TRI-CITIES, Wash. – Today is National “Go Fishing Day.” It’s a day to relax and escape it all by dropping a line in the closest stream, pond, or river. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said there are plenty of areas to fish and wants everyone to know some things before heading out on the water.
According to the WDFW, there are many locations, from the Yakima Valley to the Columbia Basin to fish. Sergeant Brian Fulton with the Department of Fish and wildlife police said while out fishing, you should always do so safely if you’re on a boat; he encourages people to use life jackets and reminds everyone the water is still cold. If you’re fishing on the shore, he said to make sure you’re aware of your surroundings- especially when casting a line- and ensure there’s not someone nearby who could be injured. Sergeant Fulton said a program Fish and Wildlife offers will pay you to catch a specific type of fish.
“The Pikeminnow reward fishery is currently open,” Sgt. Fulton said “That pertains to the main stem of the Columbia River and Snake River That’s a program where anglers have to sign up each day that they fish to be able to turn the fish in.”
According to WDFW, northern pikeminnows eat millions of young salmon and steelhead each year in the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The goal of the program is not to get rid of the pikeminnow completely but to reduce the number of them so the salmon and steelhead can make it out to sea.
Anglers are paid for each pikeminnow they catch nine inches or longer. Rewards begin at six bucks a fish for the first 25 pikeminnows you catch. Sgt. Fulton says you can sign up online through the Department of Fish and Wildlife app.
If you plan to be one of those who cast a reel, you’ll need to get a fishing license. Getting a fishing license is more straightforward than getting a driver’s license. Sgt. Fulton said you could go to most sporting goods stores and hardware stores and buy one there. You can also buy one online from the Department of Fish and Wildlife website All you have to do is create a free account through the WDFW, and it will cost you around $30 to get a temporary license until you get your official one through the mail The catch is you can’t fish for salmon, steelhead, o crab You’re required to have a catch record card with you, but you have to wait for the official card to be mailed to you before you can fish for them Sgt. Fulton said fishing without a license will cost you.
“If you go out fishing without a license, and you didn’t purchase a license, under Washington State Law, it is a misdemeanor crime to do so,” said Sgt. Fulton. “That includes a catch record card a well So, if you’re fishing for something that’s required to have a catch record card again, salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or crab, that’s another required part of it.”
He said you can also get in trouble if you’re fishing without your license. Sgt. Fulton said fishing without a license typically will cost you five hundred bucks, in addition to anything the court would impose on you. He said if you have a license and forget it at home while fishing and get caught, the fine is one hundred bucks. So please ensure you’ve got your license while out reeling in your catch.
