Rules Category: Eastern Washington and Columbia Region Freshwater
Species covered in proposed rule • Trout
Rule to Change: None
New Rule Proposal: Rainey Creek (Lewis Co.)
First Sat. in June through October 31.
Open from mouth to Hwy. 12
Trout Minimum size 8". Daily limit 5. Release cutthroat. Release rainbow trout except those having a clipped adipose fin and a healed scar at the location of the clipped fin.
Why the change is needed: Tacoma Power is currently planting adipose fin clipped rainbow trout in the Tilton River and Skate Creek (FERC Mitigation). Beginning in 2013 they will no longer be able to stock these very popular waters because of the prohibition in our Statewide Steelhead Management Plan of planting catchable trout in anadromous waters. Stocking rainbow trout in Rainey Creek will serve as a partial replacement for lost opportunity in the Tilton R. and Skate Cr.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: Pat Frazier-Region 5 Fish Program Manager
John Serl-Upper Cowlitz River Anadromous Fish Rintroduction Biologist
Describe their support and/or concerns:
Very supportive of proposal
Submitted by: DAMMERS, WOLF — ,
Date submitted: 06/15/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Recommended for Public Comment Reference ID: DFW224987
Rule Change Recommendation Short Title Create new Rainey Creek rainbow trout fishery
Rules Category Eastern Washington and Columbia Region Freshwater
Type of Rule Change Proposal Recreational
County or Location Information Lewis County
Short Description Provide an adipose fin clipped rainbow trout harvest season in this tributary at the upper end of Riffe Lake.
Explanation In 2013, Tacoma Power will begin stocking rainbow trout in Rainey Creek as a partial replacement for lost opportunity in the Tilton River and Skate Creek.
The Tilton River and Skate Creek will no longer be stocked because of the Statewide Steelhead Management Plan to remove hatchery trout plants from wild steelhead waters.
