Northwest Fishing Reports

If I am reading the new regulations on line the Spokane arm will now be open all year and the new limit on walleye is 16 with no size restrictions? The new regulation book is not out so I am looking for someone to agree they are reading the same as I am. Thanks, Packetnut

Kinda like that from the e-mail the WDFW sent out today.

WDFW FISHING RULE CHANGE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

March 28, 2013

New walleye rules for Lake Roosevelt,
lower San Poil River, lower Spokane River

Action: The daily walleye bag limit for Lake Roosevelt, the lower San Poil River, and the lower Spokane River will increase to 16 fish with no size restriction. In addition, the lower Spokane River from mouth (SR 25 Bridge) upstream to 400 feet below Little Falls Dam will open for walleye fishing April 1.

Effective Date: April 1 at 12:01 a.m. until further notice

Species affected: Walleye

Locations:

Lake Roosevelt;
The lower Spokane River from mouth (SR 25 Bridge) to 400 feet below Little Falls Dam; and
The lower San Poil River from Boundary Line A upstream to Boundary Line C (as illustrated by the map in the current WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet, or the Fishing section of the WDFW webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ).
Reason for action: In early March, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission approved new fishing regulations designed to increase harvest on an overabundant walleye populations in Lake Roosevelt and the lower Spokane River. Besides providing additional fishing opportunities for anglers, these changes will help to reduce walleye predation on native fish populations as well as the number of small walleye in those waters. The permanent regulations approved by the Commission will take effect May 1, 2013.

The emergency regulations will effectively initiate these changes April 1, 2013, a month sooner, to expedite the goals of the Commission's permanent rules for Lake Roosevelt and the lower Spokane River. In addition, they apply the 16-fish daily limit for walleye to the lower San Poil River, which also has an overabundance of the species.

Other information: All other WDFW fishing regulations for Lake Roosevelt, Spokane River, and San Poil River remain in effect.

Recreational fishing in Lake Roosevelt, and in the San Poil River between Boundary A to Boundary C, requires a Washington State freshwater license and compliance with established State fishing regulations. The Colville Confederated Tribes (CCT) have established non-tribal recreational fishing regulations which differ from State regulations in this area. Be advised that anglers fishing in this area may be checked by tribal enforcement officers for a tribal license. All waters upstream of Boundary C (above the 1310 mean sea elevation) and within the CCT Reservation boundary are under the regulatory authority of the CCT. For CCT fishing information call (509) 634-2110.

Information Contact: John Whalen, WDFW Spokane, (509) 892-7861

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons 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 (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.


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This is the kind of thing that makes me feel the way I do about the WDFW.
We have one of the Bio boys reporting lower numbers of Walleye in a body of water and another report telling us there are to many. How can we trust these guys who are in charge of our resources?
I guess we just need to " assume " they know whats best.

Here is the direct link to the WDFW website: https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efis ... sp?id=1285" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

WDFW isn't our enemy. Without them, we'd have no fishing or hunting opportunities left in our state. What do they have to gain by destroying the walleye population? There are far more fisherman targeting warm water species than trout in Lake Roosevelt. The lake is overpopulated, and as a result, the quality (size) of the walleye are suffering. The same can be said of the smallmouth bass. If you've been fishing this lake for 10-15 years or more, as I have, think back to those days. The fish were just as easy to come by, but the number of 18" to 24" walleye was much higher. These guys know what they're doing, we need to trust and support them.