Proposed changes to sturgeon regulations
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public input on potential changes to recreational sturgeon fishing rules in several state waters, including the Columbia and Chehalis rivers. The public can now comment online.
2017-2019 Sport fishing regulation simplification process
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.