Rules Category: Eastern Washington and Columbia Region Freshwater
Species covered in proposed rule • Steelhead • Trout
Rule to Change: BLUE CREEK (Lewis Co.) mouth to
Spencer Rd. (507)
Col. R. Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement (p. 16)
CLOSED WATERS - from posted sign at cable crossing to posted sign at fence about 40' downstream from
rearing pond outlet and from posted sign above rearing pond outlet to Spencer Rd.
ALL SPECIES - night closure and anti-snagging rule. Open only to anglers who permanently use a
wheelchair, from posted sign at fence (about 40' downstream from rearing pond outlet) to posted sign above
rearing pond outlet.
TROUT Dec. 1-Jan. 31 Min. size 12". Daily limit 5 trout . Up to 2 over 20" may be retained. Release wild cutthroat.
New Rule Proposal: Remove: Open only to anglers who permanently use a
wheelchair, from posted sign at fence (about 40' downstream from rearing pond outlet) to posted sign above rearing pond outlet.
Remove: CLOSED WATERS - from posted sign at cable crossing to posted sign at fence about 40' downstream from
rearing pond outlet and from posted sign above rearing pond outlet to Spencer Rd.
Replace with: Closed waters from posted sign just upstream of rearing pond outlet to Spencer Rd.
Change season to: June 1 through April 14
Why the change is needed: We want to remove the current ADA area definition because the site no longer meets ADA standards and a new ADA site has been built nearby on the Cowlitz River.
We want to expand the open season to allow fishing opportunity on stray hatchery steelhead and cutthroat which enter the stream year round. Blue Creek will remain closed from April 15 through May 30 to protect steelhead and cutthroat smolts which are released in high numbers directly into Blue Creek.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: Delores Noyes WDFW ADA Manager
Mark Johnson Cowlitz Hatchery Complex Manager
Pat Frazier Region 5 Fish Program Manager
Describe their support and/or concerns:
No input given
Submitted by: DAMMERS, WOLF DAMMERS — ,
Date submitted: 06/14/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Recommended for Public Comment Reference ID: DFW131996
Rule Change Recommendation Short Title Increase angling opportunity on Blue Creek (Cowlitz River)
Rules Category Eastern Washington and Columbia Region Freshwater
Type of Rule Change Proposal Recreational
County or Location Information Cowlitz County, Blue Creek tributary to Cowlitz River
Short Description Open the fishery to all anglers and remove requirement that only anglers who permanently use a wheelchair may fish for the following section: from the posted sign at fence (about 40 feet downstream from rearing pond outlet) to the posted sign above the rearing pond outlet.
Explanation This area no longer meets the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. A new ADA Access has been constructed nearby on the Cowlitz River to take its place. Open fishery dates have been changed to provide additional opportunity to harvest straying hatchery steelhead, thereby keeping them off the spawning ground and negatively impacting wild winter steelhead in the lower Cowlitz River. Retention of only hatchery steelhead is clarified.
