1/30/2023

Smelt, a license needed???? A Bill requiring a license to dip Cowlitz smelt heard in Olympia.

There are many persons from Washington and Oregon that descend on the banks of the Cowlitz River to dip smelt. At this time there is no license required but its gotten to be so popular that during the short opening, its impossible for WDFW LE to control.

I like smelt, have dipped them on the Cowlitz, the Wynoochee, and along the Washington coast. I remember the days of the 80's and 90's, when the Cowlitz season ran 24/7, all year long.....as all good things, more people, more commercial time, Mt. St. Helens, the run got less and less. WDFW was slow to react, way to slow.....kinda like with Native steelhead, so now "a smelt season, for sports, might be only 6 or 7 hours......commercial netting time is much more.

Reason for this post "Should smelt be licensed for all"?????? Should all person have to dip their own limits, except for those with WDFW handicapped license?????

What do you think?????