From slot limits on bass to fishing closures for endangered salmon

and trout protection, dozens of Washington 2000-2001 sportfishing

rule-change proposals are open to public comment through Saturday, Dec. 11.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)

will present the proposed changes to the Washington Fish and Wildlife

Commission in Vancouver. The proposals and explanations for them are

available on the agency’s Internet site _

www.wa.gov/wdfw _ under “Fishing/Shellfishing,” and in hard copy

at WDFW offices in Mill Creek and Olympia. The proposals include:

• Bass daily catch limit of five less than 12 inches or greater than

17 inches – with no more than one over 17 _ on 88 listed waters statewide,

to protect the bass age class that preys most on forage fish for a better

long-term balanced fishery.

• Salmon possession rules changed to allow filleting in the

field after fish are brought to shore and angler has stopped fishing for day.

• Steelhead harvest rule changes in north coastal waters.

•Marine conservation areas and preserves expanded by five new

or revised designations to protect declining marine fish populations and

provide for non-consumptive use.

• Stream fishing closures in the north central region (several rivers

and streams in Okanogan and Chelan counties) to protect threatened or

endangered upper Columbia steelhead, bull trout and spring chinook.

Many other statewide and regionally specific rule changes are

being proposed. WDFW officials encourage anglers to review the rule changes.

Written public comment can be sent to Evan Jacoby, rules

coordinator, WDFW, 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA, 98501-1091 by

Dec. 10. The commission will also take input at a meeting on Dec. 11, but

will not make final decisions until February. Rule changes made then take

effect May 1, 2000.