Drought conditions prompt "hoot-owl" fishing restrictions on Methow River

August 4, 2015

August 4, 2015

Drought conditions prompt “hoot-owl” fishing restrictions on Methow River

Action: Methow River closed daily to fishing from 2:00 p.m. to midnight.

Effective date: Aug. 5, 2015, until further notice.

Species affected: All species

Location: The Methow River (Okanogan County) from County Road 1535 Bridge (lower Burma Rd.) upstream to Weeman Bridge (8 miles upstream of Winthrop).

Reason for action: Afternoon water temperatures in the Methow River are approaching the upper limit for survival of trout. The Methow River receives significant fishing pressure during the summer. Trout hooked and handled are subject to stress, injury, or death as a result of low instream flow conditions and elevated water temperatures.

Check the fishing hotline at 360-902-2500 or the webpage at https: https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/rules_all_freshwater.j

Information contacts: Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, (509) 754-4624, Ryan Fortier, District 6 Fish Biologist, (509) 997-0316.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.