Lake Sacajawea fishing closure for Kids Fishing Event

March 25, 2008

March 25, 2008

Lake Sacajawea fishing closure for
Kids Fishing Event

Action: Closes Martin's Dock and 600 feet either side of the dock to fishing to the public one day prior to the fishing event as well as the day of the event until 6:00 p.m. The area will open at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, April 26.

Effective date:
ยท April 25 - 12:01 a.m., Martin's Dock and 600 feet either side of the dock closed to all fishing April 26 - Martin's Dock and 400 feet either side of the dock open to participants in the Fishing Kid's event - this area closed to the public until 6:00 p.m.

Species affected: All game fish

Location: Martin?s Dock is located on Lake Sacajawea in Longview Washington

Reason for action: This rule change is necessary to assure a safe and successful Fishing Kids event. The fish will be planted one day prior to the event to better acclimate them before the event. Several thousand fish will be placed into netted areas along the shoreline. On the day of the event, pre-registered kids will be allowed to fish within these netted areas. The pond will not open to the public until 6:00 p.m. on April 26.

The reason for keeping the pond closed until 6:00 p.m. on April 26, is to ensure safety for the public as well as the event participants while the event is shutting down and equipment and nets are being removed. We will have several hundred feet of nets that will be pulled from the shoreline area. Over the past three years, trying to pull these nets while the anglers were trying to fish was not only a hazard to the staff but also a hazard to the anglers. To alleviate any problems and safety issues, fishing should not be allowed until 6:00 p.m.

Other Information: The Fishing Kids event has been held at Lake Sacajawea for the past six years. Prior to this, the event was sponsored by the local community. The event this year will bring in over 600 registered kids as well as their families, friends and general members of the public.

Information Contact: Stacie Kelsey, Inland Fish Program 360-906-6706

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. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at 360-902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call toll free 866-880-5431.

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.