The 2019-20 sport fishing regulations are now available from the Washington Fish and Wildlife Department (WDFW). The new pamphlet is effective July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.
The regulations are also available online at: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations
Some notable changes that anglers should be aware of are listed below:
Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement: Beginning July 1, the Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead endorsement is no longer required to fish for salmon or steelhead on the Columbia River and its tributaries.
Smelt: Beginning July 1, a saltwater or combination license is now required for anglers fishing for smelt in saltwater.
Barbless hooks: Barbless hooks are no longer required when fishing for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River mainstem from the mouth (Buoy 10) to Chief Joseph Dam, and all tributaries from the mouth to McNary Dam.
WDFW often issues updates and corrections to the pamphlet, and issues emergency rule changes.
Southwest Washington CCA monthly meeting
The Southwest Washington chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association will hold its monthly members meeting this Tuesday, July 9 at 6:30 pm. It will be held at the Camas Meadows Golf Club.
Changes to black bear fall seasons
The WDFW Commission has approved changes to the fall bear-hunting rules. The department had asked staff to provide recommendations for rules changes for black bear seasons earlier this year.
The first recommended change will standardize the season start date to Aug. 1 statewide. This change allows for more hunting days in six of the 11 hunting areas.
The second change sets a statewide standardized two-bear bag limit. Previous rules allowed hunters to take two bears during the season, with only one from the state’s east side.
Oregon leftover tag sales delayed
About 200 leftover controlled big game hunt tags will be sold online starting Aug. 1. The process for these tags is changing this year due to ODFW’s new electronic licensing system, with leftover tags being sold exclusively online.
ODFW is delaying the date of the sale (from July 1 to Aug. 1 at 10 a.m.) to allow more time for staff to complete User Acceptance Testing.
