Jan 16, 2025 · RIDGEFIELD – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced a new tentative schedule approach for the Cowlitz River recreational smelt fishery. This approach is designed to provide advance notice of potential fishing days, while balancing increasing fishing effort with sustainable management practices.

Apr 1, 2024 · This pamphlet is a summary of the hunting regulations and seasons adopted by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission. This pamphlet does not contain nor is it intended to contain all Department regulations. Regulations specific to the hunting seasons described in this pamphlet are found in Sections 220-413-180 through 220-417-010, and 220-200-130 through 220-400-010, and 220-413-140 of the ...

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and perpetuating the state’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

Nov 27, 2024 · OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishery managers this week announced regulations for the state’s 2024-25 coastal steelhead season.Most major steelhead fishing areas are scheduled to be open from Dec. 2 through March 31. Notable exceptions include:

On Dec. 19, 2024, the William D. Ruckelshaus Center submitted the "Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Organizational Review (PDF)" to the Washington State Legislature. WDFW has received the report and is reviewing it. We await further direction from the Legislature once the report has been reviewed.

There are many different duck and goose species available to Washington hunters. This can make being in the field challenging for some because within the daily bag limits and possession limits, there are more restrictive limits on certain species.

The Aquatic Protection Permitting System (APPS) is your all-in-one online solution for managing Hydraulic Project Approvals (HPAs). Washington State law requires people planning hydraulic projects in or near state waters to get an HPA from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).This includes most marine and fresh waters.

Sep 27, 2024 · OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today that several Puget Sound marine areas will reopen for recreational crab fishing beginning Oct. 1.“The winter crab fisheries opening in some marine areas were based on Catch Record Card (CRC) harvest information from the summer season as well as expected harvest during the winter season,” said Don Velasquez ...

The outdoors fit into everyone’s life in unique and personal ways. WDFW is committed to helping Washingtonians foster connections and appreciation of nature, wild spaces, fishing, shellfishing, hunting, wildlife watching, and other outdoor recreation on WDFW-managed lands and waters.

Photo by WDFW Washington's State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) will be revised by October 2025.. WDFW has hosted information meetings this Summer (2024).