only hatchery spring Chinook may be kept. Harvesting wild spring Chinook (jacks and adults) …
Photo Courtesy of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, all anglers age 15 and older must purchase a Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement (CRSSE) to fish recreationally for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River and many of its Washington tributaries. The CRSSE is an annual requirement in addition to a …
Lingcod – IG Taylor – Wiki Commons SALEM, Ore.— The Commission set 2026 groundfish regulations during their meeting in Salem today. The daily catch limit for lingcod will increase from 2 to 3 fish next year, since lingcod populations are healthy and bycatch of yelloweye rockfish (a protected species) is still low. The daily limit …
By RazorClam23 – Own work, Public Domain, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks to host digs WDOH requires two test samples taken seven to 10 days apart, and domoic acid levels must fall under the guideline level before a beach can open for digging. Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of …