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Regulatory Handbook -> Aquatic Resource Permits -> Fish Stocking Application Permit

Fish Stocking Application Permit

(FinFish)

What is the Purpose of this Permit?
A Fish Stocking Permit from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is required to plant fish into lakes or ponds in Washington State. Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish, and channel catfish are the best choices for stocking into waters in Washington State. Triploid (sterile) grass carp have limited applications in some types of lakes or ponds, (i.e., golf-course ponds, water-ski lakes, etc.). The main concern with fish stocked into lakes and ponds is preventing any escape of the fish into nearby waters, where they may become problematic.
Who Issues this Permit?
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Where Can I Get the Application for this Permit?
The application is online and can be accessed at https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/fishing/fish-stocking-transport.
How Long Will it Take to Review my Application?
Usually less than 30 days.
Notes / Comments:
Subject Matter Expert Phone / Email:
Fish stocking is region specific with a contact for each of the 6 WDFW regions:
Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2018-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 6.2
Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 18

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 52.7
Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 126.8

(Summary results based on 180 submittals in 2020)

Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL:https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/fishing/fish-stocking-transport
Helpdesk phone: Main Olympia Line: (360) 902- 2200. Fish stocking is area specific. Website includes regional contact for specific area.
Subject matter expert phone: See notes/comments for contact information
Statewide Contact:
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Headquarters
1111 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501
Telephone: (360) 902-2200
Website: http://wdfw.wa.gov/
* Permit information last updated 5/20/2019
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