EPHRATA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) invites the public to participate in an upcoming public meeting regarding two proposed changes to fishing regulations in Chelan and Grant counties.

The first proposal is for Fish Lake in Chelan County, to change the existing yellow perch fishing rule from a daily limit of 25 fish to the statewide general rule of no daily limit. The change is expected to increase angler opportunities for harvesting yellow perch and improve the average size of the fish in the lake.

The second proposal is for Park, Blue, and Deep lakes in Grant County to extend the current fishing season closure date from Sept. 30 to Oct. 31. This change aims to provide additional angling opportunities during the productive fall trout fishing season.

As part of the rule making process, WDFW will hold a virtual public meeting from 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 10, 2024, to explain the rule proposals and answer questions. To attend this meeting, you must register in advance by going to Webinar Registration - Zoom.

The draft of the pending rule making petitions are available for public review. Public comment will be accepted through Sept. 10, 2024. To view and submit comments, please visit the WDFW Eastern Washington lakes rule making webpage.

A decision on both rule proposals by WDFW’s Director is expected in September. If adopted, the new fishing rules will take effect shortly after being filed with the Washington Code Reviser’s Office.

All members of the public are invited to share their perspectives and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.