March 26, 2004
March 26, 2004
Ringold Area Bank Fishery
Steelhead Fishing Rules Revised
Action: Open the Ringold Area Bank fishery for the retention of all marked, hatchery-origin steelhead.
Effective date: April 1 through April 15, 2004
Species affected: Hatchery Steelhead
Location: Waters of the Columbia River adjacent to the Ringold Springs Rearing Facility from WDFW markers ¼ mile downstream of the Ringold wasteway outlet to WDFW markers ½ mile upstream of Spring Creek. Only the hatchery side of the river is open. Only bank fishing is allowed.
Reason for action: Surplus hatchery steelhead are expected to return to Ringold Springs Rearing Facility, harvest of these fish will not impact upper Columbia River wild steelhead recovery. Steelhead destined for the Upper Columbia River have cleared this area and there is no need for the requirement that only fish with both adipose and ventral fin clips can be harvested. Hatchery steelhead containing a disk tag may also be harvested.
Other information: Anglers are only permitted to harvest hatchery steelhead. Hatchery steelhead are identified by a missing adipose and a healed scar in the location of the missing fin. Two (2) fish daily limit, 20-inch minimum size. All wild steelhead must be released immediately unharmed.
Information contacts: Paul Hoffarth, District 4 Fish Biologist (509) 545-2284 (Pasco) or John Easterbrooks, Regional Fish Program Manager (509) 457-9330 (Yakima).
Ringold Area Bank Fishery
Steelhead Fishing Rules Revised
Action: Open the Ringold Area Bank fishery for the retention of all marked, hatchery-origin steelhead.
Effective date: April 1 through April 15, 2004
Species affected: Hatchery Steelhead
Location: Waters of the Columbia River adjacent to the Ringold Springs Rearing Facility from WDFW markers ¼ mile downstream of the Ringold wasteway outlet to WDFW markers ½ mile upstream of Spring Creek. Only the hatchery side of the river is open. Only bank fishing is allowed.
Reason for action: Surplus hatchery steelhead are expected to return to Ringold Springs Rearing Facility, harvest of these fish will not impact upper Columbia River wild steelhead recovery. Steelhead destined for the Upper Columbia River have cleared this area and there is no need for the requirement that only fish with both adipose and ventral fin clips can be harvested. Hatchery steelhead containing a disk tag may also be harvested.
Other information: Anglers are only permitted to harvest hatchery steelhead. Hatchery steelhead are identified by a missing adipose and a healed scar in the location of the missing fin. Two (2) fish daily limit, 20-inch minimum size. All wild steelhead must be released immediately unharmed.
Information contacts: Paul Hoffarth, District 4 Fish Biologist (509) 545-2284 (Pasco) or John Easterbrooks, Regional Fish Program Manager (509) 457-9330 (Yakima).