Game fish daily limits and size restrictions to be suspended on 5 eastern Washington lakes

September 5, 2017

Action: Remove size and daily limits and extend the season for game fish on three lakes in Stevens County and two lakes and one creek in Spokane County that are scheduled for rehabilitation.

Species affected: Trout and other game fish

Stevens County:

Effective dates and locations: Effective immediately through Oct. 15, 2017, Rigley, Rocky and Williams lakes (Stevens County) are open to fishing with no daily limits and no size limits for all game fish and no selective gear rules.

Rigley and Rocky will be closed to fishing from Oct. 16, 2017 until April 28, 2018. Williams Lake will be closed from Oct. 16, 2017, until Nov. 23, 2018.

Spokane County:

Effective dates and locations: Effective immediately through Oct. 22, 2017, Hog (a.k.a. Hog Canyon) and Fishtrap lakes (Spokane County), as well as Hog Canyon Creek (Spokane County) from Hog Canyon Dam to Scroggie Rd. are open to fishing with no daily limits and no size limits for all game fish.

Fishtrap Lake will be closed to fishing from Oct. 23, 2017 until April 28, 2018. Hog Lake will be closed from Oct. 23, 2017 until Nov. 23, 2018. Hog Canyon Creek will be closed from Oct. 23, 2017 until April 28, 2018.

Reasons for action: For management purposes, these lakes are scheduled to be treated with the rotenone, a naturally occurring pesticide commonly used to remove undesirable and illegally stocked fish species from lakes and streams.

Before closing these lakes, WDFW fish managers are suspending game fish daily limits and size restrictions in order to temporarily increase angling opportunity. The lakes close to fishing before rotenone treatments will begin.

Other information: Unless otherwise amended all permanent rules remain in effect.

Information contact: For Rigley, Rocky and Williams Lakes: Bill Baker, Region 1, District 1 Fish Biologist, 509-684-2362 ext. 23. For Hog and Fishtrap Lakes: Randy Osborne, Region 1, District 2 Fish Biologist, 509-892-1001 ext. 302.

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.