| Reference ID: DFW537097 | | Critical Conservation Need Submission Type: Public | Rules Category:
Eastern Washington and Columbia Region Freshwater | Species covered in proposed rule
• Steelhead
| Rule to Change:
None | New Rule Proposal:
Fishing from floating devices is not allowed from September 15 through June 30 on the Klickitat River from the Little Klickitat River confluence to the Yakima reservation. | Why the change is needed:
This is one of the two major spawning areas used by wild steelhead in the Klickitat River. Wild summer run steelhead arrive, hold and some slowly pass though this area during the summer and fall months; the other half of the run hold here and spawn the following spring. Fishing effort has grown very significantly on the Klickitat River in recent years. Virtually every resting and hiding niche and spawning riffle in this area can be easily reached and fished hard and repeatedly through the use of boats. Wild steelhead are caught-and-released (CnR) in large numbers. Repeated and high levels of CnR can negatively influence behavior, reproduction, and survival of wild steelhead (Ashbrook 2010; Hooton 2001, others). This proposal will provide a partial refuge, increasing chances for steelhead survival and effective spawning. Over time this regulation should increase wild steelhead abundance and diversity, improving their health and the sport fishery for future generations. | Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change:
The Wild Fish Conservancy - Trent Donohue and Nick Gayeski.
Native Fish Society - Mike Moody.
Bill McMillan, Biologist and Outdoor writer.
John McMillan, Fish Research Scientist.
Wild Salmon Center - Devona Ensmenger.
Conservation Angler - Pete Soverel.
Will Atlas, Steelhead Conservation Committee – Federation of Fly Fishers.
Doug Schaad, Conservation Committee - Washington Fly Fishing Club.
Dave Steinbaugh, Waters West.
Dave McCoy, Emerald Water Anglers.
Bill Robinson, Fish Advocate and Chair of the WDFW SCPAG.
Mike Gross, WDFW Fishery Biologist | Describe their support and/or concerns:
This Rule proposal has been discussed in detail with Mike Gross of WDFW. This proposal is supported by all listed above as well. | | Submitted by: LUKE KELLY (CONTACT), WILD STEELHEAD COALITION — KIRKLAND, WA Date submitted: 06/14/2012 |
Reference ID: DFW537097 Proposal limits access to hatchery salmon and steelhead. This area is closed to salmon and steelhead fishing December 1 through May, except by emergency opener for spring Chinook and hatchery steelhead in late May.
LYNCH, CRAIG October 02, 2012
RIDGEFIELD, WA
Comments:
An excellent proposal. Protecting wild fish should always trump increasing the harvest of hatchery fish. In recent years, greatly increased pressure, particularly by guides, have put increased stress on resident and wild fish. SMITH, OLIVER H December 20, 2012
TROUT LAKE , WA
Comments:
I agree with this proposal
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