Willapa Outdoor News RSS

The Puget Sound summer crab fishing season starts today! Marine Areas scheduled to open: Marine Area 4,5,6,8-1,8-2 and 9: Open July 2-Sept. 7, Thursday-Monday Marine Area 7 South: Open July 16-Sept. 28, Thursday-Monday Marine Area 7 North: Open Aug. 13- Sept. 28, Thursday-Monday Marine Area 10: Open July 12-Sept. 7, Sunday/Monday only Marine Area 11: Open July 12-Sept. 7, Sunday/Monday only Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal) north of a line projected true east from Ayock Point: Open July 2-Sept. 7, Thursday-Monday The following areas are closed this season to promote Dungeness crab population recovery: Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal) south...

Each year people all across the country unite on the first Saturday of June in celebration of American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day®. This year, we won’t be meeting in person, but we will still preserve and promote trails and fight for access to quality green spaces. The COVID-19 quarantine has put into sharp focus how time spent outside is helpful for mental and physical health, but trails are under threat and not everyone has permanent access to quality green space. Take American Hiking Society’s #NationalTrailsDay Pledge in honor of National Trails Day®—June 6. Commit to taking at least one action in 2020...

Father's Day is just around the corner (June 21st) and we know it can be hard to pick out the perfect gift. That's why we've gathered our favorite Father's Day gifts for the outdoorsmen in your life. If your dad loves to fish, camp, hike, crab or clam dig we've got you covered. Willapa's Complete Crab Pot Kit-Lead Line Most popular Crab Trap! Comes pre-rigged with everything you need to go crabbing, except the bait!Round Dungeness Crab Pot made with black vinyl coated 3"x3" wire features four entrance gates, bridle rope and opens from the top for easy bait/catch access. Loggers Wear Kevlar Romeo...

"Free Fishing Weekend" is June 6-7, 2020, when a fishing license is not required of anyone to fish in Washington State. Also NOT required on Free Fishing Weekend: Vehicle Access Pass (which comes with a fishing license) A Discover Pass will not be required on WDFW or Washington State Park lands throughout the weekend, but will be required on DNR lands both days. Two-Pole Endorsement Anglers should check the current fishing regulations valid June 6 and 7. While no licenses are required on Free Fishing Weekend, it's still important to check the regulations for other rules such as size limits, bag limits, catch record card requirements and...

After two months of closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife announced that the state's coastal waters are set to reopen for fishing on May 26th.  Marine areas 1-3, including Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor will open for bottomfish, shellfish, mussels, clams, oysters and other species. Crabbing on the Columbia River is also set to resume. Neah Bay, Marine Area 4, will remain closed to all recreational fishing and shellfishing as well as halibut and razor clamming on the coast.  Staring May 28th, some areas in Puget Sound are scheduled to open for recreational...