Species covered in proposed rule • Steelhead • Trout • Other
Rule to Change: Would like to expand the Puget Sound Stream Strategy to include all the main stems rivers that are currently open to recreational angler during the winter and/or summer season.
New Rule Proposal: For all waters that are open for targeting steelhead at anytime of the year would be managed under selective gear rules (SGR)during winter or summer seasons.
Why the change is needed: It is my understanding that goal of the "stream strategy" is to reduce adverse impacts on steelhead and other juvenile salmonids in anadromous streams from angling activity.
Part of the justification for the expansion of the stream strategy to the coast was the state's statement that the strategy was successful on the Puget Sound streams. Imagine how much more successful it would be if the strategy was applied to areas where the fishing and juvenile salmonids over lap the most.
It is clear that the vast majority of fishing effort occurs on main stem areas. In addition there is lots of information that the majority of the steelhead spawning and juvenile rearing occurs in those same areas. In recent years 64.5% of the Skagit steelehad spawning and 82% of the Snohomish spawning has been in mainstem areas.
Unlike in the past there should no legal problem in apply selecive gear rules to those waters. Through the stream strategy 200+ SRG new waters are now in the pamphlet.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: No input given
Describe their support and/or concerns:
No input given
Submitted by: KRAEMER, CURT R — MARYSVILLE, , WA
Date submitted: 06/14/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Not Recommended for further consideration Reference ID: DFW481118
The stream strategy was intended to provide protection for juvenile steelhead. At this time, that protection is considered sufficient to continue to allow anglers to pursue other opportunities.
Bait is an important tool for catching salmon. This rule would reduce salmon catch and would reduce the removal of hatchery fish from rivers.
Broad application of selective gear rules would unnecessarily reduce diversity of opportunity.
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(2 comments)
SIMMS, RICHARD K January 29, 2013 MUKILTEO , WA Comments: This proposal should of been put out for public comment.
SIMMS, RICHARD K January 29, 2013 MUKILTEO , WA Comments: This proposal should of been put out for public comment.
