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. 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.