This is the RCW that governs the rights of fishermen to fish around docks, etc. on lakes. My curiosity was peaked while fishing with Virgil last week and watching his BP go up as he verbally duked it out with some smart-a&&ed kids that didn't want us fishing around their dock.
Subsequently, I wrote to WDFW and got the following reply.
Dear Mr. Loth:
Thank you for your e-mail correspondence to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Fish Program.
There is no law that allows you to fish around docks, but there is no law that prohibits you from fishing there, provided you are fishing from a vessel, the vessel is not anchored, tied to shore, or otherwise trespassing. Lakefront owners may own the lake bed in front of their property (unless the lake is a "navigable water, " but that is a wholly different discussion), but they do not own the water column, nor the fish in it. Thus, while you may not trespass on the property (to wit, the bed of the lake), you can float in the water and fish. If you are legally fishing, and a property owner interferes with your fishing, the property owner is breaking the law. Obstructing the taking of fish, shellfish or wildlife, RCW 77.15.210, is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, a year in jail, or both.
If you need further clarification on this rule, you can contact Evan Jacoby directly as follows:
Evan Jacoby, Counsel Fish and Wildlife Legal Services (360) 902-2930
This is the RCW:
RCW 77.15.210 Obstructing the taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife -- Penalty. (1) A person is guilty of obstructing the taking of fish[, shellfish,] or wildlife if the person:
(a) Harasses, drives, or disturbs fish, shellfish, or wildlife with the intent of disrupting lawful pursuit or taking thereof; or
(b) Harasses, intimidates, or interferes with an individual engaged in the lawful taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife or lawful predator control with the intent of disrupting lawful pursuit or taking thereof.
(2) Obstructing the taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, a year in jail, or both.
I am going to try to make some small cards, 3"x4" that we can have in boats or tackle boxes and give these to persons that need to be informed of our RIGHTS.
Rich
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