New technology aims to help salmon returning to south Puget Sound — Every fall at Capitol Lake in Olympia, the salmon return. At the tail end of a long journey from the ocean to the far southern end of Puget Sound, Chinook salmon congregate at a fish ladder…

As water temperatures cool down, the trout action picks back up and anglers still have more than a month to participate in the WDFW Trout Derby Fish willing to bite, a persistent chance of showers, all highlighted with a vivid landscape glowing of gold and reddish orange hues from brilliant…

Guide to get started fishing in Washington — Some of the best fishing opportunities in the country are available in Washington. From fly-fishing for bass and trout on freshwater lakes and streams east of the Cascades to trolling for salmon along the coast and inner-marine waterways to crabbing in Puget Sound, Washington offers a diverse and unique outdoor…

Guide to get started hunting in Washington — Hunting is a vital way of life for many people in Washington, and it contributes to important statewide conservation efforts. There are a variety of hunting opportunities for seasoned and first-time hunters alike. Check out the resources below to learn the steps every hunter must take before heading afield and…

No yard? No worries! Container gardens are a perfect, mobile way to bring wildlife habitat into your home, office or business, whatever your space looks like. Plus, container gardens can go with you if you move! By thinking about gardening a little differently, you can use the space you have to provide food, shelter…

WDFW Aquatic Invasive Species staff, Native American tribes, shellfish growers, and other partners continue working to reduce populations of invasive European green crabs to below levels harmful to environmental, economic, and cultural resources. — The following highlights are excerpted from our September European Green Crab Public Update. These regular updates are intended to inform the public, local stakeholders, news media, and others regarding the status of European green crab (EGC) management and emergency measures deployment in Washington state. They are archived on our European…

Summer catch record cards due now — Labor Day signals the end of summer across the U.S., and in Washington, marks another particular seasonal milestone: the end of summer crabbing. That means it’s time to look ahead to the winter season, but also time to submit your Puget Sound Dungeness crab catch record card (CRC). Catch record…

Working to restore, conserve, and protect estuary habitat to benefit fish, wildlife, and people Washington is home to nearly 2,700 miles of coastline and estuaries, which are an important part of our culture and our natural heritage. Along the coast, estuaries are centers of activity! This is where freshwater rivers meet the saltwater of the ocean, providing rich food resources and creating the perfect…

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) researchers wrapped up a project this summer that could have important implications for how fishery managers design future coastal steelhead fisheries and prioritize habitat restoration projects. Initially launched in 2021, the project used acoustic and satellite tags — traditionally used for tracking wildlife…