2016-17 Wash. Rules Released
Each week we round-up the top fishing news from the Northwest and beyond. Do you have a news tip? E-mail us at news /at/ salmonuniversity.com.
2016-2017 Edition of Washington Sport Fishing Rules Released
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has released the 2016-2017 edition of Washington Sport Fishing Rules, covering the period July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. Copies are available at most sporting goods retailers, or by download here.
As always, however, emergency rules can (and do) occur throughout the year and supersede the rules contained in the pamphlet. Changes can be found by calling the WDFW Fishing Hotline at (360) 902-2500, the Shellfish Rule Change Hotline (866) 880-5431, by contacting statewide customer service (360) 902-2700, or by visiting the WDFW website.
Free Columbia River Sockeye Seminars in June
Salmon University staff member Mark Gavin will present free seminars on King and Sockeye Salmon opportunities on the Columbia River on June 14 and June 16 in Gig Harbor,and Everett, Wash., respectively. Gavin will provide details on run timing, the best places to fish, proven tactics, plus some guide secrets to improve fishing success, and details on two of the most friendly salmon derbies in the Pacific Northwest: the Atomic Salmon Derby and the “King of the Reach” Live Capture Brood Stock Derby. This year’s King return is predicted to be the third largest ever. More details on the seminars are available here.
No Northwest Locations Make “Top 100 Family-Friendly” Places to Fish and Boat List
The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation has unveiled its annual list of the “Top 100 Family-Friendly Places to Fish and Boat” in the United States. This year, no locations in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho were named to the extensive list. According to the foundation, criteria for the Top 100 included having a public body of water within driving distance of a major city, good fishing opportunities and family-friendly amenities.
Free Fishing Weekend in Washington
Washington’s annual free fishing weekend is June 11 and 12. During the weekend, licenses will not be required to fish in any waters regularly open to fishing in the State of Washington. Anglers will also will not need a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement if fishing the Columbia River and its tributaries. Normal rules such bag limits, size limits, and closures still apply and anglers are required to complete a catch record card for any salmon, steelhead, halibut, or sturgeon they catch.