SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5064

BYSenators Smith, Rasmussen, Metcalf and Benitz

Requiring licensing of salmon guides.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 18, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

                  January 18 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, JANUARY 17, 1990

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 state's existing fishing guide program is administered by the Department of Wildlife which licenses guides who take clients fishing for game fish such as steelhead.  The Department of Wildlife's annual license costs $50 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 all commercial recreational vessels operate as charter boats under the charter boat license statutes.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      requested January 10, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Ed Manary, Department of Fisheries (pro); Mel Gruelle, Fishing Guides (pro)