Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

Fishing at Hutchinson Lake

The Columbia National Wildlife Refuge offers hunting and fishing opportunities for numerous waterfowl and upland bird species as well as deer and various fish. Hunting and fishing at the Refuge are allowed because, with regulations, these uses have been deemed compatible with the mission of the Refuge. The rules for hunting and fishing on the Refuge follow all State and Federal regulations as well as Refuge specific regulations. Contact the Washington State Department of Wildlife for information about state regulations. For more information on hunting and fishing at the Refuge contact the Refuge office. View detailed maps of hunting and fishing areas on the maps page.

General Refuge Hunting and Fishing Regulations

Enforcement: Violations of Refuge regulations may result in prosecution and denial of recreation privileges. For question or to report any incidents please contact the Refuge office.

Season, Hours and Limits:Refuge hunting seasons, hunting hours and bag limits follow Washington State regulations with the exception that the special hunt areas are only hunted on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Federal holidays. In addition, upland game species can only be hunted in these areas after 12:00 noon during those days when waterfowl hunting is allowed. No hunting of any kind is allowed before or after the State regular waterfowl hunting season; except for special youth hunt days.

Weapons and Ammunition: All firearms are prohibited on the Refuge, except in public hunting areas during the Refuge hunting season. Weapons allowed for hunting are shotguns and bow and arrows. Only Federally approved nontoxic shotshells may be possessed or used in the field while hunting, except when hunting deer.

Temporary Blinds: These blinds may be constructed but must be available for general use on a first come fist serve basis.

Decoys: Decoys may not be left, set up for hunting, on the Refuge overnight.

Dogs: Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times except when being used as a hunting tool during hunting. The Refuge may not be used for training dogs for hunting.

Littering: Littering is unlawful. Pack out any empty shell cases and any other trash.

Protected Species: Only allowed species may be killed, and only in the permitted areas. All other species of wildlife are protected at all times.

Private Property: Respect the Refuge boundaries. Unauthorized entry upon private lands is a trespass violation.

Physical Limitations: The Refuge covers a variety of habitats including rough terrain, deep waters, dense stands of vegetation, stubble filed, and ditches. Access difficulty varies by area and users should examine their own abilities and limitation before visiting the Refuge. Contact the Refuge office for suggestions on using the area safely.

General recreation regulations are listed on the recreation page.