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.
Salmon: The spring Chinook season doesn’t officially get underway on the lower Columbia River until March, but anglers can fish for ocean-fresh early arrivals under current rules throughout the month of February. Hatchery steelhead are also available in several rivers below Bonneville Dam. The daily limit for salmon on the mainstem Columbia River is two …
Action: Revises the list of waters where barbless hooks are now voluntary for salmon and steelhead directed fisheries in the mainstem Columbia River from Buoy 10 to Chief Joseph Dam, and Columbia River tributaries from Buoy 10 to McNary Dam. Effective date: June 11, 2019. Species affected: Salmon and steelhead. Rule and Location: A) Barbed hooks are …
Action: Opens recreational halibut fishing on Saturday, June 15 in Marine Areas 3 and 4 (Neah Bay and La Push). Opens recreational halibut fishing Thursday, June 20 in Marine Area 2 (Westport) and Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco and Chinook). Opens the nearshore area in Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco and Chinook) seven days per week beginning …
OLYMPIA – Anglers on a large portion of the Columbia River and many of its tributaries will no longer be required to use barbless hooks when fishing for salmon and steelhead beginning June 1. In March, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission directed the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to make the …
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has scheduled an additional public meeting in Montesano to discuss possible changes to sturgeon regulations, including a night closure on the Chehalis River. The first meeting was held in The Dalles, Oregon on May 22. Upcoming meetings scheduled by WDFW and the Oregon Department …
Photo courtesy of Oregon Fishing Guides Columbia River Fishing Adventures OLYMPIA – State fish managers are hosting a series of public meetings in May and June to discuss sturgeon fishing regulations in Washington. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) have scheduled public meetings …
Northern pike are some of the most troubling aquatic invasive species in the Northwest. So far, they haven’t made it past Washington’s Lake Roosevelt. Two dams stand in their way. And lots of people trying to stop them. If the fish make it past Chief Joseph Dam on the Columbia River, they could greatly harm imperiled salmon downstream. …
WDFW FISHING RULE CHANGE The Skykomish River to open May 25 to fishing for hatchery chinook salmon Action: The Skykomish River will open to fishing for hatchery chinook salmon on May 25 (the Saturday before Memorial Day) to coincide with the gamefish season. Effective dates: May 25 through July 31, 2019. Species affected: Hatchery …
OLYMPIA – Anglers who fish for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River basin will no longer be required to purchase an endorsement to do so beginning July 1. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has collected an $8.75 annual fee – known as the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement – …
OLYMPIA – For the third weekend in a row, a section of the lower Columbia River will reopen for two days of recreational spring chinook salmon fishing beginning Saturday, state fishery managers announced today. The initial spring chinook fishing period from Bonneville Dam downriver to Warrior Rock closed at midnight Wednesday, April 10, then …