Governor announces golf, fishing, hiking restrictions lifted May 5

OLYMPIA – Following two weeks of growing protests over the state’s ban on fishing, Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday, April 27, announced that outdoor recreation is allowed to resume May 5.

“Based on the data we have now received, we are close to the point where we can enjoy the outdoors again,” Inslee said during a 2:30 p.m. press conference. “This includes fishing, hunting and the ability to play golf.”

The announcement allows residents to fish, hunt, hike and golf, provided they stay close to home and keep at least six feet apart.

Residents who have “flu-like symptoms” are still barred from recreating on public lands and boat launches.

While Inslee said reopening was “data-driven,” the announcement came just two days after what should have been the opening of lowland lake fishing season statewide. Across Washington, hundreds of fishermen have protested for two weeks, calling on the governor to “Let Us Fish.”

According to the governor, boat launches, parks and publicly owned lands managed by the state Departments of Fish and Wildlife, Natural Resources and Washington State Parks are among the areas allowed to reopen.

The decision to reopen municipal parks and recreation venues will be determined by local officials, he said.

Gov. Inslee cautioned that the openings could be temporary if residents don’t follow his rules or if cases of coronavirus start to increase.

“This is a decision we make today,” Inslee said. “But if this virus were to spring back, we may have to roll back these measures again.”

Allowed outdoor recreation does not include public gatherings, team sports or camping, he said.

“All of our campgrounds will remain closed until further notice,” Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz added.

Gov. Inslee said residents need to remain local when they venture outdoors.

“Limit unnecessary travel; don’t make overnight trips,” he said, suggesting only “daytrips.”

Golfers venturing out to the nearest course are limited to two-somes, if golfers are not related. For families in the same household, four-somes are allowed, he said.

“When we play golf, there will be no sit-down or beverage service,” Inslee said.

Fishing and hunting

State Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind said his department is working with Oregon and federal officials to reopen a spring Chinook salmon fishing season.

He also said the agency will work with hunters to refund or make other arrangements for this with licenses and seasons interrupted by the shutdown.

“We’ll make it right for you,” he said. “We’ll make you whole again.”

Susewind called on outdoor recreationalists to “find another place to go” if they arrive somewhere and it’s crowded. He also said outings should be with family members only.

While fielding questions, Gov. Inslee downplayed the reopening of outdoor recreation as a signal of other openings to come.

“We are going to have to retain plenty of restrictions past May 4,” he said, declining to give a projected date to lift the quarantines on residents and businesses.