Rules Category: Eastern Washington and Columbia Region Freshwater
Species covered in proposed rule • Steelhead • Other
Rule to Change: From boundary markers above Klickitat Salmon Hatchery upstream
WHITEFISH Dec. 1-Mar. 31 No min. size. Daily limit 15 WHITEFISH only. Whitefish gear rules.
New Rule Proposal: Whitefish angling only open during Steelhead Season on the Klickitat and Wenatchee Rivers
Why the change is needed: The Klickitat whitefish season coincides with wild steelhead spawn timing and distribution creating a critical conservation need to protect naturally spawning and staging steelhead. Extensive monitoring by the Yakima Tribe and WDFW has resulted in empirical data showing the majority of wild steelhead spawning takes place within this rule proposal location and timing. Anglers on the Yakima have knowingly targeted steelhead under whitefish seasons and guides and anglers have been cited for poaching and illegally targeting steelhead during the whitefish season on the Klickitat. While some anglers enjoy targeting whitefish, other anglers use the open whitefish season to target steelhead in the Klickitat during the winter and early spring months. Furthermore, incidentally catching and releasing steelhead on whitefish gear may increase C&R mortality by landing steelhead on inappropriate tackle.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: Wild Steelhead Coalition, Federation of Fly Fishers Steelhead Committee, The Conservation Angler.
Describe their support and/or concerns:
Support similar or identical proposal
Submitted by: GAYESKI (WILD FISH CONSERVANCY, NICK J — DUVALL, WA
Date submitted: 06/14/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Not Recommended for further consideration Reference ID: DFW393710
Current regulations are consistent with steelhead protection.
Online Public Comments(0 comments)
No online public comments submitted for this proposal.
