Species covered in proposed rule • Bass • Crappie • Perch • Trout
Rule to Change: SHADY LAKE (King Co.) TROUT June 1-Oct. 31 No min. size. Daily limit 5. Only 1 over 14".
Other Game Fish June 1-Oct. 31 Statewide min. size/daily limit.
New Rule Proposal: SHADY LAKE (King Co.) All Game Fish 4th Sat. in Apr.-Oct. 31 Statewide min. size/daily limit.
Why the change is needed: An integral part of revising management strategies for fisheries at lowland lakes statewide is to ensure that exciting Opening Day (OD) opportunities are available and easily accessible to long-time and prospective anglers. Shady Lake is the only seasonal fishing opportunity in Region 4 that is delayed until June and there are no alternative OD lakes in the immediate vicinity of south-central King County. According to historic regional files, the current regulation at Shady Lake was implemented in 1986 to evaluate the effects of a delayed opener and special bag limit on the trout fishery. These changes were never evaluated. Thus there is no compelling evidence for maintaining a shortened fishing season with restrictive harvest regulations at Shady Lake. Changing these regulations to the standard OD season will expand that opportunity in this populous area of Washington State and improve the ability of WDFW to attract new anglers to the sport.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: Sgts. Kim Chandler and Mike Krenz WDFW Enforcement Program. Chad Jackson (District Fish Biologist, formerly Region 4), Aaron Bosworth (District 12 Fish Biologist), Jennifer Whitney (District 13 Fish Biologist), and Brett Barkdull (District 14 Fish Biologist) WDFW Fish Program.
The Shady Lake Community Council is being contacted informing them of this proposal and providing instructions on how and when to submit comments.
Describe their support and/or concerns:
Regional WDFW Enforcement and Fish Program staffs support this change.
Submitted by: SPINELLI, JUSTIN P — ,
Date submitted: 06/15/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Recommended for Public Comment Reference ID: DFW918824
Rule Change Recommendation Short Title Change Shady Lake opening date
Rules Category Puget Sound Region Freshwater
Type of Rule Change Proposal Recreational
County or Location Information King County
Short Description Open the season on the fourth Saturday in April.
Explanation Shady Lake is the only seasonal fishing opportunity in Region 4 that is delayed until June and there are no alternative opening day lakes in the immediate vicinity of south-central King County. According to historic WDFW regional files, the current regulation at Shady Lake was implemented in 1986 to evaluate the effects of a delayed opener and special bag limit on the trout fishery. These changes were never evaluated. Thus, there is no compelling evidence for maintaining a shortened fishing season with restrictive harvest regulations. This will expand opportunity in this populous area of Washington State and improve the ability of WDFW to attract new anglers to the sport.
