Rules change for eastern lakes scheduled for rehabilitation

September 7, 2007

Action: Change seasons and remove the daily bag and size limits for game fish on lakes and streams scheduled for rehabilitation. Statewide gear rules will apply to these lakes and streams.

Effective dates: Effective immediately.

Species affected: All game species.

Location:

· Adams County: Sprague Lake, Cow Lake, Finnell Lake, Cow Creek, Hallin Lake, Lugenbeal Creek, Damage Creek.

· Grant County: Corral Lake, Blythe Lake, Chukar Lake, Scaup Lake.

· Lincoln County: Sprague Lake, Dixons Pond, Negro Creek, Damage Creek.

· Okanogan County: Chopaka Lake, Blue Lake (Lime Belt).

· Sprague Lake, Hallin Lake, Cow Lake, Finnell Lake, Dixons Pond, Negro Creek from the mouth at Sprague Lake to the fish barrier dam at Fishtrap Lake, Cow Creek from Sheep Springs dam to Sprague Lake, Lugenbeal Creek, Damage Creek (Adams and Lincoln Counties): Effective immediately through September 30, 2007, open to fishing. No daily limit for game fish. No daily size limit for game fish. Closed to fishing October 1, 2007 until further notice.

· Corral Lake, Blythe Lake, Chukar Lake, Scaup Lake (Grant County): Effective immediately through October 21, 2007, open to fishing. No daily limit for game fish. No daily size limit for game fish. Closed to fishing October 22, 2007 until further notice.

· Chopaka Lake (Okanogan County): Effective immediately through September 23, 2007, open to fishing. No daily limit for game fish. No daily size limit for game fish. Statewide gear rules apply. Fishing from a floating device equipped with a motor allowed. Closed to fishing September 24, 2007 until further notice.

· Blue Lake (Lime Belt) (Okanogan County): Effective immediately through September 23, 2007, open to fishing. No daily limit for game fish. No daily size limit for game fish. Closed to fishing September 24, 2007 until further notice.

Reason for action: These lakes are scheduled for rehabilitation utilizing rotenone. This action provides opportunity for anglers to take fish that will be removed during the fall rehabilitation projects.

Information contact: Joseph Miller, Regional Fish Manager, Ephrata (509-754-4624), Jeff Korth, Fish & Wildlife Biologist, (509-754-4624), Bob Jateff, Fish & Wildlife Biologist (509-826-7341), John Whalen, Regional Fish Manager, Spokane (509-892-7861), Chris Donley, Fish & Wildlife Biologist (509-892-1001 ext 307).

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.