| Reference ID: DFW103265 | | Critical Conservation Need Submission Type: Public | Rules Category:
Puget Sound Region Marine | Species covered in proposed rule
• Steelhead
| Rule to Change:
None. | New Rule Proposal:
Hoko River. Fishing from floating devices is not allowed December 1 through November 30 in the Hoko River. Floating devices may be used for transportation in the area. | Why the change is needed:
The Hoko River is a small easily waded stream and its wild population has been in decline for many years. Growing effort and efficiency has left little or no refuge for wild steelhead. Virtually every resting and hiding niche and spawning riffle in this area can presently be easily reached and fished hard and repeatedly through the use of boats. Wild steelhead are caught-and-released (CnR) in large numbers, often while in or nearing their spawning phase. Repeated and high levels of CnR can negatively influence behavior, reproduction, and survival of wild steelhead (Ashbrook 2010; Hooton 2001, others). This regulation will continue to allow ample sport fishing opportunity from the bank, including the accessing of bank-fishing opportunities by boat. The rule will also establish a partial reserve for resting and holding steelhead. This proposal will provide a partial holding refuge, increasing chances for steelhead survival and effective spawning. Over time this regulation should | Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change:
Wild Steelhead Coalition, Federation of Fly Fishers Steelhead Committee, The Conservation Angler. | Describe their support and/or concerns:
Support similar or identical proposal | | Submitted by: GAYESKI (WILD FISH CONSERVANCY, NICK J — DUVALL, WA Date submitted: 06/14/2012 |
Reference ID: DFW103265 WDFW does not endorse this proposal for the Hoko River at this time. The boat traffic is not heavy on the Hoko, and the river closes mid-March to all but fly fishers in the upper river (which closes March 31), protecting steelhead during much of the wild spawning period.
RINGLEE, CHRIS September 22, 2012
GIG HARBOR, WA
Comments:
The Hoko River has seen a very high increase in angling activity in the last 5 years, with boat traffic in the lower river becoming very frequent. Some anglers are also floating from the hatchery down and this has created a situation of both angling conflict as the river is very small and this leaves no spot in the Hoko for refuge. How has WDFW come to a conclusion that boat traffic is not heavy enough to justify a rule change? The Wild escapement has fluctuated wildly and I am concerned with the increasing pressure targeting steelhead on the Hoko.
Thank you,
Chris Ringlee DUNN, RONALD C October 29, 2012
EDMONDS, WA
Comments:
Please do not allow a farce like this proposal proceed. It is just another attempt to block one usser group to our resorces. So that another gets better access. TEEFY, KENTON December 07, 2012
VANCOUVER, WA
Comments:
Whats next fly fishing only year round! We should be focusing on jet sled destroying spawning beds. Lewis river in the summer in fall. Leave the hoko as is regs are strick enough! WALLACE, THOMAS M January 28, 2013
SEATTLE, WA
Comments:
I am against this proposal. Methods of fishing I deploy do not work as well from the bank and I see no reason why I should have to pull my boat over to fish a section of water. Why segregate the fisherman?
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