FISHING -- The Washington fishing license anglers have had in their wallets the past  year will expire after today. Starting Friday, April 1, people must have their 2016-2017 license with them while fishing.

In Idaho, the new licenses were required starting Jan. 1.

Also expiring today is the fishing season for Washington winter lakes – Fourth of July, Hog Canyon, Hatch and Williams (Stevens County).

However, a new crop of lakes and fishing opportunities will open on Friday, April 1.

Washington has a confusing system of dates related to fishing that makes it essential for anglers to check the current fishing regulations pamphlet for the water they’re visiting.

• Season fishing licenses expire each year on March 31.
• Most lakes are open to fishing year round, but other managed lakes open on March 1, April 1, the fourth Saturday in April or Dec. 1.
• If a stream isn’t open year-round, it may have a season opening “the Saturday before Memorial Day” or “the first Saturday in June.”
• The new 2016 Washington Sportfishing Rules pamphlet will go into effect on July 1.