WSR 22-18-068
PERMANENT RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Filed September 1, 2022, 2:02 p.m., effective October 2, 2022]
Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.
Purpose: The purpose of this rule making is to modify the current rule governing free fishing weekend. The rule, as adopted, restricts the waiver of a license requirement on free fishing weekend to fish that do not require a catch record card (CRC). This eliminates the wavier for shellfish and species requiring a CRC on free fishing weekend unless the angler/harvester is otherwise lawfully allowed to harvest those species (i.e., is in possession of a valid license appropriate for those species and, if required, is also in possession of the appropriate CRC).
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-220-230.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 22-07-098 on March 22, 2022.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: July 15, 2022.
B. Baker
Commission Chair
OTS-3693.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 19-20-074, filed 9/27/19, effective 10/28/19)
WAC 220-220-230Free fishing weekend.
The Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June is declared to be free fishing weekend in Washington. On this weekend a fishing license is not required for any person, regardless of age or residency, to fish for or possess fish ((and shellfish and a fish and wildlife lands vehicle use permit is not required to utilize department parking facilities 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.))for which a catch record card is not required. On free fishing weekend, 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)), and a fish and wildlife lands vehicle access pass is not required to use department parking facilities. Only the license, endorsements, and permit provided for in this section are affected, and all other rules ((including the catch record card requirement)) remain in effect.
Free fishing weekend does not apply to fish that require a catch record card or shellfish, and any licensure requirements otherwise provided for by rule continue to apply to those species.