Bass, walleye, catfish policy comment period extended

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is extending the window to comment on a policy to guide management of game fish.

The comment period was extended from to May 5 after fishermen requested more time to submit comments on a draft policy covering bass, walleye, catfish, crappie and some trout on waterways that connect to the ocean.

WDFW tries to manage species through game fish rules.

“This is an important policy, and extending the comment period will help ensure that people have an opportunity to provide feedback on this draft,” Inland Fish Program Manager Steve Caromile stated.

Under the draft policy, fisheries managers will continue to focus on conservation of native species, while trying to balance the desire for fishermen to catch bass, walleye, catfish and other game fish.

The draft policy is online at wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/non-native-game-fish.

Fishermen can comment on the website or mail written comments to Fish Program, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504.