SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5081

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES,

                               JANUARY 31, 1991

Brief Description:  Creating two‑day steelhead catch record cards.

SPONSORS:Senators L. Smith, Bauer and Oke.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5081 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

     Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Oke, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Barr, Conner, Owen, Patterson, Snyder, and Sutherland. 

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates:January 29, 1991; January 31, 1991

BACKGROUND:

In order to fish for steelhead trout, resident anglers shall possess a valid three-day fishing license (or annual license) and steelhead catch record card for a total cost of $23, or $30 in the case of an annual license.  Nonresident anglers must possess a nonresident three-day fishing license and a steelhead catch record card for a total cost of $30, or $56 in the case of an annual license.

Some anglers would like to fish for steelhead on an occasional basis with a lesser cost for the required licenses.

SUMMARY:

A two-day steelhead catch record card is available for a cost of $5.  Persons may fish for steelhead during two consecutive days with a two-day steelhead catch record card without the need for other licenses.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

A person must have a valid fishing license issued by the Department of Wildlife in order to purchase a two-day steelhead catch record card.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  yes

Fiscal Note:  requested January 23, 1991

TESTIMONY FOR:

Legislation would provide increased opportunity for anglers to fish for steelhead trout.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

Fishermen could fish for steelhead without paying their fair share of the program costs.

TESTIFIED:  Senator L. Smith (pro); Pam Madsen, Dept. of Wildlife (con); Mel Gruelle, river fishing guide (pro); Pat Files, river fishing outfitter (pro); Jim King, WA State Sports Council (con); John Kelly, King County Outdoor Sports Council (con)