Rule to Change: Special Rule Whatcom Creek Closure for taking salmon and steelhead beginning Dec. 1st.
New Rule Proposal: Allow Whatcom Creek to remain open until end of December for salmon fishing, with a requirement for all steelhead caught to be placed in hatchery tube. This would allow for more hatchery steelhead, and less steelhead escapement around the hatchery. Total hatchery requirements would be reached sooner, allowing for a more timely steelhead opening.
Why the change is needed: The system is inefficient as it has been. The current system allows the steelhead to avoid the hatchery. It would improve the steelhead numbers, and it would improve fishing to change the ruling as I have suggested.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: No input given
Describe their support and/or concerns:
No input given
Submitted by: LUKE, GLENN J — BELLINGHAM, WA
Date submitted: 04/30/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Not Recommended for further consideration Reference ID: DFW111966
There is no permanent rule in place closing Whatcom Creek to salmon and steelhead fishing beginning on December 1, but the last two years we have enacted an emergency regulation to close the fishery on this date. We are currently evaluating the need for steelhead broodstock collection, and the further need for emergency regulation implementation.
Online Public Comments(1 comments)
FAVRO, GARY January 29, 2013 BELLINGHAM, WA Comments: Much needed change. Now all you have to do is make Woburn St to I5 bridge a fly fishing only area, catch and release during the open season. This would eliminate the snagging off the spawn beds of kings. This goes on every year. Spinning reels, big treble hooks on spoons and spinners.
Lets fix the problem.
