2008-2009 Sportfishing Rule Change Process DOWNLOADS Concise Explanatory Statement of the Commission Actions on the 2008-2009 Sportfishing Rule Proposals PDF Format - [1.32MB] For more information: WDFW Fish Program 600 Capitol Way N Olympia, WA 98501-1091 360-902-2700 sportfishing@dfw.wa.gov OTHER INFORMATION 2008-2009 Sportfishing Rule Proposals Current fishing regulations

2008-2009 Sportfishing Rule Decisions At its Feb. 2, 2008 public meeting, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission ruled on a package of proposed changes to state regulations governing recreational fisheries for game fish, food fish, and shellfish. The proposed changes for the 2008-2009 regulation cycle were suggested by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff, members of the public and other entities. Final decisions by the commission were made after a lengthy public review process that included written and oral testimony from a variety of stakeholders. The Concise Explanatory Statement of the Commission Actions includes the proposals, testimony, staff recommendations and commission action taken on each proposal. The regulations that were adopted or modified by the commission will go into effect May 1, 2008 unless otherwise noted in specific proposals that were adopted. Permanent rules remain in effect until formally changed. Some of the key rule changes approved for the 2008-09 season include: Separating limits for largemouth and smallmouth bass statewide. Allowing anglers to purchase additional catch record cards for hatchery steelhead. Closing clam and oyster beaches that are designated as polluted and pose a risk to human health. Making season and area adjustments to protect listed bull trout and steelhead stocks. Adding wild steelhead to the list of species prohibited from being part of a fishing tournament. Changing the size measurement for sturgeon from total length to fork length, effective Jan. 1, 2009 (contingent on similar action by Oregon fishery managers). Timeline for 2008-2009 Sport Rule Adoption Process (Major Cycle) April 1, 2007 Mailing describing process, guidelines June 1 All proposals due June 8 Proposals distributed for internal review June 29 Responses to proposals due July 10-11 Fish Program meeting (including Enforcement and IRM) July 18 Meet with Advisory Groups (one large meeting with all groups invited) August 2 eve Meet with Fish and Wildlife Commission Fish Committee August 6 week Meet with Fish Program Administration for Approval August 13 week Meet with Director's Office for Agency Approval September 3 week Approved proposals sent to public for comment – package on web site September 18 Region 1 Public Meeting to discuss proposals: 7-8pm – Stevens County Conservation District Office – 232 Williams Lake Rd. Colville October 12-13 Fish and Wildlife Commission Meeting (Olympia) - brief Commission on proposals November 2-3 Fish and Wildlife Commission Meeting (Chelan) - public hearing - public testimony on proposals – end of period when testimony is accepted on proposals November 13 week Meet with Advisory Groups (one large meeting with all groups invited) November 26 week Fish Program meeting (including Enforcement and IRM) for final decisions on proposals December 3 week Meet with Fish Program Administration & Director’s Office; adjust rule filing to reflect decisions January 2008 Meet with Fish and Wildlife Commission Fish Committee February 2008 Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting - adoption of rules May 1, 2008 Pamphlet available - rules take effect