Bass, walleye, catfish policy comment period extended

OLYMPIA – The state Department of Fish and Wildlife is extending the window to comment on development of a policy to guide statewide management of non-native game fish.

The comment period was extended from April 5 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.

Typically, Fish and Wildlife tries to manage these and other 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 said.

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 https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/non-native-game-fish.

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