Latest news on Merwin signs and stocking

[Don Wittenberger]

I just got off the phone with Steve Jackson of WDFW. He's aware the Merwin signs are down and says they'll be replaced. We briefly discussed ideas to keep them from being torn down again, but other than securing them better, there's probably not a whole lot we can do. I also sent an e-mail to Mike Nielsen asking if we could maybe ask the caretaker to keep a closer eye on our sign, but I don't know how effective that would be.

We still have 9,000 babies at the hatchery. WDFW plans to release the first 1,000 at the end of this month. They're about 7 inches right now. Merwin will get 700 and Mayfield will get the other 300. There may be an early spring plant next year to bring the hatchery population down to 6,000. Yearlings planted in late spring normally are 12 to 14 inches and WDFW estimates the survival rate at 33% after their first year in the wild. Survival is less when they're planted early, but the hatchery can't keep all 9,000 until next spring.

When I talked with Steve last week, he suggested as a possible Chapter 57 project that some of us might come out and help WDFW with "scatter planting" next spring. SOP is to back the truck up to the boat ramp and load the fish into ice chests, then take them out in boats and distribute them at various places around the lake. WDFW can do this without our help, but this might be an opportunity for interested anglers to participate "hands on" in the actual stocking. This probably would take place in May at Tapps, Mayfield, and Merwin lakes.

[VHMLLC]

so all the fuss over these signs, what did they say? or do? or ?????



:viking:

[kevinb]

so all the fuss over these signs, what did they say? or do? or ?????



:viking:

They informed the unknown angler of the new state rule. 50 inches or more is a legal fish.Anything below....MUST BE RELEASED
They're not a 100% cure all but one uneducated angler can do some damage.Tiger muskies do not reproduce...so every tiger is very important.

[kevinb]

I'm thinking about hijacking one of those trucks and driving it to Bradley Lake....or Mason County

[VHMLLC]

cool thanks didnt know. 50" thats a big damm fish.


:viking:

[kevinb]

cool thanks didnt know. 50" thats a big damm fish.


:viking:

No worries.... One day I'll get a 50,....one day[-o<

I personally would prefer to see metal signs...but I'm sure that costs a pretty penny

[muskyhunter]

[Anonymous]

[Don Wittenberger]

The personal comment has been removed. That resolves the matter.

[Ski]

Don,

Great opportunity and putting it on the agenda will formalize the process and allow members not able to attend the meetings or those who don't always check the forum a chance to sign up and get involved. I also think this could be a great media event if properly coordinated ahead of time. We could definitely highlight the fact that WA has such a great stocking program, CH 57 is intimately involved with the entire process - not just catching muskies, and finally, educate new or "non-musky fishermen" on the legal minimum length requirements. I am also interested and since I will be out of state for the next meeting, please pencil me in.

[Ski]

Just an unrelated follow up question - how many posts do I need to get rid of the title "seaman"? That title just doesn't sit well with me!

[kevinb]

Just an unrelated follow up question - how many posts do I need to get rid of the title "seaman"? That title just doesn't sit well with me!

I believe 20 will put you at member status. Maybe 10....I dunno:dwarf:

[mtsiview]

Just an unrelated follow up question - how many posts do I need to get rid of the title "seaman"? That title just doesn't sit well with me!

I agree......I would think that with 31 posts that I would at least be "Pond Scum" by now!

[Deadeyemark]

MtSiView,
You'll always be pond scum to me no matter what rank walakes gives ya.

[ProAngler'sDaughter]

I think, by the "sounds" of things, I'm glad I missed whatever that was all about.

Anyway, I think what Don is proposing is a great opportunity for the chapter and I really appreciate the leg work he is doing/has done on this. You can include me as someone who is interested; and yes, I did join the chapter (still been waiting for confirmaton), hope to attend a meeting soon.

Thanks Don for your communication on this and for keeping us abreast of the stocking plans and efforts.

PAD

[Don Wittenberger]

Just a couple of bears growling at each other, PAD. Nothing to get excited about. Bears will be bears.

To give credit where due, it's not my proposal, it's Steve Jackson's idea and I'm only acting as the liaison between the angling community and WDFW. This is something that would occur next May so we have plenty of time to put it on a meeting agenda to explore whether there's enough interest to proceed with WDFW on it. If it comes to fruition, we'll circulate a signup sheet sometime next spring.

[kevinb]

Sometimes bear growling leads to territorial competition and in some cases,the bears will kill each other and eat the remains.
If your lucky,you can see a cameraman get mauled. I'm now an expert.....I watch National Geographic

Ok,in all seriousness..

Thanks for the info and I'd like to "borrow"WDFW's fish truck. I just need to move some water

[muskyhunter28]

Just an unrelated follow up question - how many posts do I need to get rid of the title "seaman"? That title just doesn't sit well with me!

I feel your pain!!!

[Ski]

Thanks for all the info. I guess I tend to spend more time on the water catching fish than posting on the computer. I hope this counts as my 5th post!