The Daily Chronicle

Methow Valley fires forced the closure of a portion of state Route 20, the North Cascades Highway. It’s closed from milepost 165 and 185, about 8 miles west of Winthrop. Above, the Cedar Creek Fire is seen from Highway 20 on Monday, July 12, 2021.

Widespread Wildfires Could Threaten Hunting Access in Eastern Washington

Hunters are anxiously waiting to see how this year's fires impact fall hunting seasons, some of which start as soon as Aug. 1. "This is terrible what's happening in Eastern Washington," said Mark … more

By Eli Francovich / The Spokesman-Review | 7/22/21

A man casts his fly fishing rod along the shoreline of the Cowlitz River in this Chronicle file photo.

Fish and Wildlife Asks Anglers to Give Fish a Break

Because of record-breaking summer temperatures in Washington, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is asking anglers to practice responsible fish handling and to report unusual fish … more

Sam Fletcher / Columbia Basin Herald | 7/22/21

A guide boat sits on the banks of the Columbia River near Kalama, Washington, in June 2021.

Washington, Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commissions to Discuss Columbia River Policy

Members of the Washington and Oregon fish and wildlife commissions will hold a virtual meeting next week to discuss policy for the shared waters of the Columbia River. Four members of the … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/22/21

Bob Horness, left, and Jim LeMonds stand with their bikes on LeMonds' property in Castle Rock. The duo, who both turn 71 in August, have been preparing for a 71-mile ride the past two years.

71 at 71: Locals to Attempt Daunting Mountain Bike Ride for a Cause

Time is undefeated and it always will be. People can try their best to combat it and hold off aging for as long as possible, but time catches up to everyone eventually. Jim LeMonds and Bob Horness … more

Ryan Peerboom / The Daily News | 7/19/21

FILE PHOTO — An elk sticks its tongue out as it grazes in a field in Packwood.

Hunting Report: Raffle Permit Tickets Open Until July 15

Tickets for the coveted raffle permit hunts for deer, elk, moose, mountain goat and bighorn sheep are on sale until July 17. Raffle tickets are not available to purchase online or over the phone … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/12/21

Caylun Peterson with his state-record, 24.49-pound tiger trout in Loon Lake on June 26, 2021.

State-Record Tiger Trout Caught in Eastern Washington

A massive tiger trout pulled from Loon Lake in Stevens County on June 26 has set a new state record, state fishery managers have confirmed. The 24.49-pound tiger trout broke the previous record by … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/9/21

Fort Borst Park Pond is one of four Lewis County lakes and ponds participating in the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s annual trout derby that runs until Oct. 31.

Fishing Report: Bass Week, Trout Derby And Bounty Fish

The month of July is filled with plenty of fishing opportunities in southwest Washington, from the fourth annual Bass Week, to the annual trout derby and the return of summer steelhead. Right now, … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/9/21

Kurt Russo, a strategist on Lummi Nation Sovereignty and Treaty Protection, is on the lookout for salmon and orcas near the San Juan Islands.

Salmon Fishing to Close Early in Marine Area 7 Following Successful Opener

Fishery managers at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced Wednesday an early closure to salmon fishing in the San Juan Islands (Marine Area 7) to meet conservation … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/8/21

Garrett Dokter walks long a tributary of the Salmon River near the edge of the Queets Rainforest while steelhead fishing in January 2021.

WDFW Seeks Public Input on Coastal Steelhead Seasons

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishery managers are hosting a suite of virtual public town hall meetings this summer and fall to gather feedback from the public as they prepare for … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/5/21

A bird of prey flies over TransAlta property in Centralia in April 2021.

Wildfire Smoke Impacts What Birds We See, Hear According to UW Study

More frequent and intense wildfire — and all the associated smoke — changes what birds are seen and heard, according to a new University of Washington study. While that's a rather … more

Eli Francovich / The Spokesman-Review | 7/5/21

Tyson Lorton fishes for steelhead on the Queets River on the Quinault Indian Reservation on January 17, 2021.

Washington Fishing Regulations for 2021-22 Now Available Online

The annual Washington Fishing Rules Pamphlet is now available online for the coming year, detailing fishing rules and regulations for the states many lakes, rivers and marine areas from July 1, … more

The Chronicle staff | 6/30/21

Mount St. Helens and Spirit Lake are seen from the Windy Ridge Trail at sunset on Thursday.

Photos: Opening of Windy Ridge Viewpoint Provides for Stunning Views

The Windy Ridge Viewpoint at Mount St. Helens reopened this week. “Forest Road 99, Windy Ridge is now open for the season,” the U.S. Forest Service announced. “Please be … more

6/25/21

Adna 14-year-old Daniel Meyer landed this 10.19 pound largemouth bass at Fort Borst Park Pond last week.

Adna Boy, 14, Lands Monster Bass at Fort Borst Park

Daniel Meyer, an Adna 14-year-old, caught a monstrous largemouth bass last week at Fort Borst Park Pond, coming in at 10.19 pounds. The state record is 12.53 pounds. “I’ve been … more

By The Chronicle staff | 6/25/21

The Chronicle sports editor Eric Trent with a spring-run Chinook salmon he caught on the Columbia River on June 18, 2021.

Searching for Spring Salmon on the Columbia

It wasn’t something I would normally do. My fishing trips typically consist of solo ventures or with one or two family members or close friends. So to hire a fishing guide and join four … more

6/23/21

Four More Razor Clam Digging Days Approved at Mocrocks Beach

State shellfish managers have approved four more days of razor clam digging at Mocrocks Beach only, after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat. The approved morning razor clam digs … more

By Dan Hammock / The Daily World | 5/22/21

Chronicle reporter Claudia Yaw and photographer Jared Wenzelburger visit the Ape Cave Thursday, May 20, 2021.

The Ape Cave Has Reopened: Take a Trip to St. Helens for Some Bigfoot Lore and Hidden Gems

If you’re looking for some climbing, some slime and some Bigfoot lore, the recently-reopened Ape Cave at Mount St. Helens may be the sweet spot. The pitch-black cave provides a trek into where … more

By Claudia Yaw / cyaw@chronline.com | 5/21/21

Marine Toxin Levels Dropping, But Not Enough for Razor Clam Digs

State shellfish managers were hoping for some good news this week from domoic acid tests on razor clams. They didn't get it. "We were hoping that today's razor clam domoic acid results would allow … more

Dan Hammock / The Daily World | 4/23/21

After Devastating Fires, Washington Considers Moving Embattled Sage Grouse Onto the State Endangered Species List

GRAND COULEE — The sky was still the deep blue of early morning and dominated by the moon when Michael Schroeder leaned in and asked, over the wind, "Can you hear them?" I listened. I heard … more

Eli Francovich / The Spokesman-Review | 4/22/21

Placing a new bird feeder near already familiar yard art and trees will shorten the length of time it takes wild birds to try their new outdoor seed diner. Providing a variety of seeds and suet will attract a larger variety of species.

Bird Feeders Can Go Up Again, But Remain Vigilant, Washington State Officials Say

A drop in the number of reports of sick or dead birds across Washington and other Northwest states means backyard bird feeders can be put back up, according to the Washington Department of Fish and … more

Christine Clarridge / The Seattle Times | 4/17/21

A boat is launched into Deep Lake as families enjoy a sunny day at Millersylvania State Park on Tuesday.

Anglers Hit Millersylvania State Park After WDFW Plants Nearly 2,000 Trout

Nearly 2,000 rainbow trout were planted in Deep Lake at Millersylvania State Park in south Thurston County Monday. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1,815 fish weighing … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/14/21