Summary of proposed rule
The department is considering amendments to the current recreational fishing seasons &
rules for Lake Roosevelt sturgeon.
Scope and rationale for proposed rule
The weak year-classes of wild-caught-larval (WCL) white sturgeon produced between 2011-2016 (year-classes of concern) that were reared and released as part of the conservation aquaculture program in Lake Roosevelt and that will begin entering the existing sturgeon harvest slot (53-63 inches Fork Length) in 2025. This group of sturgeon is present in low abundance but has high conservation value. At the same time, there is a need to maintain a harvest sturgeon fishery in Lake Roosevelt to remove over-represented year-classes of hatchery sturgeon produced from 2001-2010.
The department must undertake multiple rule changes over the next several years for the Lake Roosevelt sturgeon fishery to maintain the harvest of target year-classes of sturgeon while managing the fishery to minimize harvest impacts to WCL year-classes of concern.
Public hearing
A public hearing has been scheduled on May 29, 2025 at 6 pm.
Register in advance for this hearing with this link https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WaGS6dH1QG6FeWRd5l6ZRQ . This meeting will take place by webinar.
Public comments
To view and submit comments, please visit the https://publicinput.com/2025_lk_r_sturgeon_cr102
You may also leave comments by sending an email to 2025_lk_r_sturgeon_cr102@publicinput.com or by leaving a voicemail message at 855-925-2801 and entering project code 11129.