Fishing with two poles allowed beginning Saturday

Beginning Saturday, anglers will have the option of using two fishing poles on most of Washington’s 8,000 lakes. Using two poles will cost a $20 fee extra, or $5 for seniors. Anglers must also have a valid recreational fishing license. Revenue generated from the two-pole fees will help pay for the state’s fish hatcheries. All other fishing regulations, including daily limits, still apply. About 145 lakes were excluded from the two-pole fishing option, including Amber, Bear, Medical and North Silver lakes in Spokane County. For a complete list of excluded lakes, visit http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/twopole/. Rivers, streams and saltwater areas are also excluded. The Legislature authorized the two-pole program this year. It’s intended to help the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife make up revenue lost during budget cuts. Public comments on the two-pole program will be accepted in September.