OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff will conduct drone flights over the Quillayute and Hoh river systems to expand recreational fishery catch monitoring beginning in late September 2026.
Drone flights will gather census count data by counting the number of anglers on each river. WDFW fishery managers use this data, combined with angler interviews, to estimate angler catch and effort, which inform pre-season, in-season, and post-season management. This will be a pilot project for WDFW this fall with the hope of expanding drone use to other river systems.
“We currently count recreational anglers using two methods, via helicopter or by boat,” said Hannah Bayberry, a WDFW biologist. “These counts rely heavily on logistics and resources, such as staffing and long-term support. We’re hopeful incorporating drones into our monitoring efforts will help to improve efficiencies and staff safety, particularly in remote locations.”
The drone flights will be conducted on the Quillayute river system which includes the Bogachiel, Calawah, Dickey, Quillayute, and Sol Duc rivers and the Hoh river system from the mouth up to the upper Olympic National Park (ONP) boundary. Drone flights are dependent on weather and other conditions. Each flight will take place during daylight hours and will follow all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and WDFW policies for drone operation.
During recreational fishing seasons, WDFW catch samplers (also commonly referred to as creel samplers or fish checkers) collect data vital to maintaining angling opportunities. The information gathered by catch samplers helps to inform fisheries management for salmon and steelhead populations, including life history, migration, growth, and abundance. To read more on WDFW’s catch sampling program, refer to WDFW’s blog. WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
Source: WDFW
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
