Fish close to home this June

Anglers have long known that spending time in the outdoors can bring peace and solace when times feel challenging. Fishing opportunities abound this month on Washington's rivers and lakes, offering a great way to get outside and embrace the return of summer. 

Other opportunities to enjoy the outdoors this June include:

• Trout: The statewide trout derby kicked off May 23 and continues through Oct. 31. 
• Columbia River sockeye: Sockeye fishing opens on a large portion of the Columbia River on June 16, with a 2-fish limit. 
• Puget Sound rivers: Anglers can fish for hatchery Chinook salmon in several rivers in north Puget Sound, including the Skagit, Cascade, North Fork Nooksack, and Skykomish.  
• Bird watching: June is a great month to view birds throughout Washington, particularly at WDFW wildlife areas and other public lands. 
• Shrimp: Some marine areas in Puget Sound will open for recreational spot shrimp fishing June 11. 
• Hiking: The wildflowers are blooming and attracting a multitude of butterflies in many of our mid-elevation wildlife areas.  

As you head outdoors this month, please remember to follow our responsible recreation guidelines. 

For more information about fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities this month, see the Weekender Regional Reports. Check back often because we update these reports throughout the month to provide up-to-date information about recreational opportunities around the state.