2017-2019 Sport fishing regulation simplification process
Public input: The public is invited to submit comments on potential salmon fisheries for 2019-20. Comments submitted in the early phases will help set priorities for fisheries. WDFW will post prospective fisheries after the first North of Falcon meeting, scheduled March 19, and will provide updated proposals in early April.
Purpose: Implement a public process that results in reduced complexity and increased understanding of sport fishing regulations.
Staff will provide proposals to simplify sport fishing regulations while meeting critical conservation needs and recreational opportunities.
- Year 1 (2017): Simplify sport fishing regulations for freshwater species (steelhead, trout, warmwater fish, sturgeon, shad and carp). Rules effective July 1, 2018.
- Year 2 (2018): Simplify sport fishing regulations for salmon fisheries in marine and freshwaters. Rules effective July 1, 2019. Public comments will be accepted in the North of Falcon process through April 15, 2019.
- Year 3 (2019): Simplify sport fishing regulations for marine fish and shellfish in Washington coastal and Puget Sound waters. Rules effective July 1, 2020.
- Consider regulations that address critical conservation needs on an annual basis.