Rule change for eastern Washington stream and lakes scheduled for rehabilitation

August 27, 2009

August 26, 2009

Rule change for eastern Washington streams and lakes
scheduled for rehabilitation

Action: Remove bag and size limits, gear and motor restrictions, and change seasons for game fish on lakes scheduled for rehabilitation.

Effective date: Aug. 26, 2009

Species affected: All game fish species

Locations:

GRANT COUNTY
Desert Wildlife Area Lakes (Harris, Dune, Sedge, Tern, and Desert Wildlife Area Ponds): Scheduled Treatment September 14-18, 2009
Current Regulations: Open year-round; Statewide rules.
Emergency regulations needed: Effective immediately through September 13, 2009, remove size and bag limits. Closed to fishing from September 14, 2009 until further notice.

Beda Lake and Brookies Lake: Scheduled Treatment September 14-18, 2009
Current Regulations: Open year-round; Selective gear rules. Daily limit of one trout, no minimum size; Other game fish - Statewide rules.
Emergency regulations needed: Effective immediately through September 13, 2009, remove size and bag limits; remove gear and bait restrictions; fishing from a floating device equipped with a motor allowed. Closed to fishing from September 14, 2009 until further notice.

LINCOLN AND SPOKANE COUNTIES
Fishtrap Lake: Scheduled Treatment October 12-16, 2009
Current Regulations: Season open last Saturday in April through September 30; statewide rules.
Emergency regulations needed: Effective immediately through October 11, 2009, open to fishing, remove size and bag limits. Closed to fishing from October 12, 2009 until further notice.

OKANOGAN COUNTY
Buck Lake: Scheduled treatment October 26-30, 2009
Current Regulations: Open year-round; Statewide rules.
Emergency regulations needed: Effective immediately through October 25, 2009, open to fishing, remove size and bag limits. Closed to fishing from October 26, 2009 until further notice.


SPOKANE COUNTY
Hog (Canyon) Lake: Scheduled Treatment: October 12-16, 2009
Current Regulations: Season open December 1 through March 31; Daily limit of five trout, no minimum size; only 2 trout over 14 inches may be retained.
Emergency regulations needed: Effective immediately through October 11, 2009, open to fishing, remove size and bag limits. Closed to fishing from October 12, 2009 until further notice.

Hog Canyon Creek: Scheduled Treatment: October 12-16, 2009
Current Regulations: Season open year-round; Statewide rules.
Emergency regulations needed: Effective immediately through October 11, 2009, open to fishing, remove size and bag limits. Closed to fishing from October 12, 2009 until further notice.

West Medical Lake: Scheduled Treatment: October 26-30, 2009
Current Regulations: Season open last Saturday in April through September 30; Statewide rules.
Emergency regulations needed: Effective immediately through October 25, 2009, open to fishing, remove size and bag limits. Closed to fishing from October 26, 2009 until further notice.


Reason for action: These lakes are scheduled for rehabilitation using rotenone. The angling public may utilize game fish before rehabilitation treatment.


Information contact: John Whalen, Regional Fish Manager, Spokane (509-892-7861); Chris Donley, Fish and Wildlife Biologist (509-892-1001 ext. 307); Bill Baker, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, (509-892-1001 ext. 305); Jeff Korth, Regional Fish Manager, Ephrata (509-754-4624), Bob Jateff, Fish and Wildlife 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. 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.