Columbia River Tributary Changes...

Check it out fellas. Tell me what you think. I am a little confused on this because of the effective date: Feb. 1, 2001 to end of winter steelhead run as noted in 2000/2001 pamphlet.

Did this just become the new rules or what? Help me understand. I am especially confused about the Lewis rules. Earlier this year they made it so you could keep fin-clipped chinook or not until further notice. The limit was also six fish.

What are the current rules? Are these the current until the end of the winter steelhead run? If they are, then what rules apply?

Matt

Here's something else to check out:
http://www.wa.gov/wdfw/fish/regs/regchng/feb2002c.htm

Matt,
The way I read it, you can keep 2 adult Salmon per day until April 30, then 1 a day after that. Last year I think you could keep non clipped fish. With the Feb 6th date on the change I wouldn't keep any non clipped Salmon. When do want to go fish for springers? Let me know in advance and I can take some time off on the weekend. Maybe my buddy will go and give us some free lessons.

Tony

Matt
I am reading it last year Feb. 2001;
Salmon- no more than 2 adults, except 6 adults but only 2 adult CHINOOK Sept.1-Dec.31. Release all CHUM. Wild COHO release.

This year rule change dated Feb. 5, 2002, effective Feb. 6, 2002 thru the end of this years steelhead season as noted in the Washington rules pamphlet;
Lewis River-from boundary markers at mouth to mouth of East Fork Feb.6 to April 30- Daily limit 6 but no more than 2 adults-release chinook with adipose fin intact

May 1-July 31- Daily limit 6 but no more than 2 adults-release all chinook with adipose fin intact

See the bottom of the page labled "Reason for Action" for more explanations. Also note the # for Craig Burley @ (360) 696-6221 if you are still confused. I also found this information posted in January which may explain some more, also note "Reason for Action".
I hope this helps if not contact your "Attorney"

WDF Regs

This was a rule that was proposed this year. and apparently was accepted. At the Vancouver meeting there was no public testimony on the issue. I say what the heck it's a good rule no one shoule be keeping nates of any species.

Okay, after reading what all of you have posted and reading the rules over several times, here is what I have came up with.

Kalama: Same rules apply, except no "wild" chinook can be retained.

Lewis River and North Fork: Feb. 6 - April 30, two adults and 4 jacks. No "wild" chinook. May 1 -July 31, 1 adult and 5 jacks. No "wild" chinook.

What rules will apply to the Lewis and North Fork after July 31? Will it go back to the rules in the pamphlet or the rules previous to this emergency change? (6 fish, wild or not)

Matt