Rules Category: Eastern Washington and Columbia Region Freshwater
Species covered in proposed rule • Not species specific
Rule to Change: Leader Lake (Okanogan County) All Gamefish
4th Sat in April - Sept 30
New Rule Proposal: Leader Lake (Okanogan County) All Gamefish year round
Why the change is needed: Leader Lake has a good existing population of spiny ray fishes such as Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. The lake is normally closed to all fishing after September 30th each year. Having it open on a year round basis would provide a winter ice fishery for Okanogan County residents and could help to keep in balance an ever increasing perch population.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: Jeff Korth (WDFW Region Two Fish Program Manager)
Marc Petersen ( Warmwater Team Fish Biologist / Ephrata)
Describe their support and/or concerns:
Concerns with overharvest of existing rainbow trout populations, although Leader lake is stocked exclusively with catchable size rainbows in the spring months.
Submitted by: JATEFF, ROBERT — TWISP, WA
Date submitted: 06/13/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Recommended for Public Comment Reference ID: DFW379732
Rule Change Recommendation Short Title Convert Leader Lake to a year-round fishery
Rules Category Eastern Washington and Columbia Region Freshwater
Type of Rule Change Proposal Recreational
County or Location Information Okanogan County
Short Description Create a year-round fishery and eliminate this lake as an opening day water.
Explanation This lake has a good population of spiny ray fishes (e.g. black crappie; bluegill; yellow perch). The lake is normally closed to all fishing after September 30 each year. Having it open on a year-round basis will provide a winter ice fishery for Okanogan County residents and could help to keep in balance an ever increasing perch population.
