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For more information on
fishing, please contact the
WDFW Fish Program.
360-902-2700
For fishing regulation
questions, e-mail us at:
fishregs@dfw.wa.gov
For all other questions and comments, e-mail us at:
fishpgm@dfw.wa.gov
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Sportfishing Rule Proposals & Comments
View proposals and comments on proposals that were submitted by the public and WDFW staff.
There are two types of rules available for viewing.
for Public Comment |
for further consideration |
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View by Category
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| Reference ID: DFW736341 | | Recreational Opportunities Submission Type: Public | Rules Category:
Puget Sound Region Marine | Species covered in proposed rule
• Other
Other Description
sturgeon | Rule to Change:
sturgeon current gear restriction - Only one single-point barbless hook and bait is allowed when fishing for sturgeon | New Rule Proposal:
puget sound & tributaries sturgeon gear regulation: While fishing for sturgeon, one single point barbless circle hook measuring a minimum of 1 inch from shank to point in front of bend (approx8/0)must be used, tied to a Dacron or similar chord type leader (no monofiliment)of min 95# test. Maximum leader length 18"-- Bait must be used and attached directly to or immediately above the hook. the Anchor weight must be attached directly to the mainline or slider, snap and/or swivel - all being directly attached to main line, no dropline allowed to main anchor weight. PLunking with weight sufficiently heavy enough to bottom position the bait offering is required, continual cast/drifting (bottom bouncing) is not allowed. No adornments may be used for attraction, similar to and/or such as yarn, beads, spinnner blades, feathers, animal fur, drift or wing bobbers. Stretchy elastic thread may be used to hold bait on only. Scent may be used.
See ATTACHED FILE for more information. | Why the change is needed:
Due to emergency and/or permenant resource closures for salmon/steelhead resources, the old current sturgeon gear regulation could be used for catching salmon/steelhead in guise of sturgeon fishing. Dept managers would then therefore close all gamefish fishing to stop possible poaching for the salmon/steelhead. This new gear regulation holding bait to bottom, with large barbless circle hook, heavy chord leader, and no attraction addornements would eliminate possible fishing techniques used for catching salmon/steelhead. Using the chord style leaders would also not dig into flesh or nose of sturgeon and help mitigate better live release of the sturgeon species. | Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change:
Annette Hoffman- reg 4 fish propram leader WDFW
Brett Barkdull - reg 4 bio WFDW
Borderline Bassin Contender (45 membership) - Whatcom/Skagit Counties - hunting & fishing club | Describe their support and/or concerns:
All have supported idea keeping sturgeon open during salmon/steelhead closures as long as the sturgeon gear can be defined as shown above to eliminate poaching.
Recreational opportunity & economic value to local businesses would be desired. | | Submitted by: HARRIMAN, ROBERT K — BELLINGHAM, WA Date submitted: 06/12/2012 |
Reference ID: DFW736341 Rule Change Recommendation Short Title
Rules Category
Statewide Type of Rule Change Proposal
Conservation County or Location Information
Short Description
This proposal modifies rules for white sturgeon that will be developed through a series of public meetings and Commission guidance for the purpose of managing harvest and fisheries. Possible options include, but are not limited to: changes in 1)areas and/or times including catch and release only; 2) size limits; 3) 2 fish annual limit; 4) terminal gear (i.e., circle hooks, etc.). Explanation
Abundance and productivity of white sturgeon inhabiting or originating from the lower Columbia River has declined substantially over the past five years due in part to long-term reductions in key food resources and predation by Steller sea lions. Washington and Oregon fishery managers responded by decreasing annual harvest guidelines in the lower Columbia River by 40% in 2010, 29% in 2011, and 39% in 2012 (74% reduction from 2009 levels). Corresponding reductions have been implemented to guidelines for Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor and a seasonal retention closure was implemented in 2012 for Puget Sound fisheries. The intent of these actions is to stabilize and rebuild the white sturgeon population. Assessments are conducted each summer to monitor population responses to management actions. Results of the surveys become available mid-fall and additional restrictions may be needed if the population does not respond as intended. Recent management actions have focused on retention seasons and no-fishing spawning sanctuaries. Changes to general statewide rules for sturgeon should be part of the suite of actions available to managers and stakeholders. Corresponding changes to sturgeon rules have been considered by Oregon and on September 7, 2012 the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission approved a reduction in the Oregon annual bag limit to 2 fish effective January 1, 2013. Original Rule Proposal Number(s)DFW194162DFW181091DFW502231DFW616892DFW552688DFW459005DFW736341DFW502321
Online public comments submitted for this proposal can be found here.
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