Rules Category: Eastern Washington and Columbia Region Freshwater
Species covered in proposed rule • Steelhead • Trout
Rule to Change: BLUE CREEK (Lewis Co.) mouth to
Spencer Rd. (507)
Col. R. Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement (p. 16)
CLOSED WATERS - from posted sign at cable crossing to posted sign at fence about 40' downstream from
rearing pond outlet and from posted sign above rearing pond outlet to Spencer Rd.
ALL SPECIES - night closure and anti-snagging rule. Open only to anglers who permanently use a
wheelchair, from posted sign at fence (about 40' downstream from rearing pond outlet) to posted sign above
rearing pond outlet.
TROUT Dec. 1-Jan. 31 Min. size 12". Daily limit 5 trout . Up to 2 over 20" may be retained.
Release wild CUTTHROAT
New Rule Proposal: Remove this section:
Open only to anglers who permanently use a wheelchair, from posted sign at fence (about 40' downstream from rearing pond outlet to posted sign sign above rearin pond outlet.
Change open Fishery Dates to: June 1 through April 14.
Add: Up to 2 over 20" hatchery steelhead may be retained.
Why the change is needed: This former ADA Access area no longer no longer meets ADA standards. A new ADA Access has been constructed nearby on the Cowlitz River to take the place of the Blue Cr. access.
Open fishery dates have been changed to provide additional opportunity to harvest straying hatchery steelhead thereby keeping them from off the spawning ground and negatively impacting wild winter stelhead in the lower Cowlitz River.
Retention of only hatchery steelhead is clarified.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: Delores Noyes-ADA Manager
Mark Johnson Cowlitz Complex Manager
Chris Gleizes-Cowlitz Evaluation Biologist
Pat Frazier-Region 5 Fish Program Manager
Describe their support and/or concerns:
Supportive
Submitted by: DAMMERS, WOLF — ,
Date submitted: 06/15/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Recommended for Public Comment Reference ID: DFW525607
Rule Change Recommendation Short Title Increase angling opportunity on Blue Creek (Cowlitz River)
Rules Category Eastern Washington and Columbia Region Freshwater
Type of Rule Change Proposal Recreational
County or Location Information Cowlitz County, Blue Creek tributary to Cowlitz River
Short Description Open the fishery to all anglers and remove requirement that only anglers who permanently use a wheelchair may fish for the following section: from the posted sign at fence (about 40 feet downstream from rearing pond outlet) to the posted sign above the rearing pond outlet.
Explanation This area no longer meets the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. A new ADA Access has been constructed nearby on the Cowlitz River to take its place. Open fishery dates have been changed to provide additional opportunity to harvest straying hatchery steelhead, thereby keeping them off the spawning ground and negatively impacting wild winter steelhead in the lower Cowlitz River. Retention of only hatchery steelhead is clarified.
