Methow River whitefish boundary changed

November 28, 2006

Action: Change the lowermost boundary of the winter whitefish fishery on the Methow River from the mouth (Hwy. 97 Bridge) to Gold Creek.

Effective dates: December 1, 2006 through March 31 2007.

Species affected: Whitefish.

Location: Methow River (Okanogan County) from Gold Creek upstream to the falls above Brush Creek.

Reasons for action: ESA-listed steelhead stage in the area near the mouth of the Methow River. Steelhead fishing is not open in the Methow River this year due to low numbers of returning wild fish. Closing the lower area to fishing during the winter whitefish fishery will eliminate potential impacts to these listed fish.

Other information: Fishery is open to whitefish only, with whitefish gear rules. The area from the mouth (Hwy. 97 Bridge) upstream to Gold Creek is closed to all fishing.

Information contacts: Bob Jateff, District 6 Fish Biologist - Omak (509) 826-7341,
Joe Miller, Region 2 Fish Program Manager - Ephrata (509) 754-6066.

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.