Rules Category: Eastern Washington and Columbia Region Freshwater
Species covered in proposed rule • Steelhead
Rule to Change: none
New Rule Proposal: Ban fishing with beads on the Klickitat River. Specifically the beads that are a direct copy of Salmon eggs, that are fished under an indicator or bobber.
Why the change is needed: Bead fishing is an incredibly effective way to hook and land steelhead. Due to it's effectiveness, it is now utilized by most guides on the Klickitat, and increasingly by non-guides as well. Consequently, during September-November wild or unclipped steelhead are caught repeatedly, some fish are caught and released several times in one day. This results in wild fish spawning in a weakened state as well as higher pre-spawning mortality. Banning bead fishing would help bring sport impacts back to a reasonable level while maintaining sportfishing opportunities.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: I have discussed this with some guides as well as with a local business owner who fishes.
Describe their support and/or concerns:
They have agreed in principle, however the guides have stated that their catch rate would be reduced and they feel like bait should be banned first.
Submitted by: RIDOUT, STEVE — KLICKITAT, WA
Date submitted: 06/15/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Not Recommended for further consideration Reference ID: DFW470525
Not a conservation issue. Current regulations are consistent with steelhead protection.
Online Public Comments(1 comments)
GIRTZ, TODD September 21, 2012 SUMNER , WA Comments: there are already rules in plsce to protect fish in this area the is no reason to limit this type of gear.
