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600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
November 17, 1997
Contact: Jeff Weathersby, (360) 902-2256
Dyes Inlet closes to chum fishing
BREMERTON -- Dyes Inlet has been closed to recreational chum salmon
fishing, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today.
Non-Indian commercial fishing for chum ended last month.
Recreational fishing is now closed for chum fishing in waters north of the
Manette Bridge.
Department biologists said closure was necessary because surveys of Chico
and other creeks leading into the inlet showed spawning goals are not being met. The
spawning goal for the basin is 14,000 and the surveys so far have shown only 8,800
chum have reached the gravel.
Biologists said the chum run into the inlet appears to be about 70 percent below
preseason forecasts.
The biologists can't explain why the chum run is smaller than expected, although
killer whales feeding in the inlet for several weeks probably have played a role.
Fishing for other salmon species remains open in the inlet. Fishers are advised
not to use gear normally used for chum in the inlet.
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