Wdfw supports abundance, genetic diversity, and productivity of steelhead and salmon populations throughout the state, while generating and maintaining recreational benefits, to meet state and federal…

The Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) received a $1,980,540 formula grant award from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 1 under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) for the period October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This award supports WDFW's efforts to restore, conserve, and manage steelhead and salmon populations throughout Washington State while maintaining recreational fishing benefits and meeting state and federal stewardship mandates. The grant funds activities designed to enhance populations of multiple species listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, including Puget Sound Chinook, Columbia River and Snake River Chinook, Columbia River Chum, Hood Canal Summer Chum, Lower Columbia Coho, Puget Sound Steelhead, and various Columbia River Steelhead stocks.

Under this formula grant, WDFW delivers long-term population monitoring, evaluation, and protective actions necessary to restore and maintain steelhead and salmon abundance at healthy, fishable levels across Washington State. The funding is derived from excise taxes on fishing equipment, motorboat fuel, electric motors, and import duties on tackle and yachts, which are deposited into the Sport Fish Restoration Trust Fund and apportioned annually to eligible state agencies. This investment directly supports the scientific research, habitat restoration, and management activities essential for recovering depleted stocks and sustaining recreational fishing opportunities throughout the state.

Wdfw supports abundance, genetic diversity, and productivity of steelhead and salmon populations throughout the state, while generating and maintaining recreational benefits, to meet state and federal stewardship mandates. Numerous steelhead and salmon populations are depleted and require long-term evaluation (and protective actions) in order to restore/maintain abundance at healthy and fishable population levels. Steelhead and salmon species in washington state currently listed under the federal endangered species act (ESA) as endangered' or 'threatened' include: puget sound chinook, lower and upper columbia river and snake river chinook; columbia river chum; hood canal summer chum; lower columbia coho; puget sound steelhead; snake river basin steelhead; upper, middle and lower columbia river steelhead. Olympic peninsula steelhead on the north coast and west coast chinook are currently both petitioned for ESA listing, and decisions are in progress. Without knowing stock status, stocks may