Purpose of the proposal

The proposed amendment would limit the waiver of a license requirement on free fishing weekend to fish that do not require a catch record card.  The amendment would prohibit fishing for or possessing (1) shellfish and (2) fish that require a “catch record card” on free fishing weekend, unless the fisher or harvester possesses an appropriate license.

Under the existing rule, the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June is declared to be free fishing weekend in Washington. On that weekend, a fishing license is not required for any person, regardless of age or residency, to fish for or possess fish and shellfish, except that it is unlawful to fish for or possess any species for which a catch record is required without a valid catch record card in possession. Additionally, a fish and wildlife lands vehicle use permit is not required to utilize department parking facilities, and anglers may fish with two poles in all lakes where it is legal to do so without purchasing a two-pole endorsement. During free fishing weekend, only the license, endorsements, and permit provided for in WAC 220-220-230 are affected, and all other rules including the catch record card requirement remain in effect.

The proposed rule, if adopted, would limit the waiver of licensure requirements for free fishing weekend to fish that do not require a catch record card. On free fishing weekend, licenses and catch record cards (if applicable) would be required to gather or possess shellfish or fish requiring a catch record card. A fishing license would not be required for any person, regardless of age or residency, to fish for or possess fish that do not require a catch record card on free fishing weekend. The new rule would maintain the waiver of a requirement for a vehicle access pass, continue to allow fishing with two poles (where legal) without a two pole endorsement, on free fishing weekend.