Rules Category: Eastern Washington and Columbia Region Freshwater
Species covered in proposed rule • Other
Other Description Salmonids
Rule to Change: You may not continue to fish for SALMON after the adult portion of the daily limit has been retained.
New Rule Proposal: All anglers aboard a vessel may continue to deploy angling gear until the daily limit of salmonids for all licensed and juvenile anglers aboard has been retained at Wind River east of the railroad bridge South to the buoy line, Drano Lake, and the Washougal Slough when the two rod endorsement is in effect.
Why the change is needed: The two rod endorsement, at these three locations, is an effort to comply with Hatchery Reform which encourages the harvest of excess hatchery fish. In many years, these same locations have a bag limit increase to further increase the harvest of surplus hatchery salmonids. The proposed rule change is consistent with the goals of hatchery reform, the two rod endorsement and increased bag limits. Boat limits are a common practice, are unenforceable, and commonly ignored by enforcement. No ESA stocks would be impacted.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: Cindy LeFluer, Guy Norman, Patrick Fraser, Joe Hymer, Mike Cenci, and Jeff Wickersham provided input and helped formulate final wording for this proposal. All are employees of WDFW. Numerous sportfishermen, from the affected areas, asked for the submital of this proposal.
Describe their support and/or concerns:
Region 5 is in support of this proposal. Enforcement appeared to be in support of it, certainly not opposed.
Submitted by: WATROUS, STEVE G — VANCOUVER, WA
Date submitted: 06/08/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Not Recommended for further consideration Reference ID: DFW364138
Reasons not recommended for further consideration
Salmon, goes through the North of Falcon process This proposal deals with salmon. Salmon seasons are set through the Pacific Fisheries Management Council/North of Falcon process. This process adopts a cohesive set of rules for sport and commercial salmon fisheries, from ocean fisheries to those inside Puget Sound including freshwater fisheries each year during March and April.
Your proposal will be provided to the manager(s) responsible for this species so that it can be considered during the appropriate rulemaking process.
Online Public Comments(1 comments)
GIRTZ, TODD September 21, 2012 SUMNER, WA Comments: I think everyone in a boat should be able to keep fishing till the boat has reached the limit for all anglers in it.
