The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is currently seeking public feedback on proposed changes to the fishing regulations in parts of Chelan and Grant counties. If you've been itching to freely catch more yellow perch or to take advantage of the fall trout season for a bit longer, these proposed changes might be just what you're looking for.
According to a news release by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the first of these proposals looks to completely remove the daily catch limit for yellow perch at Fish Lake in Chelan County, aligning it with the statewide general rule. The goal is to give anglers more freedom to harvest the fish while also helping to improve their average size in the lake. In Grant County, WDFW proposes to extend the fishing season closure date from September 30 to October 31 for Park, Blue, and Deep lakes, effectively to allow anglers to seize additional opportunities during peak fall trout fishing.
To really get into the nitty-gritty of these proposals or to address any concerns you might have, a public meeting is being held virtually on September 10 from 6-8 p.m., courtesy of WDFW. Participation requires prior registration, which can be done through the provided Webinar Registration - Zoom link.
Drafts of the proposed rule changes have been made available for public review, and comments are being accepted until September 10. To peek at the drafts or to leave your two cents, head over to the WDFW Eastern Washington lakes rule making webpage. Post discussion and public input, a decision on the proposed rules by the WDFW Director is expected to be made sometime in September. If adopted, new fishing rules would quickly go into effect after being filed with the Washington Code Reviser’s Office.
WDFW has issued an invitation to all members of the public to contribute their perspectives to this process, emphasizing their commitment to inclusivity regardless of personal and demographic backgrounds. Through actions like these, the department continues to strive for the preservation and protection of local ecosystems, while also providing sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities.
