Deer Lake Fishing Regulations

Rule-making status: Permanent
Rule-making reference: #P2023-19

Summary of proposed rule

The rule proposal increases angler opportunity on Deer Lake in Stevens County by lengthening the recreational fishing season for all species from March 1 through November 30 each year to year-round. To maintain the quality of the fishery, a daily limit of five lake trout was added, and no more than one lake trout measuring longer than 26 inches may be retained.

Scope and rationale for proposed rule

This rule proposal to amend WAC 220-312-050 began as a petition to the Fish and Wildlife Commission and was approved by the Commission at their December 14-16, 2023, meeting. Reasons include growing popularity of ice fishing and a robust lake trout population in Deer Lake. Lake trout are a primary predator of rainbow trout that are stocked in Deer Lake. Increased harvest of lake trout would likely result in an increased harvest of stocked rainbow trout. However, to maintain the quality of the lake trout fishery, a daily limit of five lake trout was added, and no more than one lake trout measuring longer than 26 inches may be retained.

Public comments

To submit comments, please visit the  Deer Lake Fishing Public Engagement page.                        

You may also leave comments by sending an email, either with or without an attachment, to deerlakefishing@publicinput.com or by leaving a voicemail message at 855-925-2801 and entering project code #3935.

The comment period ends at 11:59 pm on January 28, 2024.

Public hearing

January 25-27 at 8 am in person and virtual at the Natural Resources Building 1111 Washington St. SE Olympia, WA. 

Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89619659014

Or join by telephone:  1 253 205 0468 US (Tacoma)   

 

State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)

SEPA determination: Exempt

The rule making for this proposal is exempt from SEPA under WAC 197-11-835(1) and (6).

For more information

Staff Contact:   Chris Donley at christopher.donley@dfw.wa.gov 

Assistance for additional accessibility and persons with disabilities contact:
833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.