The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is accepting public comments on proposed fishing rule changes for trout and kokanee on Rufus Woods Lake and Lake Roosevelt, respectively. WDFW received petitions to change fishing rules at the two lakes in July. WDFW Director Kelly Susewind approved both petitions and initiated rulemaking.
For Rufus Woods Lake, the proposed change would require recreational anglers to keep only adipose clipped trout. Currently there is not an adipose fin clip requirement in the existing rule. All net pen fish and those direct released into the reservoir are adipose clipped, so a decrease in angler opportunity is not expected. The proposed change is intended to protect native redband trout and align WDFW's fishing rules with those of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CTCR) on this jointly managed water.
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For Lake Roosevelt, the proposed change would decrease the daily limit of kokanee from six, with no more than two adipose intact fish, to two. WDFW fishery managers note that the proposal reflects the most appropriate daily limit for natural-origin kokanee that balances recreational angler opportunity and conservation. Adipose fin clipped hatchery kokanee have not been released into Lake Roosevelt in the last decade. Fishery managers also emphasize that eliminating this rule will reduce angler confusion and reduce false expectations for fish that are not present in the existing fishery. This rule change will align WDFW's fishing rules with the CTCR on this jointly managed water. More information about the proposed rule changes for both lakes is available on WDFW's rule-making web page.
The public comment period for this rule runs through Dec. 7, 2026. The public may submit comments about the rulemaking online, via email, or by telephone (1-855-925-2801, project code 8798).
WDFW will also host a virtual public hearing via Zoom from 6–8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, to present information about the proposed rule change and hear feedback and suggestions. Pre-registration is required.
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.
