Discover Southwest Washington

New to fishing in Washington? Check out our Fish Washington blog post for a guide on how to get started.

2024-25 Sport Fishing Rules 

The latest fishing regulations went into effect July 1. The 2024-25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet is now available online and at hundreds of license dealers around the state.

Current fishing regulations and emergency Fishing Rule Changes are also available online at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations.

Lower Columbia River salmon and steelhead

Chinook and coho fishing remain open in the mainstem Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream to the Highway 395 Bridge in Pasco through Dec. 31, with hatchery steelhead retention allowed as part of the daily bag limit in the same stretch of river starting Nov. 1.

Fishery managers from Oregon and Washington took joint state action (PDF) Oct. 30 to allow hatchery steelhead retention from The Dalles Dam upstream to the Highway 395 Bridge in Pasco effective Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. Previously, hatchery steelhead retention was set to open Nov. 1 only in waters downstream of The Dalles Dam under permanent rules.

Since 2017, fishery managers have implemented more restrictive regulations on steelhead fishing due to concerns about both A- and B-index runs. A-index steelhead, which measure under 78 centimeters, typically return earlier in the season, while B-index steelhead, which measure 78 centimeters or larger, return later. This year, the A-index run was the largest since 2016 and exceeded expectations. However, it’s the B-index run, the largest since 2010, that prompted fishery managers to consider a measured and modest expansion of recreational harvest opportunities for hatchery steelhead.

Preseason forecasts for steelhead returning to Bonneville Dam in 2024 was 89,900 A-index and 32,200 B-index fish. However, during an Oct. 7 meeting, the U.S. v. Oregon Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) updated the expected run size abundance at Bonneville Dam to 122,100 A-index and 49,900 B-index steelhead.

Rules and regulations, including bag limits, may vary by location. Anglers should review the emergency fishing rules or Fish Washington® mobile app for the area they plan to fish before heading out. Anglers can be notified of any in-season rules changes as they are announced by signing up for WDFW regulation updates.

To find Columbia River recreational catch data for the mainstem, Buoy 10, and other fisheries visit the Columbia River recreational fishing webpage.

Fishing the tributaries

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Photo by Collin Kuykendall

With steady rainfall in recent weeks, river levels are on the rise, drawing salmon and steelhead into several Southwest Washington tributaries. Anglers willing to brave the cooler, wetter weather may find success targeting the remaining coho and Chinook entering the rivers, with winter hatchery steelhead fishing ramping up in late November. 

The Lewis and Kalama rivers remain open for hatchery Chinook, hatchery coho, and hatchery steelhead retention, with the Cowlitz River open for hatchery coho and hatchery steelhead only. Anglers are reminded that fishing is closed on the Cowlitz River from the fishing boundary below the Salmon Hatchery barrier dam, currently set at 400 feet, to the boundary markers near the water intake, about 1,700 feet upstream of the dam. This closure helps meet brood collection goals and supports fish transport needs in the upper basin.

For recent catch reports, see our Southwest Washington fishing reports webpage.

Chinook retention is closed in the North Fork Toutle River, from the mouth (confluence of the South Fork) to the posted markers downstream of the Fish Collection Facility through Nov. 30. For more information, access the emergency fishing rule.

Above Bonneville Dam, the Klickitat River is open to hatchery Chinook and hatchery steelhead retention in most areas through Nov. 30. Wind River is open to hatchery steelhead retention beginning Nov. 1, though anglers must release all salmon. Drano Lake returns to permanent rules Nov. 1, with retention limited to one adult salmonid (salmon or hatchery steelhead) through Dec. 31.

Rules and regulations, including bag limits, may vary by location. Anglers should review the emergency fishing rules or Fish Washington® mobile app for the area they plan to fish before heading out. Anglers can be notified of any in-season rules changes as they are announced by signing up for WDFW regulation updates.

Sturgeon seasons set for Columbia River

Weirs on southwest Washington rivers

Anglers may begin to see weirs installed on several southwest Washington rivers. WDFW uses “resistance board” weirs to manage the passage of fish traveling up a river. These weirs feature a trap that the fish swim into where they can be sorted, removed if necessary, and tagged by WDFW staff for monitoring purposes.

Learn more about fishing weirs and how they contribute to fish management on the WDFW blog.

The weirs allow fishery managers to reduce the number of “hatchery-origin” Chinook salmon making their way to the upstream spawning grounds, reducing competition with natural-origin, or “wild,” fish. The weirs will remain in the river long enough to intercept the salmon runs.

Weirs are currently installed and operating on the following rivers as of Oct. 28, 2024:

• Elochoman River (at Foster Road)
• Elochoman River (at Beaver Creek Hatchery)

Removed weirs:

• Kalama River (Oct. 14)
• Grays River (Oct. 17)
• Cedar Creek (Oct. 21)
• Coweeman River (Oct. 21)
• Washougal River (Oct. 24)
• South Fork Toutle River (Oct. 28)
• Green River (Oct. 29)

Anglers and those recreating in the areas of the weirs are reminded to obey all posted signs – trespassing on or around the weir is not only dangerous, but also illegal. Fishing boundaries are enforced upstream and downstream of temporary weirs. Anglers should refer to the annual fishing pamphlet for rules and regulations for the body of water you plan to fish.

This webpage will be updated when weirs have been removed and fishing and recreation restrictions have been lifted. For weekly updates and weir catch data, visit the Southwest Washington fishing reports webpage.

Razor clam digging opportunities

Update (Nov. 8): WDFW shellfish managers approved an additional seven razor clam digs on four coastal beaches starting Nov. 13, with more tentative digs planned through 2024.

WDFW shellfish managers approved five additional days of coastal razor clam digs at four coastal beaches—Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, and Copalis—from Nov. 1-5, with additional tentative digs planned through 2024. The 2024-25 season should offer similar opportunities to last year, provided marine toxin levels remain safe. On all open beaches, the daily limit is 15 clams per person. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container, and all diggers must keep the first 15 clams they dig, regardless of size or condition. More information about razor clam digging opportunities, including future tentative dates, is available on the razor clam webpage.

Klickitat steelhead floy tags

Fishing the Klickitat River for steelhead? Yakama Nation Fisheries staff have tagged adult salmon and steelhead at the Lyle Falls Fishway and Adult Trap Facility (located at river mile 2.4 on the lower Klickitat River). Floy tags inserted through the dorsal fin have been used as an externally visible tag that helps estimate total fish numbers entering the Klickitat River, which now includes wild steelhead. Prior to 2024, only hatchery steelhead (adipose fin-clipped) were given a floy tag. Anglers are reminded that all wild steelhead must still be released even if it has a floy tag inserted.

More information, as well as fish counts can be found on the Lyle Falls Adult Trap website.

Watch: Snagging fish is illegal

Fishing legally and ethically helps to ensure an enjoyable time for everyone. We would like to remind all anglers that snagging is illegal throughout Washington. Snagging is defined as “an effort to take fish with a hook and line in a manner that the fish does not take the hook or hook voluntarily in its mouth.” Although more commonly witnessed during times of low flow, snagging occurs year-round. Violators are subject to fines or prosecution. Watch our short video to learn more and help spread the word about protecting our state’s fish resources. Additional fishing rules information can be found online.

Yale Reservoir salmon length restriction

Anglers fishing at Yale Reservoir will be restricted to retaining salmon 15 inches and under through Dec. 31. This rule applies to all salmon species as part of the ongoing efforts to support the reintroduction of adult coho into the upper Lewis River system. These coho are being released for habitat preparation and nutrient enhancement. The existing landlocked salmon (kokanee) fishery will continue under the same regulations, with the combined catch of trout and salmon counting toward the trout limit. No sport catch record card is required for salmon in this fishery. More information about this rule change and others can be found on the emergency rules webpage.

Trout fishing in lakes and ponds

With temperatures cooling and fish becoming more active, trout fishing is a great outdoor opportunity in November. While many of the Southwest Washington’s lakes including Carlisle, Mayfield, and Rowland—continue to produce with trout holdovers from summer plants, additional catchable trout plants are planned for the holidays.

Each fall leading up to Black Friday, WDFW stocks many lakes across Washington with thousands of “holiday special” trout weighing up to three pounds and averaging 15 to 16 inches in length. Southwest Washington lakes that will be stocked this year include:

• Battle Ground Lake and Klineline Pond in Clark County
• Kress Lake in Cowlitz County
• Fort Borst Park Pond and South Lewis County Park Pond in Lewis County

Instead of standing in a line this Black Friday, get outdoors and cast a line instead. Additional information will be available in the WDFW newsroom later this month. Visit the lowland lakes webpage to explore thousands of lowland lakes in Washington.

Be aware that some lakes in the region may be closed to fishing or will close at the end of the month under permanent rules. Anglers should review the annual fishing pamphlet (PDF) or Fish Washington® mobile app for the lake they plan to fish before heading out.

Trout fishing in rivers and streams

While river levels may still be low in spots, trout fishing in many of southwest Washington’s rivers, streams, and beaver ponds has been solid in recent weeks. Many streams hold surprisingly large rainbow and cutthroat trout that can be caught using small spinners, spoons, jigs, or fly-fishing gear.

Anglers should be aware that the river or stream you’re fishing may be managed under catch and release or selective gear rules—which prohibit using bait, barbs, and treble hooks—to protect wild steelhead and salmon. Be sure to check the Fish Washington® mobile app or online regulations for any emergency fishing rule changes before heading out.

Pikeminnow Sport-Reward Fishery recap

For the first time in its 34-year history, the Northern Pikeminnow Sport-Reward Fishery closed early in 2024, ending on Sept. 25. The closure came after Bonneville Power Administration’s $1.7 million reward fund was met ahead of the Sept. 30 end date.

The program, which pays anglers $6 to $10 for each qualifying fish, and up to $500 for a tagged fish, contributes to conservation by harvesting a portion of the largest pikeminnow preying on threatened salmon and steelhead populations in the Columbia and Snake River basins.

During the 2024 season, the program reached its goal of removing 10 to 20% of the largest pikeminnow from their population. In total, 12,160 registered angler efforts resulted in 176,420 qualifying northern pikeminnow being caught, with an average daily catch per angler of 14.5. The program’s top angler took home $163,260 by turning in 15,800 fish. The payout and total catch are new program highs, besting the previous records of $119,341 and 14,109 set in 2016.

Weekly catch reports are available on the Pikeminnow Sport-Reward Fishery Program webpage. For more information, visit Pikeminnow.org.

Warmwater fish

Although water temperatures are cooling, warmwater fish are still active in some southwest Washington lakes. Horsethief Lake is producing some decent-sized bass, with Lacamas Lake offering late-season opportunities for largemouth bass and yellow perch. Crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed can still be caught in Silver Lake this month.

The walleye bite is slowing down in the Columbia River as temperatures fall. However, persistent anglers can still find plenty of success this month trolling or jigging near structure or weed lines as walleye navigate shallow water in search of various baitfish.

Tiger muskie and northern pike

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Did you know tiger muskie are present in several Washington lakes? These sterile (or non-reproducing) fish closely resemble invasive northern pike, but contrary to their invasive and potentially devastating cousins, tiger muskie serve a great purpose! 

Fish Washington® app receives major upgrades

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WDFW launched an upgraded version of the Fish Washington® mobile application on April 9, now available to download on both Apple iOS and Android devices. The new version is designed to run more smoothly while using less data and device memory.

Developers completely rewrote the app’s code, which now features a single code base for both iOS and Android platforms. This means a smaller app size, less frequent updates, and fewer bugs. Other improvements include:

• Location-enabled United States Geological Service (USGS) river gauges.
• More consistent emergency regulation delivery.
• Map upgrades.

The new version will show the full water body name and description on emergency regulation cards. With a data connection, the app also includes National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) tidal predictions for marine waters and portions of the Columbia River, as well as river gauges from multiple data providers. Users can ask questions, make suggestions, or report issues at MobileAppDev@dfw.wa.gov. Learn more in our news release.

For an overview of hunting in Washington and how to get started, visit our Hunt Washington blog post.

Buy your 2024 hunting license

With hunting season beginning, Washingtonians will need to buy 2024-2025 recreational hunting and fishing licenses. People can buy licenses from WDFW’s licensing website, WDFW regional offices, or hundreds of license vendors around the state.

Current hunting regulations are also available online at wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations.

2024-25 hunting regulations

The 2024-25 Game Bird and Small Game Hunting Regulations and 2024-25 Big Game Hunting Regulations pamphlets are available online and at hundreds of license dealers around the state. The updated rules can help hunters make decisions about how to spend their time in the field.

Current hunting regulations are also available online at wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations.

Big game hunting

Western Washington’s modern firearm elk season is open Nov. 2-13 in many Southwest Washington Game Management Units (GMUs). Historically, the region has been among the leaders in statewide elk harvest, with the highest general season harvests occurring in GMUs 506 (Willapa Hills), 530 (Ryderwood), 520 (Winston), and 550 (Coweeman). 

The late general season for black-tailed deer is open Nov. 14-17 in several Southwest Washington GMUs. On average, roughly one-third of the region’s annual buck harvest occurs during this four-day hunt as the rut (mating season) is underway and bucks are on the move.

With stable populations of deer and elk in the region thanks to mild winters in recent years, hunting opportunities should be good in 2024. To help you prepare for your hunt, WDFW biologists have prepared the latest Washington Hunting Prospects. These reports provide guidance and hunting information for each district to help hunters have a successful season.

Out of state hunters: Bringing bones into Washington is illegal

WDFW reminds out of state hunters of restrictions on bringing deer, elk, moose, or caribou into Washington if harvested outside the state, or within the 100 series GMUs located in Eastern Washington. To prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD), animals should be boned out at the site of harvest if possible. Only deboned meat, cleaned skulls, antlers, hides, and specific tissues for research or taxidermy are allowed for transport. Visit WDFW’s website for CWD information, regulations, and testing instructions.

Chronic wasting disease in Eastern Washington

With fall hunting seasons starting, 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. To help manage the spread of this disease, WDFW has put some emergency rule changes in place that will impact some hunters in eastern Washington. Review the new rules at the link below.

If you have questions, we have compiled a list of frequently asked chronic wasting disease questions and answers including what can be imported from the affected game management units; how to have harvested deer, elk, and moose tested for CWD; and why baiting is not allowed this season in some areas. 

Waterfowl season takes flight

Statewide duck hunting seasons took flight last month and continue through Jan. 26. Mallards are providing early-season hunting opportunities, but more birds are on the way, as northern ducks push down in large numbers from Canada and Alaska.

Goose hunting in Goose Management Area 3 (Lewis and Skamania counties) will resume Nov. 2 after a brief hiatus, with Goose Management Area 2 – Inland (Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties) resuming Nov. 20 on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays only.

Season dates will vary by location. Hunters are reminded to check the migratory waterfowl regulations for specific season dates and for detailed rules and bag limits.

Tens of millions of ducks and geese use the Pacific Flyway, and Washington is routinely ranked among the best states in the U.S. for waterfowl hunting, with diverse species and opportunities from coastal bays and marshes to farm fields, pothole lakes, and big rivers.

Prior to the heavy rains in November and December, duck and goose hunters generally do best along the Columbia River and other large, permanent bodies of water. Later in the season, high water might disperse birds, and hunters may have more success by targeting flooded farmlands.

For more information about bird and small game hunting, including season dates and regulations, please refer to the 2024 Game Bird and Small Game Hunting Regulations.

Fall turkey general season

While turkey hunting is often associated with parts of eastern Washington, hunters may be surprised to discover the wealth of opportunities available in southwest Washington this fall. The region, with healthy wild turkey populations and a new, expanded bag limit, offers an exciting option for hunters looking to explore a different part of the state.

The fall general season for wild turkey begins Sept. 1 and runs through Dec. 31 in several GMUs across Klickitat and Skamania counties, including GMUs 382, 388, and 568 through 578. This year, the bag limit has been increased to two turkeys (either sex) per hunter, compared to the previous limit of one.

For more turkey hunting tips, read our blog on five techniques to help you bag a turkey in Washington this fall. For more information about the wild turkey fall general season, please refer to page 36 of the 2024 Game Bird and Small Game Hunting Regulations.

Upland game birds

Hunting seasons for pheasant, quail, and grouse that got underway in late September continue under permanent rules. Check the 2024 Game Bird and Small Game Hunting Regulations for season dates and regulations.

Black bear hunting season open through Nov. 15

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Photo by WDFW

The fall black bear hunting dates are Aug.1 – Nov. 15. More information including area restrictions is available in the 2024 Big Game Hunting Regulations. 

Hunters are urged to not shoot a female with cubs. Bait or hounds are not allowed for bear hunting under Washington state law. Successful hunters must submit a tooth sample from their harvested bear, with instructions available at the link below. 

Hunters that choose to hunt in GMUs located in grizzly bear recovery areas must successfully complete the annual WDFW online bear identification test. The online test is available through the WDFW Wild System or our Bear identification program webpage.

New cougar regulations

A reminder for cougar hunters that, under new rules, GMUs may be closed to hunting when the harvest cap is reached. As of late October, GMUs 124, 127, 130, and 564 are closed to hunting cougars. Hunters can verify if the season is open or closed online or by calling the toll-free Cougar Hotline at 1-866-364-4868 (press 2 after greeting).

New bobcat submission requirements

Washington small game hunters and trappers are now required to submit the lower jaw of any bobcat they harvest, as part of the mandatory pelt sealing process. For more information, including a how-to video, visit WDFW’s bobcat webpage.

Sign up for in-person hunter education

Hunter education is a mandatory program designed to promote knowledge and skills to continue our proud hunting tradition. WDFW offers two types of hunter education courses that teach firearms and outdoor safety, wildlife management, and hunter responsibility. All hunters born after Jan. 1, 1972 must show proof of hunter education course completion before purchasing their first Washington hunting license. For more information, visit the Hunter Education web page.

Hoof disease in elk 

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Photo by Eric Koltes

As many hunters know, Treponeme-Associated Hoof Disease (TAHD) has spread among elk in Western Washington in recent years. While elk are susceptible to many conditions that cause limping or hoof deformities, the prevalence and severity of this new affliction – now known as treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD) – suggests something different.

In 2021, WDFW implemented an incentive-based pilot program to encourage Western Washington (400, 500, 600 series GMUs) hunters to harvest limping elk, potentially reducing prevalence of the disease over time. General season or permit hunters can choose to participate in the program by submitting elk hooves at one of the many collection sites in western Washington.

See the WDFW website for the locations of collection sites. Hunters that submit hooves with signs of TAHD (for example, abnormal hooves) will be automatically entered into a drawing for a special incentive permit for the following license year. Multiple bull permits in western Washington with season dates of Sept. 1 – Dec. 31 will be awarded. Additionally, all participants will receive a custom, waterproof license holder. 

What hunters can do to help: 

• Harvest a limping elk from any 400, 500, 600 series GMUs.
• Turn in your elk hooves along with complete registration forms at one of several collection sites in western Washington. 
• Report elk: Hunters can help WDFW track TAHD by reporting observations of both affected and unaffected elk on the department’s online reporting form. 
• Clean shoes and tires: Anyone who hikes or drives off-road in a known affected area can help minimize the risk of spreading the disease to new areas by removing all mud from their shoes and tires before leaving the area.

Head to myWDFW.com for info on hunting, angling, and more

WDFW has rolled out a promotional website for all things hunting, angling, foraging, recreating, and more. At myWDFW.com, you’ll find informative how-to articles on the season’s major fishing and hunting opportunities, as well as a portal to online license sales and a regular update on WDFW’s latest Life Outdoors articles.

Each quarter, new fishing and hunting highlights are posted to help you get ready and take part in Washington’s current and upcoming opportunities. Dedicated to current agency promotions, outdoor recreation information, and educational content, myWDFW.com preps you to meet with success in the field and on the water.

Searching for places to watch wildlife or recreate on State Wildlife Areas or WDFW Water Access Areas? Visit our Places to Go webpage, Wildlife Area map or Water Access Area webpage for ideas.

Or visit our wildlife viewing webpage for more information and tips on wildlife watching!

Fall bird migration underway

Fall migration is in full swing on the Vancouver Lowlands with new arrivals showing up daily. Thousands of Canada geese can now be seen in area wetlands, along with great egrets and the occasional American white pelican. Sandhill cranes and swans can also be spotted visiting lowlands in November as they head south to their wintering grounds.

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. Learn more about how to help us keep wildlife wild by following tips on our website (PDF).

Be aware of avian influenza (bird flu)

With the bird migration underway, there is a chance we could also see a resurgence in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or commonly known as bird flu) to the state. The H5N1 virus of avian influenza is making the rounds again, especially in areas of Western Washington. This is confirmed by WDFW testing of sick or dead wild birds and U.S. Department of Agriculture surveillance of hunter-harvested birds. 

Hunters are encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves and their dogs from the virus. WDFW has specific precautions on our avian influenza webpage under “Human HPAI Safety.” If you encounter a sick or dead wild bird, please report it via our online reporting tool.

WDFW offers accessible hunting and wildlife-viewing blinds

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Photo by WDFW

Did you know WDFW offers hunting and wildlife-viewing blinds and platforms throughout Washington that are accessible to people with disabilities? Learn about these Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) designated sites at our ADA Hunting and wildlife-viewing blinds and platforms website.

Some sites can be reserved through WDFW's Private Lands Hunting Access program. Others can be reserved by calling the wildlife area manager. Hunters without disabilities should yield ADA hunting and wildlife-viewing blinds and platforms to those with disabilities if the site was reserved.

Many of these ADA hunting and wildlife-viewing blinds and platforms are built and maintained with support from volunteers, master hunters, and partners including Inland Northwest Wildlife Council and Washington Waterfowl Association. Thank you!

Practice bear awareness this summer

Black bears are common throughout Washington, including suburban areas. Both when preparing for hibernation and awakening from it, they look for high-calorie foods that are easy to obtain. These may include garbage, bird feeders (both seed and liquid), fruit trees, and pet food.

As human populations encroach on bear habitat, people and bears have greater chances of encountering each other. Food sources provided by humans, whether intentionally or not, can attract bears. Removing these attractants is the best way to encourage bears to move along and focus on natural food sources.

Ask your local waste management company if bear-resistant containers are available or if individually purchased bear-resistant containers are compatible with the company’s equipment. Secure your garbage cans, such as in a shed or garage, and put them out the morning of pickup — not the night before. To help reduce odors, freeze meat and fish waste before disposing of it and spray garbage cans with disinfectants.

More information on living with bears is available on our website and our blog.

Looking for more info on wildlife conservation and species management around Washington? Check out our Bi-Weekly Wildlife Program reports.

Check out our September/October Director's Bulletin for more conservation highlights!

Wild Washington Youth Education program

Early season snows reveal animal tracks, hidey-holes, and other wildlife findings that might not be seen on bare ground. Additionally, seasonal changes in foliage can help kids hone observation skills. Observation and sensory activities help children make sense of how the world works and encourage critical thinking skills. For ideas, check out our Nature-based mindfulness activities.

Habitat at home

Leave the leaves, our friends need these! That’s right, the leaves that fall on the ground are crucial to wildlife surviving the winter. Ground-nesting pollinators and insects nest in them; amphibians and reptiles find cozy shelter in the warm, moist leaves; songbirds use them for their nest; and small mammals use leaves to keep them warm through the winter. Can’t leave the leaves? Create small leaf piles around your yard – these miniature hideaways make a big difference.

Look out for invasive European green crabs

Join us in the fight against this invasive species. If you spot a European green crab using these 5 points, report it at wdfw.wa.gov/greencrab.

#LifeOutdoorsWA

The outdoors fits into everyone’s life in unique and personal ways. We want to help people connect with nature wherever they are. Check out our Life Outdoors resources to plan your next adventure, whether it be birding in your neighborhood or camping across the state. We hope to see you in the field and on the water enjoying the Life Outdoors!

Join the WDFW team

If you’d enjoy preserving, protecting, and perpetuating the state’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities, then check out some of our current job openings or sign up for job alerts. From fishery technicians and environmental planners to data scientists, archaeologists to wildlife biologists, a career with WDFW makes a difference. 

Volunteer opportunity spotlight 

WDFW welcomes volunteers of all abilities who want to contribute to conservation of fish, wildlife, and habitat. Diverse volunteer opportunities are available, including projects on state wildlife areas and water access areas, habitat restoration projects, Hunter Education instruction, and assisting at outreach events. To get started as a volunteer, register at the link below and view upcoming volunteer opportunities around the state. Adding interest groups to your profile allows staff to reach out to you based on your choices. Find volunteer opportunities on the WDFW website.

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Photo by WDFW

Rian Sallee has worked in the non-profit, private and government sectors on environmental protection and conservation, specializing in water quality policy. She joined WDFW in 2023 from the Washington State Department of Ecology where she led the Vancouver Field Office with a focus on environmental justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Rian is honored to serve WDFW as Region 5 Director. She looks forward to co-creating a culture of belonging at the agency informed by our shared values and the legacy of the exceptional work and dedication of our employees. She is motivated to collaborate internally between regions and across programs, and externally to support our partnerships. Rian enjoys working at the intersection of people, science and policy and is excited to connect with and learn from our employees throughout the state as they work to conserve Washington’s fish, wildlife and the habitats that support them.

Rian serves as Chair of the Board of the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership. She is from the Midwest and spent years living and working on Lake Erie which instilled in her a passion for and commitment to natural resource conservation and environmental protection. She holds a Master of Environmental Science degree from Miami University in Ohio.