SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6349

BYSenators Smith, Kreidler, Benitz, Metcalf, Barr and Patterson

Requiring licenses for professional salmon fishing guides.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 18, 1988; January 26, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Smith, Vice Chairman; Benitz, DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen, Patterson.

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

                  January 26, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY9, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Fisheries licenses individuals who fish commercially for salmon and other food fish.  Commercial licenses cost from $5 for a carp license to $300 for a salmon purse seine license.  Resident charter boat operators pay an annual license fee of $200.  Charter boats include any vessel from which people may catch fish upon payment of a fee.  Statutes exclude privately leased recreational boats and boats used by guides taking sports anglers to catch salmon in fresh waters.

The Department of Wildlife licenses guides who take clients fishing for game fish.  The Department of Wildlife's annual license costs $150 for residents and $500 for nonresidents.  In 1986, 228 individuals bought resident game fish guide licenses and seven individuals bought nonresident game fish guide licenses.  There is no provision for the licensing of persons who act as guides for salmon fishing.

SUMMARY:

A salmon fishing guide license is required for a person to operate as a guide for salmon fishing for personal use in fresh water rivers and streams other than the part of the Columbia River below the bridge at Longview.  Below the bridge at Longview charter boats operate under the charter boat license statutes.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      requested January 12, 1988

Senate Committee - Testified: Ed Manary, Department of Fisheries; Rich Poelker, Department of Wildlife