House Bill 2003 reestablishes Columbia River salmon fishing endorsement program

The Senate Ways & Means Committee convened on April 23, 2025, to discuss House Bill 2003, which aims to reestablish the Columbia River Recreational Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement Program. This program, originally established in 2010, required individuals aged 15 and older to purchase an endorsement to fish for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River and its tributaries. The revenue generated from this endorsement was used for monitoring and data collection to support salmon conservation efforts.

The proposed bill seeks to revive the endorsement program, which expired in June 2019. Under the new legislation, the endorsement would cost $7.50 per year for adults and $6 for youth and seniors. The funds collected would be allocated to scientific monitoring, data collection, and enforcement related to recreational fishing on the Columbia River. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, with projected revenues of approximately $2 million in the first biennium and $1.35 million annually thereafter.

During the meeting, committee members raised concerns about the additional financial burden this endorsement would place on anglers, especially in light of a recent 38% increase in fishing license fees. Senator Schoessler highlighted that the endorsement would be an extra cost on top of existing fishing licenses, prompting concerns about potential declines in fishing participation and its impact on local businesses.

Public testimony included opposition from representatives of fishing organizations. Noel Pisenich, executive director of the Coastal Conservation Association, argued that the endorsement is unfair, as other fishing areas in the state do not require similar fees. He emphasized that the increased costs could deter anglers from fishing in the Columbia River Basin.

Heath Heikala, who was involved in the original endorsement's passage, criticized the current bill for lacking provisions that would ensure increased fishing opportunities and stakeholder involvement in fund allocation. He noted discrepancies between Washington's and Oregon's endorsement policies, which could complicate management of Columbia River fisheries.

The committee concluded the public testimony on House Bill 2003 and moved on to discuss House Bill 2039 concerning child support pass-through. The discussions surrounding the endorsement program highlight ongoing challenges in balancing conservation efforts with the economic realities faced by recreational anglers.