Rules Category: Eastern Washington and Columbia Region Freshwater
Species covered in proposed rule • Other
Other Description Northern Pikeminnow
Rule to Change: Only one pole allowed
New Rule Proposal: Allow two pole endorsement on mainstem columbia for pikeminnow fishing May-Oct. Anglers could only fish for Pikeminnow and no other species allowed to be retained.
Why the change is needed: This would allow anglers more oppurtunity to catch more pikeminnow. This program helps save Salmon and steelhead.
By using two poles anglers could use two different baits or techniques at the same time. This would help to dial in what they are biting on and where their at quicker too assist in catching more.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: Ifish.net community
Describe their support and/or concerns:
no concerns
Submitted by: ZIMMER, ANTHONY D — VANCOUVER, WA
Date submitted: 04/26/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Not Recommended for further consideration Reference ID: DFW723058
Region staff discussed this proposal with enforcement and unfortunately, it would be difficult for enforcement to be certain that anglers were exclusively targeting pikeminnow. This would in turn cause greater risk to species of concern, like salmonids.
Online Public Comments(1 comments)
WALSH, DANNY L December 10, 2012 BATTLE GROUND, WA Comments: The enforcement concern is irrelevent. Creel counts and catch inspection are the only certainties available to enforcement. Two lines in the water do not double the chances of taking salmonids but the rule would allow pikeminnow anglers to increase strategies on target species.
