OLYMPIA - Start planning for your next fishing trip with the 2019-2020 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet, now available from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
The new pamphlet is effective July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, and features rules and regulations for hundreds of lakes, rivers, and marine areas around the state, as well as species including trout, salmon, shellfish, sturgeon, and many more.
The regulations are available online now athttps://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations, and at hundreds of license dealers and WDFW offices throughout Washington. Find a WDFW license dealer near you athttps://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/dealers.
Some of the changes to this year's regulations that anglers should be aware of include:
Additionally, the Legislature this year approved new boating regulations meant to protect endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales. All boaters must stay 400 yards away when in front of or behind orcas, and 300 yards away at all other times. Any boat within a half-mile of the whales must also reduce speed to 7 knots or less. Learn more about WDFW's orca conservation efforts at https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/at-risk/species-recovery/orca.
WDFW issues updates and corrections to the pamphlet as needed. Before you go, be sure to review these changes by visiting https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations and selecting "2019-2020 sport fishing rules."
Anglers can also stay up to date with regulations by downloading the Fish Washington mobile app on their smartphone. More information can be found athttps://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/app.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is the state agency tasked with preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing and hunting opportunities.