Warmwater Fish Program Annual Program Report: 2016-17

Sportfishing for warmwater species, such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, panfish and tiger muskie, is a popular recreational activity in Washington and generates significant economic value to the state. A 2008 economic analysis estimated that 300,000 warmwater anglers in Washington produced $83.9 million in net economic value through the sales of fishing gear, boats, motors, gas, food and lodging. That is nearly double the net economic value generated by recreational saltwater salmon fisheries in Washington and 18% of the total net economic value from recreational fishing.

The Warmwater Fish Program within the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) was created in 1996 by legislation that provided dedicated funding to support the enhancement of warmwater fishing opportunities in Washington. The warmwater program actively manages over a dozen species of fish for recreational angling opportunities. Although warmwater fish are not native to Washington, these species provide popular fishing opportunities in thousands of waters statewide.

The primary functions and priorities of the Warmwater Program are to collect and analyze field data in order to optimize management of warmwater fish resources. The program also provides public education and outreach by highlighting and promoting warmwater-fishing opportunities. This report details some of the program's activities for 2016-17.