Anglers can fish for free this weekend

OLYMPIA-- Anglers across Washington will be able to fish without a license on the state’s lakes, rivers, and marine waters during this year’s annual Free Fishing Weekend on June 12-13.

Residents and non-residents can fish or gather shellfish across the state on those days, in any waters open to fishing, all without a license.

“Free Fishing Weekend is a great opportunity to try fishing for the first time, or maybe the first time in a long time,” said Steve Caromile, Inland Fish Program manager with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). “And if you’re already an avid angler, it’s the perfect chance to introduce someone new to the sport.”

During Free Fishing Weekend, people also do not need a Discover Pass or Vehicle Access Pass to park their vehicle at a state park or lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and WDFW.

Some of the opportunities available during free fishing weekend include: Trout in lowland lakes, and in the many rivers open to trout fishing throughout the state, lingcod on the coast, bass, crappie, perch and other warmwater fish biting in lakes throughout Washington and shad on the Columbia River.

Anglers may have success on the Spokane Arm of Lake Roosevelt, where fish and wildlife officer Curt Wood said trout have been rather hit-and-miss. Other popular trout spots in Lincoln County include Fishtrap, Sprague, Twin and Deer Springs lakes, though Roosevelt traditionally is the busiest area.

There are plenty of other opportunities available statewide; before heading out, anglers should check the current fishing regulations valid through the end of June at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations, and any emergency rules at https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/. While no licenses are required on Free Fishing Weekend, other rules such as size limits, bag limits, catch record card requirements and area closures are still in effect.

Catch record cards are still required on Free Fishing Weekend.

Most catch record cards are available free (except halibut, which costs $5.50) at Davenport Sporting Goods.

Anglers who take part in Free Fishing Weekend can also participate in the department's 2021 Trout Fishing Derby and redeem tags from trout caught over the weekend.

Anglers will not need a two-pole endorsement to fish with two poles in selected waters where two-pole fishing is permitted.

Bear complaints increasing in north Lincoln County

Fish and Wildlife has received four or five bear complaints in the past month, fish and wildlife officer Curt Wood said. Most bear activity is north of Highway 2 near Lake Roosevelt and the Spokane River.

Last month, a bear was legally shot and killed by a man defending himself, his dog, his chickens and his property by Jump Canyon north of Creston. Wood said the bear was a huge male nearing 400 pounds. The bear had been tagged four years ago in Inchelium by the Colville Tribe.

Wood recommended taking extra care to lock away and heavily seal any human or animal food kept outdoors, as that is what usually results in bear visits. He also said to strongly secure dumpsters and trash cans.

“Eventually they’ll leave if there’s nothing for them to eat,” Wood said.