See below for rules adopted in 2015 by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission or the Director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The public comment period has ended for all rules listed below.
See the Rule-making glossary for more information about the terms used here.
Choose another year:
November - December 2015
- Changes to WAC 220-55-180 related to transaction fees
- Combination food fish and game fish guide license
September - October 2015
July - August 2015
- Migratory Waterfowl Seasons and Regulations
- 2015 North of Falcon Rules - Coastal Commercial Salmon Fishery: Willapa Bay
- 2015 North of Falcon Rules - Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Fishery
- 2015 North of Falcon Rules - Recreational Salmon Fishery: Coastal Freshwater
- Amend recreational bottomfish rules for Quilcene Bay and Dabob Bay
May - June 2015
- 2015 North of Falcon Rules - Recreational Salmon Fishery: Freshwater (except for coastal freshwater bodies)
- Technical changes to recreational fishing rules
March - April 2015
- Bear and Cougar Seasons and Regulations
- Hunter Orange, Multi-Season Big Game Permits and Reduced Rate Combo Elk License
- Deer and Elk Seasons and Regulations
- Mountain goat, bighorn sheep, and moose permits and regulations
- Game Reserves and Other Migratory Bird Hunting
- Equipment Requirements, GMU Boundaries and Importation and Retention of Dead Nonresident Wildlife
- Small Game, Hunting Restrictions, and Trapping
- Landowner Hunting Permits
- Tufted Puffin Status
- Steller sea lion Delisting
- Changes to Recreational Clam and Oyster Seasons on Puget Sound Public Tidelands
- Designating additional catch areas in the Lower Columbia River
- Amend recreational fishing rules for the 2015 season and make technical changes
January - February 2015
- Repealing WAC 220-52-01904 - Commercial geoduck harvest
- Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALEA) application periods rule change
- Amending coastal commercial Dungeness crab rules
- Changes to WAC 220-55-180 related to transaction fees
RCW 77.32.050 states that a transaction fee on commercial and recreational license documents issued through an automated licensing system may be set by the Fish and Wildlife Commission and collected from licensees. RCW 77.32.050 also provides that the department may authorize all or part of such fee to be paid directly to a contractor providing automated licensing services. The department sets this transaction fee in WAC 220-55-180. The department is considering changes to WAC 220-55-180 to align the WAC language to allow for the use of transaction fee funds as provided in RCW 77.32.050.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-18-114 on September 2, 2015
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 – filed as WSR 15-22-098 on November 3, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 16-01-094 on December 15, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Changes to WAC 220-55-180 Related to Transaction Fees
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-18-114 on September 2, 2015
- Combination food fish and game fish guide license
The department is considering rulemaking to establish a combined license for food fish guides and game fish guides beginning in calendar year 2016. Senate Bill 5824 was passed during the 2015 legislative session creating a new section in Chapter 77.65 RCW directing the department to establish, by rule, a fish guide combination license to allow holders to offer or perform the services of a food fish and a game fish guide. The department must engage in rulemaking to adhere to state law and create the combined license, as well as establish the fee for the combined license. Senate Bill 5824 (2015 c 97) will be effective on July 24, 2015.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-14-089 on June 29, 2015
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 – filed as WSR 15-20-074 on October 2, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-23-101 on November 18, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Combination food fish and game fish guide license
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-14-089 on June 29, 2015
- 2015 North of Falcon Rules - Coastal Commercial Salmon Fishery: Grays Harbor
Coastal commercial salmon fishing rules are based on North of Falcon recommendations that change from year to year to reflect resource availability and to achieve conservation goals. Amendments to coastal commercial salmon fishing rules are needed to implement the agreed-upon changes.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-01-157 on December 23, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 – filed as WSR 15-12-116 on June 3, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-19-086 on September 16, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Grays Harbor Commercial Salmon Regulations for 2015
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-01-157 on December 23, 2014
- Migratory Waterfowl Seasons and Regulations
The Department is proposing changes to migratory waterfowl seasons and regulations to make needed adjustments to rules to provide recreational opportunity while promoting conservation of resources. The proposed changes will provide hunting opportunity and agricultural damage control consistent with the status of waterfowl species, and establish waterfowl hunting seasons for 2015-2016 within frameworks established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Department also proposes repealing WAC 232-16-790, Hayton Game Reserve, because a prior agreement with owner of the reserve is no longer in effect.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-10-088 on May 5, 2015
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 - filed as WSR 15-14-123 on July 1, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-18-032 on August 25, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: 2015 - 16 Migratory Waterfowl Seasons and Regulations
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-10-088 on May 5, 2015
- 2015 North of Falcon Rules - Coastal Commercial Salmon Fishery: Willapa Bay
Coastal commercial salmon fishing rules are based on North of Falcon recommendations that change from year to year to reflect resource availability and to achieve conservation goals. Amendments to coastal commercial salmon fishing rules are needed to implement the agreed-upon changes.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-01-157 on December 23, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 – filed as WSR 15-12-115 on June 3, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - SUPPLEMENTAL CR-102 – filed as WSR 15-14-124 on July 1, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-18-029 on August 25, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Willapa Bay Commercial Salmon Regulations for 2015
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-01-157 on December 23, 2014
- 2015 North of Falcon Rules - Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Fishery
Puget Sound commercial salmon fishing rules are based on North of Falcon recommendations that change from year to year to reflect resource availability and to achieve conservation goals. Rule amendments to Puget Sound commercial salmon fishing rules are needed to implement the agreed-upon changes.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-01-195 on December 24, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 – filed as WSR 15-06-068 on March 4, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - SUPPLEMENTAL CR-102 - filed as WSR 15-11-101 on May 20, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-17-034 on August 11, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Regulations for 2015
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-01-195 on December 24, 2014
- 2015 North of Falcon Rules - Recreational Salmon Fishery: Coastal Freshwater
Recreational salmon fishing rules based on North of Falcon recommendations change from year to year to reflect resource availability and to achieve conservation goals. Amendments to recreational salmon fishing rules are needed to implement the agreed-upon changes.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-01-158 on December 23, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 – filed as WSR 15-12-117 on June 3, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-17-010 on August 6, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Coastal Recreational Salmon Regulations for 201 5
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-01-158 on December 23, 2014
- Amend recreational bottomfish rules for Quilcene Bay and Dabob Bay
In a response to a petition for rulemaking to open Hood Canal to recreational harvest of bottomfish, the Fish and Wildlife Commission directed to the department to initiate rulemaking to explore changes to recreational fishing rules for selected species of bottomfish in Quilcene Bay and Dabob Bay. Potential rule changes would provide recreational fishing opportunity on selected species of bottomfish consistent with conservation objectives.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-21-160 on October 22, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 – filed as WSR 15-06-063 on March 4, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-15-012 on July 2, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-21-160 on October 22, 2014
- 2015 North of Falcon Rules - Recreational Salmon Fishery: Freshwater (except for coastal freshwater bodies)
Recreational salmon fishing rules based on North of Falcon recommendations change from year to year to reflect resource availability and to achieve conservation goals. Amendments to recreational salmon fishing rules are needed to implement the agreed-upon changes.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-01-158 on December 23, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 – filed as WSR 15-10-097 on May 6, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-13-081 on June 12, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: 2015 Recreational Salmon Regulations
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-01-158 on December 23, 2014
- Technical changes to recreational fishing rules
The department is considering technical amendments to department recreational fishing rules. Technical changes are needed to department rules related to recreational fishing that will not be addressed in the Sport Rules annual rulemaking process. These changes are needed as a result of a recent rule change to split up former WAC 232-28-619 into several separate WAC sections based on geographic areas, now codified in chapter 220-310 WAC. Edits to rules are needed to ensure the rules function as intended and for accuracy and clarity. The department may consider additional technical rule changes outside chapter 220-310 WAC as needed to promote consistency and clarity in department rules related to recreational fishing.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-17-120 on August 20, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 – filed as WSR 15-06-062 on March 4, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-11-042 on May 14, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Technical Changes to Recreational Fishing Rules
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-17-120 on August 20, 2014
- Bear and Cougar Seasons and Regulations
The department is considering changes and amendments to rules and regulations concerning fall and spring black bear and cougar hunting seasons.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-24-118 on December 3, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 - filed as WSR 15-04-085 on February 2, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-10-066 on May 1, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Bear and Cougar Seasons and Regulations
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-24-118 on December 3, 2014
- Hunter Orange, Multi-Season Big Game Permits and Reduced Rate Combo Elk License
The department is considering changes and amendments to rules and regulations concerning Master Hunters wearing hunter orange during hunting seasons that allow the use of modern firearms, Master Hunter incentive for elk hunting and the date and procedure for purchasing a multiple season big game permit.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-24-118 on December 3, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 - filed as WSR 15-04-088 on February 2, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-10-061 on May 1, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Hunter Orange, Multi-Season Big Game Permits and Reduced Rate Combo Elk License
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-24-118 on December 3, 2014
- Deer and Elk Seasons and Regulations
The department is considering changes and amendments to rules and regulations concerning deer and elk hunting seasons.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-24-118 on December 3, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 - filed as WSR 15-04-098 on February 2, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-10-059 on April 30, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Deer and Elk Seasons and Regulations
- See also: Notice of Withdrawal: Letter to Code Reviser withdrawing WAC sections covering the baiting of deer
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-24-118 on December 3, 2014
- Mountain goat, bighorn sheep, and moose permits and regulations
The department considering additions and amendments to rules and regulations concerning mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and moose.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-24-118 on December 3, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 - filed as WSR 15-04-089 on February 2, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-10-048 on April 29, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Bighorn Sheep, Moose and Mountain Goat
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-24-118 on December 3, 2014
- Game Reserves and Other Migratory Bird Hunting
The department is considering changes and amendments to rules and regulations concerning game reserves and other migratory bird hunting.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-24-118 on December 3, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 - filed as WSR 15-04-099 on February 2, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-10-034 on April 28, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - Withdrawal Notice - filed as filed as WSR 15-16-120 on August 4, 2015
WAC 232-16-540 from WSR 15-04-099, which was filed on February 2, 2015 - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Game Reserves and Other Migratory Bird Hunting
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-24-118 on December 3, 2014
- Equipment Requirements, GMU Boundaries and Importation and Retention of Dead Nonresident Wildlife
The department is considering changes and amendments to rules and regulations concerning crossbow and archery requirements, unlawful methods of hunting, game management units and importation and retention of non-resident dead wildlife.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-24-118 on December 3, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 - filed as WSR 15-04-086 on February 2, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-10-035 on April 28, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Equipment Requirements, Game Management Units, Importation and Retention of Dead Nonresident Wildlife
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-24-118 on December 3, 2014
- Small Game, Hunting Restrictions, and Trapping
The department is considering amendments and additions to regulations and rules concerning small game, hunting restrictions and trapping.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-24-118 on December 3, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 - filed as WSR 15-04-090 on February 2, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-10-033 on April 28, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Small Game, Trapping, Eurasian Collared Doves
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-24-118 on December 3, 2014
- Landowner Hunting Permits
The department is considering changes and amendments to rules and regulations concerning permit levels and hunt dates in accordance with landowner needs and recreational goals.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-24-118 on December 3, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 - filed as WSR 15-04-114 on February 3, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-10-031 on April 28, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Landowner Hunting Permits
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-24-118 on December 3, 2014
- Tufted Puffin Status
The department is considering the addition of the Tufted Puffin to the state endangered species list. Listing criteria are described in WAC 232-12-297(3.1) through (3.4). The agency is initiating the listing process in accordance with WAC 232-12-297(5.1.1).
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-22-088 on November 3, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 - filed as WSR 15-01-140 on December 19, 2014
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-10-022 on April 27, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Tufted Puffin Status
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-22-088 on November 3, 2014
- Steller sea lion Delisting
The department is considering the removal of Steller sea lions from the state's threatened species list (WAC 232-12-011). Delisting criteria are described in WAC 232-12-297(4.1) and (4.2). The agency is initiating the delisting process in accordance with WAC 232-12-297(6.1.1).
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-22-087 on November 3, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 - filed as WSR 15-01-139 on December 19, 2014
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-10-021 on April 27, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Steller sea lion Delisting
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-22-087 on November 3, 2014
- Changes to Recreational Clam and Oyster Seasons on Puget Sound Public Tidelands
The Department must annually amend recreational clam and oyster season rules on some public tidelands in response to shellfish population changes, shifts in recreational effort, conservation issues, and negotiations with treaty tribes and other state agencies. Such amendments are designed to perpetuate shellfish resources while maximizing recreational fishing opportunity.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-21-137 on October 21, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 – filed as WSR 15-04-117 on February 3, 2015
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-09-046 on April 10, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Recreational Clam and Oyster Seasons
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-21-137 on October 21, 2014
- Designating additional catch areas in the Lower Columbia River
The department is considering rule changes to designate additional catch areas on the Columbia River. New catch area designations are needed to aid in management of existing and emergent commercial fishing opportunities on the Columbia River. Evolving and emerging commercial fisheries require managing subsections of existing catch areas and/or designation of new catch areas. Some of these management changes are in response to the Columbia River Basin Salmon Management Policy C-3620.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-17-116 on August 20, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 – filed as WSR 14-24-112 on December 3, 2014
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-08-031 on March 25, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Columbia River Commercial Catch Area Amendments
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-17-116 on August 20, 2014
- Amend recreational fishing rules for the 2015 season and make technical changes
The department must amend recreational fishing rules on an annual basis to respond to fish population changes, Fish and Wildlife Commission assignments, housekeeping needs, and conservation issues. The department is considering changes to the Columbia Basin, including adopting the Stream Strategy of all rivers will be closed unless open for Eastside and Southwest regions. The department may consider additional recreational fishing rule changes if necessary. The rule amendments will focus on perpetuating fish and shellfish resources while maximizing recreational fishing opportunity, ensuring conservation where needed, and making technical changes to clarify, correct, and update language.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-11-099 on May 21, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 – filed as WSR 14-22-115 on November 5, 2014
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-06-006 on February 20, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - CR-103 (Corrects WSR 15-06-006) – filed as WSR 15-06-065 on March 4, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: 2015-2016 Sport Fishing Rule Proposals
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-11-099 on May 21, 2014
- Repealing WAC 220-52-01904 - Commercial geoduck harvest
The department is considering repealing WAC 220-52-01904, Commercial geoduck harvest – License application and issuance process for 2015 geoduck diver licenses. WAC 220-52-01904 was adopted to create an on-boarding process for WDFW to issue 2015 geoduck diver licenses at the end of 2014 due to recent changes to state law limiting the number of geoduck diver licenses WDFW may issue to 77 beginning January 1, 2015. When WAC 220-52-01904 was adopted, WAC 220-52-01905, Commercial geoduck harvest – Geoduck diver license application and issuance process, was also adopted. WAC 220-52-01905 details the license issuance process WDFW will use after January 1, 2015, and will go into effect that date. For these reasons, WAC 220-52-01904 will no longer necessary and should be repealed after January 1, 2015.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-22-111 on November 5, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 – filed as WSR 15-01-196 on December 24, 2014
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-06-023 on February 24, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Repealing WAC 220 - 52 - 01904 – Commercial Geoduck Harvest
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-22-111 on November 5, 2014
- Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALEA) application periods rule change
The department is considering rule changes to WAC 220-130-040, Review and selection process, relating to the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALEA) application period. The proposed rule change would allow a biennial application period. A biennial period rather than an annual application period is needed to reduce staff workload and program costs associated with conducting an annual application review process.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-17-121 on August 20, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 – filed as WSR 14-21-138 on October 21, 2014
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-03-092 on January 21, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: ALEA Grant application periods rule change
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-17-121 on August 20, 2014
- Amending coastal commercial Dungeness crab rules
Revisions to coastal commercial Dungeness crab rules are needed to improve the intent and enforceability of rules that describe the process and requirements for issuing replacement buoy tags and submitting coastal Dungeness crab logbooks. New provisions are needed to implement gear retrieval requirements for coastal Dungeness crab fishermen to improve enforceability and minimize derelict crab gear. Based on recommendations from the Tri-State Dungeness crab Committee changes to the pre-season gear set period are needed to improve safety, enhance enforceability and provide for a coordinated season opening for the Washington and Oregon commercial Dungeness crab fishery.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-16-121 on August 6, 2014
Invitation to discuss rules on this subject - CR-102 – filed as WSR 14-21-167 on October 22, 2014
Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal - CR-103 – filed as WSR 15-03-091 on January 21, 2015
Notice of rule changes as adopted - See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Amending Coastal Commercial Dungeness Crab Rules
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-16-121 on August 6, 2014