Conditions for Guided Fishing

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
COMMERCIAL USE AUTHORIZATION
SPECIFIC ACTIVITY CONDITIONS

Activity: Guided Fishing. These conditions are applicable to all authorized activities and areas listed on the authorization.

Fishing shall be in accordance with the laws and regulations of the State within whose exterior boundaries the park area or portion thereof is located except in the following designated areas:

• In addition to the laws, rules and regulations found in the U. S. Criminal Code and Code of Federal Regulations, Olympic National Park publishes fishing regulations each year. The rules and regulations found in the “Olympic National Park Fish and Shellfish Regulations” are hereby adopted as part of this Compendium, and all persons inside the park are subject to abiding by the published fishing rules and regulations. Up to date regulations are posted on the Olympic National Park website: https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/fishing.htm and can be generally found at any Olympic National Park ranger station or visitor center

• All waters within Olympic National Park are closed to the removal of any species of fish, shellfish, aquatic plants, or wildlife, except as provided in the Olympic National Park Fishing Regulations

• All waters open to fishing, as described in the Fishing Regulations, are only open from one hour before official sunrise to one hour after official sunset. [RE: 36 CFR 2.28 (a)]

Authorized Services – The commercial activity this permit is guided fishing in the boundaries of Olympic National Park.

1. Fishing in Olympic National Park waters is only allowed from one hour before official sunrise to one hour after official sunset.

2. Fishing in Olympic National Park is regulated in accordance with the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations [RE: 36 CFR 2.3, 7.28], the Superintendents Compendium, and Olympic National Park Fish & Shellfish Regulations.

Park Entrance Fee –

• Individuals participating in the activity will pay the individual per-person entrance fee.

• Annual and lifetime federal recreational land passes are accepted. These passes are good for the owner(s) of the pass plus three additional adults 16 and over who are part of the same party.

• Children under 16 are not charged.

• Individuals or groups who have previously paid the entrance fee must show proof of prior payment.

• Appropriate commercial non-road-based tour fees will be calculated and charged upon entry. The vehicle and driver/guide have free entry into the park.

• The CUA holder and/or guides may not use personal annual or lifetime federal recreational land passes to gain entry to the park for themselves or their customers when conducting business.

When entering the park each time, permittees must identify themselves; show a copy of the CUA, and state that they are transporting visitors. This will enable the entrance station personnel to verify that you are on the approved list for commercial activities and are to be charged the correct commercial fee. If the entrance station is closed, arrangements should be made to pay fees.

Guide – One employee of the Permittee, designated as guide, who is familiar with the park, know and obey park regulations and area closures, and assure compliance with regulations and area closures from participants. Guides must be currently certified with a minimum WFA and CPR and carry a basic first aid kit.

Equipment – The Permittee shall inspect and assure that all equipment has been properly cleaned and that mud, plants, and animals on watercraft, trailers or vehicles have been cleaned or removed to prevent the spread of invasive species. This must happen before you enter Olympic National Park and any time you move to another body of water within the park.

1. Remove ALL visible mud, plants, and fish from all boats, trailers, waders, boots, and nets.

2. DO NOT dump any water from other sources into Olympic National Park waters. Drain your boat hull and live well in a safe location away from all park surface waters.

3. NEVER empty bait or release bait fish into a body of water.

4. CLEAN AND DRY EVERYTHING that comes in contact with water before entering a new body of water.

Guidelines

1. Recreational fishing in freshwater areas of Olympic National Park is restricted to artificial lures with a single point barbless hook, except as described in the charts listed in this permit.

• Anglers must only use a single rod, reel and line that are under immediate control.

• Seines, traps, drugs, explosives, and nets (except to land a legally hooked fish or dip-net smelt) are prohibited.

• Only knotless nets may be used to land fish.

• In marine waters, up to 2 barbed hooks may be used for non-salmonid species.

2. A Washington State Recreational Fishing License is NOT required in Olympic National Park EXCEPT when fishing in the Pacific Ocean from shore. No license is required to harvest surf smelt. State fishing license is required when fishing in State waters from Olympic National Park.

3. A Washington State catch record card is REQUIRED to fish for salmon or steelhead and they must be accounted for as if caught in State waters.

4. A Washington State Shellfish/Seaweed license is REQUIRED for harvest of shellfish from the Pacific Coastal Area. Harvest of seaweed, kelp, and unclassified species is prohibited.

5. ALL wild steelhead (unmarked and identified by intact adipose fin) MUST be released in Olympic National Park. Hatchery salmon and steelhead (except Queets River hatchery steelhead) are identified by a healed scar where the adipose or ventral fin was removed. Harvest is only allowed in areas and seasons listed in the Olympic National Park Fish & Shellfish Regulations pamphlet. Queets River Hatchery steelhead are identified by a dorsal fin height of less than 2-1/8 inches.

6. Fishing for bull trout and Dolly Varden is prohibited in all park waters. They must be safely released if accidentally caught.

Bait – Bait is defined as any artificial or natural substance that attracts fish by scent and/or flavor. Most freshwater areas of Olympic National Park are managed as “Selective” or “Quality” fishing areas where bait is prohibited. Areas open to bait fishing described in the charts listed in this permit.

1. Prohibited in ALL park waters:

1. Possession of illegal bait.

2. Using live or dead minnows, chub, or other freshwater bait fish.

3. Attracting, collecting, or feeding fish by using fish eggs, roe, or food.

4. Digging for bait or harvesting intertidal organisms.

Salmon Size and Possession Limits-

1. Refer to Olympic National Park Fish & Shellfish Regulations pamphlet. These regulations are updated annually

Conduct of Trip – Guides will ensure all park rules associated with this permit are adhered to.

Fishing Guides – One employee of the Permittee, designated as fishing guide, must be with group to assist the group as needed.

1. Guides must:

• Be familiar with the park, know and obey park regulations and area closures, and assure compliance with regulations and area closures from participants.

• Understand the hazards involved and prepare participants for conditions and situations which may be encountered.

• Be currently certified with a minimum WFA and CPR and carry a basic first aid kit.

• Assure that all members of the group are properly clothed and equipped for the trip.

2. A written list of leaders, with descriptions of basic qualifications, must be provided to the park prior to beginning operations. Copies of certifications must be maintained on file at the base of operations and may be requested by the Superintendent at any time.

3. Must employ staff with the expertise, training, and experience to operate all services authorized in this CUA permit.

4. The use of boats will be conducted in accordance with applicable U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requirements, including, but not limited to operation, vessel capacity, safety equipment, and rules of the road.

5. Boats used to support this service will be equipped with marine band radio and cellular phone, or other means of emergency communication, for use in the event of any emergency.

6. Required Equipment – Each boat in the CUA holder’s party will meet all USCG commercial vessel equipment requirements for lifesaving equipment (personal flotation devices and fire extinguishers), and in addition be equipped with the following:

• Type IV throwable flotation device

• Bailing device

• First aid kit

• Sound device

• Safety throw rope

• Spare paddle

7. The CUA holder’s boat is subject to inspection at any time while operating in Olympic National Park.

8. Decal- An annual decal will be issued. The decal will be affixed to the port side of the boat.

9. Commercial Fishing Guide Annual Reporting Form- This form is part of the CUA Annual Survey. Add requested information to the form following each fishing trip. Information will be used to assess the overall fishing activities in the park.

10. Overnight camping is not allowed along the Queets River.

11. Compliance with Operating Requirements- Failure to comply with these operating requirements will result in revocation of the Commercial Use Authorization for a minimum period of one year. Violations of park regulations may result in the issuance of a Federal Violation Notice.

Violations – Violations of park regulations or the terms of this permit may result in the suspension of privileges granted by this permit and could lead to appropriate fines or citations, as well as suspension or revocation.