Lake Whatcom + Lake Samish

[rseas]

Not to early to re-engerize this topic...

That said we visited the updated ramp at Samish today and it is beautiful with a handicapped boarding ramp and 30 paved parking spaces.

[Mike Carey]

Nice! I wonder how the trailer inspections will be set up this year? Hate to drive all the way to lake Whatcom in order to be inspected and then drive back down to Samish.

[rseas]

Not sure, I think that I'm going to call tomorrow and try to find out whether or not they have figured out a Lake Samish permit/boat inspection management plan. With our limited time it would be a shame to throw the towel in on a kokanee lake so close to home.

Yesterday afternoon on the way home from Bellingham we did a drive-thru at the WDFW ramp and as already mentioned the facility is incredible. We were there just befor dark, got out of the truck to look at the lake and were greeted by hundreds of fish jumping in the waters just offshore from the ramp. I even dreamed about catching Lake Samish kokanee last night, I have it baaaad...

[Idstud]

I hear you there Rseas Ive been watching Kokanee videos on youtube and Im jonesing to get out there. SH 360 has some nice videos on there as well. Some of my old stomping holes in Idaho have some Ice fishing videos as well for Koks like Ririe lake. I saw they were working on the boat launch area but havent stopped by in some time. I looked into what other states have done and I think they would be smart to do boarder crossing check rather than at every lake/body of water. The problems seem to come from out of state/country. I think it would be cheaper in the long run to set up check points at county line crossings like at rest stops, weight stations and boarder crossings. On a lighter note I spent my day cleaning up fishing gear and tying up some lures for my Dad to use in Idaho. Cant wait to put some kok's in the cooler.

[Mike Carey]

Unfortunately I can just see different counties all having their own rules and inspection stations. It could be a god-awful mess.

[Idstud]

Not sure, I think that I'm going to call tomorrow and try to find out whether or not they have figured out a Lake Samish permit/boat inspection management plan. With our limited time it would be a shame to throw the towel in on a kokanee lake so close to home.

Yesterday afternoon on the way home from Bellingham we did a drive-thru at the WDFW ramp and as already mentioned the facility is incredible. We were there just befor dark, got out of the truck to look at the lake and were greeted by hundreds of fish jumping in the waters just offshore from the ramp. I even dreamed about catching Lake Samish kokanee last night, I have it baaaad...

I was wondering if you made any phone calls on this yet? Very interested. I would have to agree Mike but by the sounds of it, it is going to be a big mess no matter what they do.

[Norm]

a new parking lot sounds awesome, I have been dreaming of kokanee lately and cant wait to get out there

[HillbillyGeek]

Maybe they are planning to pay for it with weed money???

[HillbillyGeek]

DUPLICATE (oops)

[Steelheadin360]

Did someone say... Kokanee.... With this wonderful Steelhead season I am dreaming of a Sunny, fish filled day in my t-shirt. I hope theey get this boat ramp crap figured out though. With how packed Stevens was last year Im going to exploring some new waters.

[Uncle Wes]

Whatcom County politics has always amazed me. Wait until you have to go to Whatcom Lake before heading up to Silver lake.

[Norm]

I do not mind the inspections and the issue is an important topic that can be handled with education. But paying $50 to fish in whatcum county is rediculous.

[Uncle Wes]

I didn't see it posted but is there an estimate as to how much this program is going to cost the city/county? How about an estimate on lost revenue? Just curious.

[Mike Carey]

I received an e-mail last year from one of the city council members who stated that the inspection fee would be set to allow the inspection program to be self-sustaining.

There are a lot of problems with this program IMO. For one, the lack of clear need. Two, the lack of proof of effectiveness. Three, the problem of inspection stations for every lake (ultimately) in Whatcom, which I believe is the long-term plan.

Mostly of concern is, if this is a problem, it should be handled by the state and not from county to county. If every county in the state started their own program you wouldn't have any room on your trailer to put all the stickers you'd have to accumulate. And at $50 per county (to start, because we all know this fee will go ever higher to cover costs) no one is going to be able to afford to travel this state and explore all the great lakes we have to fish on.

Compare Whatcom county's approach (and cost) with that of the state-wide approach that Idaho takes:

http://www.agri.idaho.gov/Categories/En ... SF_FAQ.php

$10 for resident, $22 for non-resident, per year, covers the entire state.

Not to take away from Rseas excellent article, I just doubt I'll be fishing much in Whatcom county anymore, and I think the city and county powers that be are perfectly happy with that, JMO.

[Norm]

Im never buying anything in Whatcom couty again, done with those tree huggin crazies. I loved Samish for the kokes and now I will just have to stick with Cavanaugh and Stevens to get my fix.

[Uncle Wes]

yes there are some excellent Skagit County lakes close by. It is a shame that Whatcom County does not get it. That was my home stomping ground for 10 years and I love Samish for the cutts and Silver was a very relaxing and productive fishery. Miss the area and my friends but they have taken away any reason for me to travel and spend my money to angle their waters. Wait till it starts hurting the smaller business's in Maple Falls and Glacier that depend on tourist trade year round.