Discover South Central Washington

Salmon Fishing on the Columbia River

Coho can still be found migrating through the Columbia River. The adult coho limit has increased in the lower section of the Hanford Reach (I-182 Bridge upstream to old Hanford townsite powerline). The lower reach is open for Ringold Springs hatchery origin steelhead from the I-182 Bridge to old Hanford powerline crossing. See the WDFW website for additional information. The steelhead fishery will be monitored in-season to evaluate steelhead returns and may close early to allow for adequate broodstock collections at Ringold.

Releasing salmon properly

Selective fisheries for hatchery-produced salmon and catch-and-release fisheries are increasingly important to providing recreational fishing opportunities around Washington. To ensure these fisheries are successful long-term, it is vital that anglers do their part to comply with all regulations, especially how to properly release unmarked, undersized and out-of-season fish to improve their survival. Watch our YouTube video and read how to properly release salmon.

Bass and walleye fishing

Most sections of the Columbia and Snake rivers in south central Washington hold large populations of both smallmouth bass and walleye in November. 

Excellent walleye fisheries include Wallula Junction, the Snake River below Ice Harbor Dam, and the Columbia River from Boardman upstream to McNary Dam. Smallmouth bass share habitat with walleye but sometimes run as deep as 50 feet. Fishing for these hard-fighting fish tends to carry on through November. There is no minimum size and no limit on the number of walleye, bass, or channel catfish anglers can keep from the Columbia and Snake rivers. 

Bluegill, crappie, and yellow perch fishing is also open. Scooteney Reservoir southeast of Othello has a nice mix of perch and walleye. There are also panfish opportunities in Scooteney Reservoir and the I-82 Ponds. 

Trout fishing

Anglers can reel in hefty broodstock rainbow trout from small lakes and ponds in and around Yakima and Ellensburg. WDFW usually stocks these 3-to-10-pound fish in November. Check the Trout Plant Reports to see when these fish are available. Elton Pond North near Selah will be stocked with 2,000 half-pound rainbow trout for fishing in time for the Black Friday opener. Access to this pond is managed through agreement with WSDOT. Please observe the closure of the pond until it opens on November 29. 

While many waters around the state close October 31, most of the lakes and ponds in Region 3 remain open year-round. Late fall can be a productive time to fish before these waters freeze up.

White sturgeon fishing

Fishing is limited to catch-and-release only. Late fall is a good time to fish for sturgeon in sections of the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Lake Wallula (McNary Reservoir) catch-and-release fishing is open year-round for sturgeon except for a winter closure from the Hanford townsite to Vernita Bridge. Favorite baits are roll mop herring, salmon bellies, shad, and squid. Use one single point barbless hook when fishing for sturgeon. Fishing at night is not allowed. Please review the Washington Sport Fishing Rules for additional restrictions on sturgeon fishing including the upstream section of the Hanford Reach.

Hunters planning their late season hunts can check the regulations for start dates, and the Hunt Planner Webmap, which provides information on permit and general season hunts based on location, date, weapon choice, and more. Also, visit this page for the Hunting Prospects, and sign up here for Hunter Education.

Waterfowl

The hunt is on for ducks, coots, and snipe. Goose hunting seasons vary depending on species and management area. With abundant flocks of migratory waterfowl and diverse areas to hunt, Washington is one of the best states in the country to hunt ducks and geese. Check the waterfowl hunting page for techniques and tips. 

Waterfowl hunters, birders, and other outdoor recreationists are reminded to be respectful of each other, to share public lands and waters safely and responsibly, and to appreciate that each cares deeply about the birds and their habitat.

There are many places to hunt ducks and geese in Benton and Franklin counties in addition to the several major rivers. Several locations on WDFW’s Sunnyside Snake River Wildlife Area include the Windmill Ranch Unit, Mesa Lake Unit, Headquarters

Unit, and Bailie Memorial Youth Ranch. Other sites include the Bureau of Reclamation’s Scooteney Reservoir. 

In Yakima and Kittitas counties, the best waterfowl hunting is in the Lower Yakima Valley, especially on Yakama Nation lands, which have abundant opportunity along the Yakima River. The Yakama Nation’s Satus Wildlife Area is the most popular and open to hunting Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. The main Satus Wildlife Area has relatively easy access to wetlands. Hunting can be just as good on Mosebar ponds and north Satus. A Yakama Nation license is required to hunt on tribal lands.

The Sunnyside Unit within the Sunnyside Wildlife Area on WDFW managed land has several managed wetlands. As of late October, the Johnson Wetland, Rice Paddies Wetland, and Haystack Ponds were filling or full. The Johnson Unit has some water entering, but likely won’t fill until early November. Contact the Sunnyside Wildlife Area for information on water levels and ADA blinds and visit Let’s Go Waterfowl Hunting on the WDFW website.

We have tips for sharing WDFW managed lands and opportunities to learn more about WDFW Wildlife Areas. Check the hunting regulations for more detail including hunting seasons.

Upland game

Forest grouse hunting season is also open. Information is in this year’s Migratory Waterfowl and Upland Game Seasons and Rules pamphlet. For those planning a pheasant hunt, be sure to look at the Eastern Washington Pheasant Enhancement Program document on the WDFW webpage for maps and sites. Statewide turkey Hunting is open, as well as quail, partridge, and chukar.

Chronic wasting disease in Eastern Washington 

With fall hunting seasons underway, it is important for hunters to know that WDFW has recently confirmed the first case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Washington. A deer found in north Spokane County tested positive for the disease. CWD is a fatal illness of cervids, including deer, elk, moose, and caribou. If you travel to WDFW’s Region 1 to hunt, be aware that there are new rules in place to help manage the spread of this disease, and that you cannot transport a whole carcass out of Region 1 to other parts of the state.  Information on new rules and other CWD information is on WDFW’s CWD web page.

Black bear season

Fall black bear season continues through Nov. 15. If you plan to hunt black bears in certain Washington GMUs in north central and northeast Washington, you must successfully complete the WDFW bear identification test first, or an equivalent test from another state and carry proof of successful completion.

Current fire activity and closures

The Retreat Fire closures on lands managed by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife expired and these lands opened on Thursday, Oct. 24. However, access may still be restricted on adjacent lands under other public management within the fire footprint and will likely affect hunting opportunities in the Oak Creek basin as well as lands south of US Highway 12. Currently, the Oak Creek USFS 1400 Road and USFS 1302 Road near Windy Point remain closed. Please continue to check our wildfire information page along with other agency websites for further information to make sure lands are safe to enter before heading out.

Migrating birds

Late November is typically the time when large numbers of migrating ducks and geese move south into Washington from far-north locations seeking open water and warmer temperatures. The spectacle of waterfowl can be amazing when bad weather concentrates large numbers of birds in our area. Early November is a good time to find scoters and other uncommon waterfowl species on larger rivers and waterways, as well as wintering gulls. Drake ducks are beginning to regain breeding plumages and numbers of snow and white-fronted geese will grow along with Canada geese. The viewing and photography blind at the Headquarters of the McNary National Wildlife Refuge near Burbank is a great place to watch them. Look out for winter finches to appear at conifers and feeders. A potential eruption of siskin and crossbills is forecasted for this winter due to poor seed crops in Canada. November is a great time to start putting out bird seed or suet feeders. Learn more about creating a wildlife friendly space. 

Along with waterfowl, large numbers of bald eagles will flock to the region in pursuit of salmon carcasses and waterfowl. Some red-tailed, sharp-shinned, and Cooper's hawks that summer further north are moving into or through the region and rough-legged hawks will be arriving.

Explore a birding trail near you

Find the best places for bird watching in South Central Washington by exploring routes along the Great Washington State Birding Trail. The Sun and Sage Loop features 53 main sites to see mountain golden eagles, bald eagles, cedar waxwings, dark-eyed juncos, American white pelicans, and more.

Bighorn sheep viewing

November is the rut for bighorn sheep and the sound of rams head butting can often be heard. The best viewing opportunities are the Yakima River Canyon along Highway 821 and at the base of Cleman Mountain if the ground has greened-up enough (near the junction of Highway 410 and Highway 12 on the Old Naches Highway).

Shared space with hunters

Birders and others afield in the coming weeks should be aware that several hunting seasons are underway throughout the region. While many hunters follow safety rules and carefully verify their targets, non-hunters can help to avoid an accident by wearing bright, hunter-orange clothing and making their presence known to hunters. Find tips for sharing WDFW-managed lands on the WDFW website. 

Hunting is allowed on most state public lands (excluding State Parks and designated Game Reserves). Hunters, birders, and other outdoor recreationists are reminded to be respectful of each other, to share public lands and waters safely and responsibly, and to appreciate that each cares deeply about birds, wildlife, and their habitat! Respectful communication and dialogue go a long way toward creating enjoyable connections between outdoors enthusiasts on our public lands. 

Intentionally obstructing the lawful taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife — including waterfowl and upland game birds — is a crime in Washington as detailed in our state’s “hunter harassment” law RCW 77.15.210. 

Watch wildlife, drive carefully

With vivid fall colors emerging across the region, now is a good time to see wildlife, but with that opportunity comes danger on the roads. As temperatures cool, animals become more active, including young animals without much road savvy. Be sure to keep a watchful eye while traveling.

Feeding wildlife

Many well-meaning Washington residents in urban and suburban areas enjoy feeding deer in their yards. Although some people see this type of feeding as helping these animals, it can hurt them and potentially cause illness and death for the animal as their digestive systems aren’t designed to process certain kinds of foods. Check the page on wildlife feeding for more information.   

Bears

Black bears are fueling up for winter and can be aggressive. We're asking for your help to secure unnatural food sources to reduce bear encounters – especially around your home or while on the trail.  Over 90 percent of human-bear conflicts result from bears being conditioned to associate food with humans. A wild bear can become permanently food-conditioned after only one handout experience. The unintended reality is that these bears will likely die, being killed by someone protecting their property, or by a wildlife manager having to remove a potentially dangerous bear. Unintentionally feeding bears can also lead to habituated bears. If you live in bear country, be sure to secure your trash inside a garage or shed or invest in a commercially-available bear-proof trash container. For more information on avoiding bear conflicts of all kinds, visit the black bear WDFW webpage.

Fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs! Ask your local nursery about native plants or beneficial fruiting, flowering or seeding plants, and get them in the ground before it freezes. 

Fall is often synonymous with raking leaves and clearing dead brush - but for many species including bumblebees and butterflies, leaf litter is a critical hibernating habitat. Dead stalks and seeds also provide important food and cover for backyard birds and other beneficial insects. Before you rake and clear, consider leaving this valuable cover until spring, or leaving leaves and brush piles in some portion of your yard to help hibernating wildlife underneath! You can learn more at this blog post by Xerces: Leave the Leaves!

Biodiversity is the full range of life in all its forms. This includes the habitats where life occurs, the ways that species and habitats interact with each other, and the physical environment and processes necessary for those interactions.  

Washington is experiencing unprecedented biodiversity (PDF) loss. Human population growth and climate change have been the driving factors for landscape changes affecting biodiversity in Washington.

Learn about ways you can support biodiversity and wildlife in Washington by visiting WDFW’s new Stewardship at Home webpage.

To read reports published prior to 2023, visit the Biweekly Wildlife Program activity reports page.

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Photo by WDFW

Mike Livingston, the South Central Regional Director (Region 3) grew up fishing, hunting and playing in the forests of southeast Michigan. He received a bachelor’s degree in Conservation from Northern Michigan University, a bachelor’s degree in Fish and Wildlife Management from Michigan State University and a master’s in Wildlife Science from New Mexico State University.

Since 1996 Mike has worked in eastern Washington and held wildlife biologist positions with the Army’s Yakima Training Center, the Yakama Nation, and WDFW as District Wildlife Biologist in the Tri-Cities. In 2012, he was promoted to his current position as WDFW’s Region 3 Director. As Regional Director, he oversees operations in the region and gets to work on big collaborative conservation projects such as the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan. When not working, you can often find him outside with his: family, friends, dog, shotgun, fishing rod, and/or backpack.