Rules Category: Eastern Washington and Columbia Region Freshwater
Species covered in proposed rule • Walleye
Rule to Change: Scooteney Reservoir (Franklin Co.); Walleye, Min. size 12". Daily Limit 5. Only 1 over 22" may be retained.
New Rule Proposal: Scooteney Reservoir (Franklin Co.); Walleye, Min. size 12". Daily Limit 8. Only 1 over 22" may be retained.
Why the change is needed: Annual FWIN surveys show that the walleye population in Scooteney Reservoir is abundant, but the fish are small. In 2009, the min. size was reduced to allow anglers to harvest abundant walleye in the 12" - 16" size class. Many walleye are lost to the fishery prior to reaching 16" because of the irrigation system outflow carries migrant walleye out of the reservoir. This change makes the daily limit (and min. size) the same as Moses Lake and Potholes Reservoir with similar, abundant popoulations of small walleye.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: Constituent called (name?)--says he likes the 12" min. size for walleye adopted in 2009, but says increasing the daily limit to 8 for these abundant, small walleye allows anglers to catch enough fish in a single outing for a good meal.
Paul Hoffarth, Dist. 4 Fish Biologist---he supports liberalizing the daily limit based on the annual FWIN results.
Describe their support and/or concerns:
No input given
Submitted by: EASTERBROOKS, JOHN A — ,
Date submitted: 06/08/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Recommended for Public Comment Reference ID: DFW231820
Rule Change Recommendation Short Title Increase Scooteney Reservoir daily bag limit for walleye
Rules Category Eastern Washington and Columbia Region Freshwater
Type of Rule Change Proposal Recreational
County or Location Information Franklin County
Short Description Increase daily walleye limit on Scooteney Reservoir from 5 to 8.
Explanation The walleye population is abundant and does not require the current conservative daily bag limit. Many walleye are lost to the fishery prior to reaching the 12 to 16 inch size class because the irrigation system outflow carries them out of the reservoir. This makes the daily limit consistent with Moses Lake and Potholes Reservoir.
