EPHRATA — An online public hearing is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. today for a proposed Washington Fish and Wildlife rule change that would extend the fishing season on Blue Lake, Deep Lake and Park Lake north of Ephrata. Anglers who can’t make the public hearing can comment on the WDFW website until midnight tonight.  

People who want to attend the hearing must register in advance. Registration is available at https://bit.ly/3X6oSJ5. 

Anglers also can comment by email at [email protected] or by phone at 855-925-2801; enter the project code 7252.  

Currently, the season closes Sept. 30, but the proposed rule change would extend that through Oct. 31, beginning in 2025.  

“Changing the closure date will increase recreational fishing opportunities at these three lakes later in the fall when trout fishing is very productive,” according to a WDFW petition explaining the rule change.