See the best places to fish, hunt, and explore in Washington this fall per WDFW

Fall is beginning to take hold across Washington, bringing cooler temperatures and new opportunities for anglers, hunters, wildlife watchers, and other people heading outdoors.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says salmon fisheries are underway in many rivers and marine areas, hunting seasons are beginning across the state, and cooler weather is improving trout fishing at lowland lakes.

Shellfish harvesting, salmon viewing and fishing, and hiking on WDFW-managed lands are also among the options heading into fall.

Here’s a look at some of the outdoor opportunities around Washington this September.

Where can you fish for coho salmon in Washington this fall?

Some of the best fishing in Washington this fall is expected to be coho salmon fishing.

WDFW is forecasting a combined return of more than 1.8 million hatchery and wild coho statewide in 2026, up from nearly 1.6 million last year.

Puget Sound alone is expected to see 897,190 coho, compared with 727,058 in 2025. Another 358,700 adult coho are projected to return to the mouth of the Columbia River.

Anglers can look for coho in open portions of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound, including Marine Areas 5 through 13.

In North Puget Sound, WDFW says strong catches have recently been reported around Possession Bar off Whidbey Island, the Edmonds waterfront, West Point, Jefferson Head, Richmond Beach, Hat Island, Mukilteo, Cypress Island, and parts of the San Juan Islands.

The lower Columbia River also offers coho opportunities from Buoy 10 upstream to the Highway 395 Bridge in Pasco.

Fishing is expected to pick up in additional western Washington bays, estuaries, and rivers after the first fall rains.

Which Washington rivers are open for salmon fishing?

Several North Puget Sound rivers are already open for salmon fishing.

The Skagit River is among the options for coho, while fall Chinook fishing is open on the Samish River and Whatcom Creek.

However, anglers should pay close attention to current regulations before heading out.

WDFW is still assessing whether planned fall coho fisheries on the Snohomish and Stillaguamish rivers can open following state budget cuts that affected fisheries monitoring.

The Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers also remained closed as of early September to protect wild Chinook salmon.

Some rivers that are closed to salmon fishing remain open for other game fish. WDFW is asking anglers to give salmon space, particularly during low-water conditions.

What other fishing opportunities are available this fall?

Salmon aren’t the only option as temperatures begin to cool.

WDFW says fishing at hundreds of lowland lakes around Washington should begin improving after the slower summer months.

In southwest Washington, warmwater fishing is also expected to remain productive through September.

Silver Lake has been producing crappie, while yellow perch can be found in lakes including Lacamas Lake. Rowland Lake is another option for bluegill and pumpkinseed.

Anglers have also been finding smallmouth bass at Riffe Lake and largemouth bass at Kress Lake.

Mayfield Lake and Lake Merwin offer opportunities for tiger muskie, while walleye fishing should remain active on the lower Columbia River into late September.

Along the Washington Coast, recreational bottomfishing remains open through Oct. 17 in Marine Areas 1, 2, 3, and part of Marine Area 4. Halibut fishing is also open in Puget Sound and coastal marine areas through Sept. 30.

What should Washington hunters know this fall?

September also marks the beginning of several hunting seasons across Washington.

WDFW has released its 2026 Hunting Prospects, which provide information on expected conditions, harvest trends, access, habitat, and game activity across the state’s 17 wildlife management districts.

Early archery seasons for deer and elk are among the big-game opportunities beginning this month, along with seasons for wild turkey, waterfowl, forest grouse, and other upland birds.

Fall black bear season is also underway.

Hunters planning a trip can use WDFW’s hunting prospects and Hunt Planner to find information for individual areas, species, season dates, and hunting methods.

Those hunting in 100-series Game Management Units should also be aware of rules intended to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease.

Where can you watch spawning salmon in Washington?

People don’t have to bring a fishing rod to see salmon this fall.

Washington offers numerous places to watch salmon return to streams to spawn, with peak viewing periods generally falling between July and November depending on the location and species.

WDFW maintains a statewide salmon viewing map to help people find places to see migrating and spawning fish.

September events also offer several opportunities to learn more about salmon, including Salmon on Sunset at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery on Sept. 12, Run with the Chums in Blaine on Sept. 12, and Skagit Fisheries Salmon Day at the Market in Mount Vernon on Sept. 12.

Where can you explore WDFW lands this fall?

Cooler weather also opens the door to hiking and wildlife watching on Washington’s public lands.

WDFW manages more than 1 million acres around the state, including wildlife areas that provide access for hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

One place highlighted for fall is the Johns River Wildlife Area along Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay in Grays Harbor and Pacific counties.

The wildlife area covers about 11,200 acres of wetlands and other habitat where visitors may see elk, waterfowl, shorebirds, herons, egrets, and pelicans.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission also recently approved the acquisition of another 46 acres at Johns River. The additional land is expected to help connect previously isolated public parcels and improve recreational access.

What should you check before heading outdoors in Washington?

Fishing and hunting seasons, limits, and closures can change, so visitors should check current WDFW regulations before heading out.

For anglers, rules can vary considerably by marine area, river, lake, and species. WDFW recommends checking its fishing regulations and emergency rule changes or using the Fish Washington mobile app.

Hunters should also review current big game, game bird, and small game regulations for season dates and requirements.

The agency’s regional Life Outdoors pages provide additional fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and recreation information for Eastern, North Central, South Central, North Puget Sound, Southwest, and Coastal Washington.