OLYMPIA - The public will have more time to review proposed changes to fishing rules for the Columbia River Basin under an extended comment period announced recently by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Under the new timeline, WDFW will accept written comments through Dec. 1 on the proposed rules - about two weeks longer than previously announced. The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposals at its Dec. 12-13 meeting in Olympia. Written testimony can also be submitted during that time.
Among the list of proposed changes is the following: Closes all rivers, streams, and beaver ponds to fishing, except as listed in the Fishing in Washington Rules Pamphlet. Rivers, streams, and beaver ponds listed in the pamphlet as “open to fishing” will be identified for areas where stocks are robust and can support fishing pressure, as well as in areas where reasonable recreational opportunity exists
The commission, which sets policy for WDFW, is scheduled to take action on the proposed rule changes in a January meeting.
Fisheries managers have recommended 32 of the proposals submitted by the public and staff in May move forward for additional review. To review and comment on the proposed rules, visit WDFW’s webpage at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/rule_proposals. The webpage has more information about the proposals as well as those not recommended for further consideration.
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