The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

OLYMPIA - State fisheries managers are seeking public comments on proposed sportfishing rules they're recommending for the Columbia River Basin.

As part of that effort, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has scheduled five meetings through September to discuss the proposed rules with the public.

The rules are specific to the mainstem Columbia River, its tributaries or lakes within the basin. The proposals cover fishing seasons, daily limits and other rules for the Columbia River Basin.

To review and comment on the proposed rules, visit WDFW's webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/rule_proposals/. Comments will be accepted through Oct. 16.

Fisheries managers have recommended 32 of the proposals submitted by the public in May move forward for additional review. The webpage has more information about the proposals as well as those not recommended for further consideration.

The public meetings are scheduled for:

Vancouver: 6 to 8 p.m., Aug. 28, WDFW Vancouver Regional Office, 2108 Grand Boulevard.

Wenatchee: 7 to 9 p.m., Sept. 10, Chelan PUD auditorium, 327 N. Wenatchee Ave.

Moxee: 7 to 9 p.m., Sept. 11, East Valley Fire Station, 2003 Beaudry Road.

The public also will have the opportunity to provide testimony on the proposed rule changes during the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission's meeting Nov. 7 and 8 in Olympia. Check the commission's website http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/ for details on the meeting.