Species covered in proposed rule • Not species specific
Rule to Change: Hutchinson Creek (Whatcom Co.) ALL SPECIES - selective gear rules. Internal combustion motors prohibited.
TROUT First Sat. in June-Oct. 31 Min size 14". Daily limit 2.
Other Game Fish First Sat. in June-Oct. 31 Statewide min. size/daily limit.
New Rule Proposal: Close it
Why the change is needed: Shortly after the stream strategy implementation, a comprehensive winter steelhead census was conducted on the Nooksack River in order to devise a methodology to estimate escapement on any given year. It was discovered that in the South Fork, 60% of the total spawning was occurring in Hutchinson Creek alone. Basin wide, Hutchinson Creek had 17% of the total winter steelhead escapement. Given the purpose of the stream strategy was to protect juvenile anadromous fishes while rearing, steelhead juveniles in particular, and the high density of steelhead spawning in Hutchinson Creek, closing for protection of rearing steelhead is consistent with the intent of the stream strategy concept.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: Ned Currence, Nooksack Indian Tribe. Region4 Bio's
Describe their support and/or concerns:
Support, for the same reasons given.
Submitted by: BARKDULL, BRETT C — ,
Date submitted: 06/05/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Recommended for Public Comment Reference ID: DFW346127
Rule Change Recommendation Short Title Close angling on Hutchinson Creek
Rules Category Puget Sound Region Freshwater
Type of Rule Change Proposal Conservation
County or Location Information Whatcom County
Short Description Close to fishing to protect wild steelhead
Explanation Shortly after the stream strategy implementation, a comprehensive winter steelhead census was conducted on the Nooksack River in order to devise methods to estimate escapement on any given year. It was discovered that in the South Fork, 60% of the total spawning was occurring in Hutchinson Creek alone. Basin wide, Hutchinson Creek had 17% of the total winter steelhead escapement. Given the purpose of the stream strategy was to protect juvenile anadromous fishes while rearing, steelhead juveniles in particular, and the high density of steelhead spawning in Hutchinson Creek, closing for protection of rearing steelhead is consistent with the intent of the stream strategy concept.
