Species covered in proposed rule • Bass • Crappie • Perch • Trout
Rule to Change: Ohop Lake Last Saturday in April-Oct 31st.
New Rule Proposal: Ohop Lake Year-round
Why the change is needed: In 2011 WDFW marked the catchable rbt stocked into Ohop Lake to determine if fish were leaving the lake. Shortly after being stocked adipose clipped rbt were detected at the downstream smolt trap. In 2012 WDFW increased the size of fish stocked into Ohop Lake in an attemp to reduce entrainment. No hatchery fish were detected at the downstream trap in 2012. Because larger fish are more expensive WDFW will not be able to stock larger fish at a high enough density to reaching the harvest goal desired in lakes managed with RBT for Opening Day. This change will also increase the opportunity for fall and winter trout and warmwater fishing in South Sound.
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: LARRY , PHILLIPS — ,
Date submitted: 06/08/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Recommended for Public Comment Reference ID: DFW705682
Rule Change Recommendation Short Title Convert Ohop Lake to a year-round fishery
Rules Category Puget Sound Region Freshwater
Type of Rule Change Proposal Recreational
County or Location Information Pierce County
Short Description Eliminate this lake as an opening day water and make it a year-round fishery.
Explanation In 2011, WDFW adipose clipped the catchable rainbow trout stocked into Ohop Lake to determine if fish were entraining out of the lake into the Nisqually River. Shortly after being stocked, adipose clipped rainbow trout were detected at the downstream smolt trap in the Nisqually River. In 2012, WDFW increased the mean size of the rainbow trout stocked into Ohop Lake in an attempt to reduce entrainment. No hatchery fish were detected at the downstream trap in 2012. Because larger fish are more expensive, WDFW will not be able to stock larger fish at a high enough density to reach the harvest goal desired for lakes managed with trout for opening day. This change will also increase the opportunity for fall and winter trout and warmwater fishing in South Sound.
