FISHING RULE CHANGE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091

April 16, 2008

Action: Closes Columbia Park Pond to fishing two days prior to the youth fishing event, as well as the day of the event until 4 p.m. The area will re-open to all juvenile anglers at 4 p.m., Saturday, May 3.

Effective dates:

· May 1, 12: 01 a.m. to May 3, 8 a.m., Columbia Park Pond closed to all fishing

· May 3 - Columbia Park Pond open only to participants in the "Fishing Kids" event from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Columbia Park Pond will re-open to all juvenile anglers (under 15 years old) at 4 p.m.

Species affected: All game fish.

Location: Columbia Park Pond located within Columbia Park in Kennewick.

Reasons for action: This rule change is necessary to assure a successful "Fishing Kids" event. Several thousand fish will be stocked into Columbia Park Pond two days prior to the event to better acclimate them before the event. On the day of the event, pre-registered kids will be allowed to fish during the event. The pond will reopen to the general public at 4 p.m. on May 3.

Other information: The Fishing Kids event has been held at Columbia Park Pond for the past nine years. The event this year will bring in over 1,200 registered kids as well as their families, friends and general members of the public.

Information contact: Paul Hoffarth, WDFW District 4 Biologist, 509-545-2284.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.