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.
Columbia River Gorge photo by Liz Lauren – Pexels CLACKAMAS, Ore.—Following an in-season assessment of the upriver spring Chinook return, fishery managers from Oregon and Washington added more recreational spring Chinook fishing days on the mainstem Columbia during a joint state hearing yesterday. Six additional fishing days downstream of Bonneville Dam and five additional …
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife shellfish managers have confirmed the season’s next round of razor clam digging opportunities at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks, running April 17-23. There are also tentative dig dates running into May. “With two tide series remaining in our spring season, these upcoming digs will have the …
NEWPORT, Ore. —The Pacific Fisheries Management Council (PFMC) has finalized the 2026 ocean salmon seasons including ocean waters off Oregon. Recommended salmon seasons are not official until final approval by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce (expected by Saturday, May 16), and after adoption by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission on April 24 for …
Lower Deschutes River- Photo by Greg Shine – BLM The Dalles, Ore.—The lower Deschutes River will be open for spring Chinook salmon from May 5-20. “This is exciting news for anglers as the last spring Chinook season on the Deschutes was in 2018,” said Jason Seals, Deschutes District Fish Biologist. “We’re expecting a return …
RIDGEFIELD – Fishery managers from Washington and Oregon approved this year’s Columbia River recreational spring Chinook salmon fishing season during a joint state hearing Thursday. The 2026 forecast for upriver spring Chinook is 147,300 fish, which is less than the 154,703 that returned to the Columbia River in 2025, but higher than the 10-year average return …
Subscribe now to view this content.
Subscribe now to view this content.
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) …