Rules Category: Eastern Washington and Columbia Region Freshwater
Species covered in proposed rule • Steelhead • Trout • Not species specific
Rule to Change: The upper zone of the Walla Walla River under Special Rules has "from Touchet River to Oregon State boundary and all tributaries, except Mill Creek and Touchet River. See Closed waters: Yellowhawk Creek, Cottonwood Creek, East Little Walla Walla and Dry Creek.
New Rule Proposal: Recommended wording is "from Touchet River to Oregon State boundary, and all tributaries are closed waters, except see special regulations for Mill Creek and the Touchet River."
Why the change is needed: This cleans up the current wording and the need for separate listing of Yellowhawk Creek, Cottonwood Creek, East Little Walla Walla and Dry Creek as closed waters. It also clears up any uncertainty regarding other small tributaries in the upper zone of the Walla Walla River as to whether they are open or closed. It closes those small tributaries to protect them as production areas for ESA listed steelhead juveniles. Some of these streams are spring fed and are likely rearing areas for juvenile steelhead. Trout in these streams are from natural production of juvenile steelhead.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: None
Describe their support and/or concerns:
NA
Submitted by: MENDEL, GLEN — ,
Date submitted: 06/13/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Recommended for Public Comment Reference ID: DFW455103
Rule Change Recommendation Short Title Clarify areas open to angling on the Walla Walla River
Rules Category Eastern Washington and Columbia Region Freshwater
Type of Rule Change Proposal Conservation
County or Location Information Walla Walla County
Short Description UPDATED: Clarify the wording for the upper zone of the Walla Walla River as follows: Walla Walla tributaries from the Touchet River to the Oregon border are closed, with the exception of Mill Creek and the Touchet River.”
Explanation Removes the need for separate listings of Yellowhawk Creek, Cottonwood Creek, East Little Walla Walla and Dry Creek as closed waters and clears up any uncertainty regarding other small tributaries in the upper zone of the Walla Walla River as to whether they are open or closed. These small tributaries are closed to protect them as production areas for ESA listed steelhead juveniles. Some of these streams are spring fed and are likely rearing areas for juvenile steelhead. Trout in these streams are from natural production of juvenile steelhead.
