Commission to update smelt rules, fishing guide book

OLYMPIA — The state Fish and Wildlife Commission voted Friday to revise regulations for commercial smelt fisheries on the mainstem Columbia River and commercial guide logbook reporting.

The commission also agreed on an updated performance agreement for Director Kelly Susewind.

The commission kicked off its virtual meeting by approving an amendment to rules regarding reporting requirements for freshwater fishing guides. These revisions will support enforcement by providing clarity on who needs to report, requiring certain information to be logged at the beginning of the fishing trip and increasing the return frequency of paper logbooks.

It then voted to approve updates to commercial smelt fishing rules to align the regulations with current management strategies and recovery objectives.

The commission's Wildlife Committee also met Friday to discuss revisions to statewide game management plans.

The committee heard recommendations from staff in response to revisions proposed by the committee, who decided to accept the staff recommendations as they proceed with the planning process.