Northwest Fishing News: The Leading Source for Washington State Fishing Coverage
Washington State boasts some of the most diverse and productive fisheries in the Pacific Northwest, from world-renowned salmon and steelhead runs to abundant saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities. With a constantly evolving landscape of regulations, conservation efforts, and industry developments, staying informed is essential for anglers, commercial fishers, and policymakers alike. Northwest Fishing News has solidified its reputation as the premier source for Washington fishing news, providing accurate, timely, and in-depth coverage of the issues that matter most.
Washington’s fisheries are subject to complex management decisions influenced by state, federal, and tribal authorities. Northwest Fishing News ensures that commercial and recreational fishers are always up to date on season changes, emergency closures, and rule modifications from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Whether it’s updates on Puget Sound salmon quotas, steelhead restrictions on the Olympic Peninsula, or evolving shellfish harvesting regulations, the publication delivers the crucial details needed to navigate Washington’s waters responsibly and successfully.
Salmon and steelhead are at the heart of Washington’s fishing culture and economy, but declining populations due to habitat loss, climate change, and overfishing have led to significant conservation efforts. Northwest Fishing News provides in-depth coverage of habitat restoration projects, hatchery programs, and tribal co-management initiatives aimed at sustaining these iconic species. The publication also examines the impact of hydroelectric dams on fish migration and highlights ongoing efforts to improve fish passage and restore natural spawning habitats.
For sport fishing enthusiasts, Northwest Fishing News is an invaluable resource, offering up-to-date fishing reports, expert tips, and seasonal forecasts. Whether targeting salmon in Puget Sound, lingcod off the coast, or trophy trout in Eastern Washington’s lakes, anglers rely on the publication for the latest information on conditions, techniques, and hotspots. Coverage of fishing tournaments, record-breaking catches, and community events further strengthens the connection among Washington’s passionate fishing community.
Fishing in Washington is more than just a pastime—it’s an economic driver, a cultural tradition, and a way of life for many. Northwest Fishing News serves as a critical voice for the state’s fishing community, covering legal battles over fishery management, debates on hatchery operations, and the role of tribal fishing rights in sustaining Washington’s natural resources. By providing balanced reporting that highlights perspectives from anglers, scientists, policymakers, and conservation groups, the publication ensures that readers are well-informed about the forces shaping the future of Washington’s fisheries.
As the fishing landscape continues to evolve, Northwest Fishing News remains a vital resource for Washington’s anglers and industry professionals. By delivering accurate reporting, expert analysis, and a commitment to sustainable fishing, it continues to be the go-to source for anyone invested in the future of Washington State’s fisheries.
07/22/2016 – John Snyder – Northwest Fishing News Marine Area 7 West closing to shrimp fishing Action: Marine Area 7 West in the western San Juan Islands is closing to recreational shrimp fishing. Effective date: Thursday, July 28, 2016, at 9 p.m. Species affected: All shrimp species, including spot shrimp. Location: Marine Area …
Photo Courtesy of Big King Salmon Charters 07/20/2016 John Snyder – NWFN Anglers can keep two chinook off Westport beginning July 23 Action: Anglers will be allowed to keep two salmon daily in Marine Area 2 (Westport). Anglers will be allowed to keep up to two chinook daily but must release coho. Effective date: July …
Photo courtesy of Big King Salmon Charters 06/28/2016 – John Snyder – Northwest Fishing News OLYMPIA – Anglers can reel in salmon off the Washington coast beginning July 1, when the ocean sport fishery gets underway daily in all four marine areas. This year’s sport fishing opportunities are mostly focused on chinook salmon, which …
Photo Courtesy of Paul Ambrose of Great NW Rivers Guide Service 06/22/2016 – John Snyder – Northwest Fishing News CLACKAMAS, Ore. – Much better than expected sturgeon harvest during the first of two scheduled summer sturgeon seasons on the Columbia River prompted fishery managers from Oregon and Washington to cancel the second sturgeon retention …
Photo Courtesy of Danny Stonedahl of River Chrome Guide Service. 06/02/2016 – J. W. Snyder – NW Fishing News Halibut fishing re-opens June 11 in marine areas 3, 4; Marine Area 1 all-depth fishery to close June 4 Actions: Recreational halibut fishing in Marine Area 3 (La Push) and Marine Area 4 (Neah …
06/02/2016 – J. W. Snyder – Northwest Fishing News Anglers can fish for free June 11-12 OLYMPIA – Each year, thousands of Washingtonians go fishing – legally – without a license on “Free Fishing Weekend,” scheduled forJune 11-12. During those two days, no license will be required to fish or gather shellfish in …
06/02/2016 – John Snyder – NWFN OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will conduct a public hearing and take action on the protective status of killer whales and streaked horned larks at a public meeting June 10-11 in Olympia. The commission, a citizen panel appointed by the governor to set policy for …
05/26/2016 – John W. J. Snyder – Northwest Fishing News OLYMPIA – State and tribal leaders today reached an agreement on Puget Sound fisheries that is expected to pave the way toward opening summer salmon seasons and waters recently closed to recreational fishing. The co-managers agreed on this year’s Puget Sound salmon seasons after …
05/25/2016 – John W. J. Snyder – Northwest Fishing News Snake River spring chinook fisheries to close Action: Spring chinook fishing on the Snake River to close. Species affected: Chinook salmon. Locations: A) Below Ice Harbor Dam: Snake River from the southbound Highway 12 Bridge near Pasco upstream about 7 miles to the fishing …
May 25, 2016 – J. W. Snyder – NW Fishing News Sturgeon retention season closes in John Day Pool Action: Closes retention of sturgeon in John Day Pool. Effective dates: May 29, 2016, until further notice. Species affected: White sturgeon. Location: The Columbia River and tributaries from John Day Dam upstream to McNary Dam …