Spring Chinook salmon are moving into the lower Columbia River, several eastside lakes open for trout fishing March 1, and razor-clam digs are scheduled this month – including the first dig of the season on morning tides.

These fisheries are just the first of many set to open in the weeks ahead, and the year’s first hunting seasons aren’t far behind. A spring wild turkey season for hunters under age 16 is scheduled April 5-6 prior to the start of the general spring turkey hunt April 15.

With a new season of outdoor adventures about to begin, Washingtonians might want to consider purchasing 2014-15 fishing and hunting licenses before current licenses expire at midnight March 31.

“We encourage people to renew their fishing and hunting licenses early, so they can take advantage of all the great recreational opportunities available throughout the year,” said Bill Joplin, licensing manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). “There’s no advantage in waiting and letting those opportunities slip by.”

The cost of fishing and hunting licenses remains the same as last year. All fees included, a resident adult freshwater fishing license is $29.50; saltwater is $30.05; shellfish/seaweed is $16.30; and a combination license is $54.25. Resident hunting licenses vary with package options, ranging from a small-game license at $40.50 to a deer/elk/cougar/bear combination license for $95.50.

Most annual licenses include a WDFW vehicle-access pass, which gives the bearer access to more than 700 WDFW water access sites throughout the state. Or, for $35, individuals can purchase an annual Discover Pass, which also provides vehicle access to state parks and other state lands.

Fishing licenses, hunting licenses and the Discover Pass are all available online (https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/), by phone (1-866-246-9453) and from license dealers around the state.

For more information about razor clam digs, spring chinook fishing and other outdoor activities coming up this month, see the Weekender Regional Reports at http://wdfw.wa.gov/weekender/. These reports are updated throughout the month to provide current information about recreational opportunities around the state.