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:

 

Recreational opportunities

 

Trout: The statewide trout derby continues through Oct. 31. Catch a tagged fish and win a prize! Find a participating lake near you. 

 

Free fishing weekend: No fishing license? No problem! Free fishing weekend is June 12 and 13 this year and a great time to try fishing if you haven't before or take friends or neighbors who are new anglers.

 

Columbia River sockeye: Anglers will have an opportunity to catch and keep sockeye salmon on the Columbia River beginning in mid-June, including on the lower river and Hanford Reach.

 

Puget Sound rivers: Many rivers and streams opened in May for fishing. Check for any special rules before heading out by reviewing the fishing rules pamphlet and emergency rule changes. A section of the North Fork Nooksack River is open for hatchery spring Chinook fishing through June 30.

 

Take hunter education: Get a jump on hunter education and take the course virtually!

 

 

Bird watching: June is a great month to view birds throughout Washington. The Columbia Basin Wildlife Area in Grant County is a haven for waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, raptors, songbirds, and more. Follow the link below to find a great birding location near you!

 

Discover Pass "Free Days": Visitors can park for free on state recreation lands June 5, 12, 13, and 19. On these designated free days, a Discover Pass or Vehicle Access Pass is not required to park at state parks, WDFW wildlife and water access areas, or recreational lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources.