Jerry, Sorry your trip was ruined. This is the first I've heard about WDFW boat launch access being fee based. I know it is on the State Parks side of things, but this is news..... I hope we can get some clarification soon as to why this was implemented without public input. And now that this info. is out there I would hope the state has taken into consideration the cost to maintain the money boxes at these sights. This seems a bit strange to me.

Oops. I see the sights... not right, should have been site.

Bad intel? I believe the WDFW launch is Discover Pass or your vehicle permit you pay for when you get your license(WDFW hangs from your rear view mirror). They just want you to think you need to buy the Discover Pass. The State Park however is Discover Pass only. Hope this helps! Spring like weather fishin for trout is hot!

Grigg, sorry to hear about your trip. However you can catch those suckers from shore just as easy! I was there last weekend and ran into a wall of fish. Literally. I know the fee was unexpected and unnecessary, but really? You just turned around after wasting all that gas to not even fish? Too bad!

As I understand it the parking pass that came with your license is good at WDFW sites through 3-13-12. Then discover passes will be required. I reluctantly purchased the discover pass this spring. I think I'll make a new holder for it though, maybe something along the lines of "Discover how the State of Wash found another way to pick my pocket" Or "I got (bleeped) by my governor, thanks Christi"
The sad part of this is it has nothing to do with Potholes its everywhere. Any WDFW lands, statewide. Big game hunters were the first to "Discover" the states latest cash cow, now the fisherman are learning. Call Olympia and tell em enough is enough!

After reading this I took a drive over to the launch sites on the Lind coulle.
The new signs post the need for the discovery pass or the user pass.
Did not see any pay boxes.

I was staying at Lind Coulee for 5 days, just got back yesterday. The sign says Discovery pass or the parking pass is required. Not sure why the state would put up signs saying both are good if the parking passes will no longer be good by 3-13-2012 and even give you the parking pass when you buy a license. It is confusing. I don't mind paying for things I use to be there and maintained.