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.
May 24, 2016 – John Snyder – NWFN Spring chinook fishing extension split between May, June on lower Columbia OLYMPIA – Anglers fishing the lower Columbia River can catch and keep spring chinook salmon for four more days in May – including Memorial Day weekend – and up to 13 days in June under …
04/27/2016 – John Snyder – NWFN OLYMPIA – After additional discussions Wednesday, state and tribal fishery managers did not reach an agreement for this year’s Puget Sound salmon-fishing seasons. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and treaty tribes separately will continue to seek federal permits necessary for holding marine and fresh water …
04/19/2016 – J. W. Snyder – Northwest Fishing News WDFW hatcheries releasing steelhead under newly approved federal permits OLYMPIA – State fishery managers have begun releasing more than 500,000 juvenile steelhead from five state fish hatcheries into Puget Sound rivers after receiving word from NOAA-Fisheries that those facilities meet federal environmental standards. For …
Photo Courtesy of Great NW Rivers Guide Service. 04/11/2016 – John Snyder – NW Fishing News Bonneville Pool will open two days for sturgeon retention Action: The summer-season recreational fishery in Bonneville Reservoir opens to white sturgeon retention for two days in June. Effective dates: Saturday, June 18, and Friday, July 1, 2016 …
04/01/2016 – J. W. Snyder – NW Fishing News Start of lowland lakes trout season one of many opening days in April For many anglers, “opening day” is synonymous with the start of the lowland lakes trout-fishing season, which gets under way on April 23 this year. Hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians typically descend on …
04/01/2016 – J. W. Snyder – Northwest Fishing News OLYMPIA – State shellfish managers today approved 10 days of razor clam digging beginning Sunday on three ocean beaches. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the digs after marine toxin tests showed the clams on those beaches are safe to eat. …
04/01/2016 – John Snyder – NWFN Salmon season closes April 4 in Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2 Action: Closes fishing for salmon in Marine Area 8-1 and 8-2. Effective Date: April 4 through April 30, 2016. Species affected: Salmon. Location: Marine Areas 8-1 (Deception Pass, Hope Island, and Skagit Bay) and 8-2 (Ports Susan …
03/17/2016 – J. W. Snyder – NWFN OLYMPIA – Anglers have three opportunities in March to meet with state fishery managers to talk about salmon fisheries in the mid- and upper Columbia River and lower Snake River before this year’s seasons are set. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has scheduled three …
03/16/2016 – John Snyder – NWFN OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will no longer release hatchery-reared steelhead in the Grays River to help preserve the wild steelhead population near the mouth of the Columbia River. The Chinook River, which flows into the Columbia 15 miles farther downstream, will also …
03/14/2016 – J. W. Snyder – NWFN OLYMPIA – Poor forecasts for returning coho salmon are prompting state and tribal fishery managers to consider closing all salmon fisheries in Washington’s ocean waters this year as part of a federal season-setting process for the west coast. State, tribal and federal fishery managers have developed …