Species covered in proposed rule • Steelhead • Trout
Rule to Change: A number of coastal streams (anadromous waters) have trout regulations that stipulate a bag limit of "Min. size 14". Daily limit 2."
New Rule Proposal: Min. size 14". Daily limit 2, except any hatchery (clipped) trout under 14" may be retained.
Why the change is needed: This change allows anglers to further WDFW's conservation efforts and hatchery management practices by removing hatchery origin steelhead juveniles that delay migration from freshwater areas or residualize after release. The benefits are reduced competition with rearing wild juvenile steelhead and other wild stocks, and potentially reduced genetic crossing with wild steelhead by reducing the presence of hatchery rainbow in spawning areas.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: WDFW Region 6 Fish Program;
Describe their support and/or concerns:
General support. Questions about where it might not fit (e.g. Hood Canal drainages where rebuilding with marked hatchery steelhead is occurring). Hence the proposal specifies Coastal watersheds for initial application.
Submitted by: GROSS, MIKE L — ,
Date submitted: 06/12/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Recommended for Public Comment Reference ID: DFW114348
Rule Change Recommendation Short Title Allow retention of hatchery trout (ad-clipped) of any size in coastal streams
Rules Category Coastal Region Freshwater
Type of Rule Change Proposal Conservation
County or Location Information Grays Harbor, Willapa Bay, North Coast
Short Description Allow retention of any hatchery (ad-clipped) trout under 14 inches in coastal streams (anadromous waters) where trout regulations stipulate a bag limit of minimum size 14 inches and daily limit 2.
Explanation Allow anglers to further DFW's conservation efforts and hatchery management practices by removing hatchery origin steelhead juveniles that delay migration from freshwater areas or residualize after release. The benefits include reduced competition with rearing wild juvenile steelhead and other wild stocks, and potentially reduced genetic crossing with wild steelhead by reducing the presence of hatchery rainbow in spawning areas.
