Has anyone else noticed how the WDFW will come along and nail a sign to a tree thus posting waters as closed when the rules pamphlet clearly states otherwise. I was fishing around the Skoke valley yesterday and noticed a whole new slew of "closed waters" signs on Purdy Creek.One of these was even posted below the mouth of the creek on the Skoke it's self. Maybe a "citizens citation" for littering is called for here.
I have emailed the WDFW on this subject but was unable to find an email address for the Governor. Does anyone know how to get in touch with him besides a huge sack of money???
Later, grumpyr

grumpyr, here's his address http://www.governor.wa.gov/contact/govemail.htm good luck!

Just got a response to my email to WDFW Enforcement regarding the posting of purdy creek. The person who responded says they will get back to me with an answer as soon as they talk to the local enforcement personnel. Looks like there are actual living human beings working at the state government. I will keep you posted.
Grumpyr........

I live in Shelton and fish the Skoke all the time and have never seen Purdy creek open.It has been closed for a few years.The signs are not very visable. The sign on the skoke itself had to have been misplaced because it is open.

[This message has been edited by Timber man (edited 07-06-2000).]

The creek is open till Aug 15, then it closes to keep people off the Kings. For some dumb reason the DFW says that the mouth of the creek is down on the lower side of the island, when it clearly goes into the Skoke on the topside. They say it is because the river "washed" into the creek. So even when you are clearly fishing the river, they will bust people for fishing on the road side. It makes no sense to me.

Island??????

emergency rules are often posted during the year. Rule books are only printed once a year and alot of changes occur during that time.

Wa definitaly needs better organization with rules and regs

Got another response today from a Sgt. Demiero at WDFW. He says that Purdy creek is closed below the point that the main branch of the Skokomish breaks in. My question is, Doesn't this make all the water downstream of that point the Skokomish?? I will keep you posted.
grumpyr

grumpyr-- I have always fished the mouth of Purdy creek..I have had wardens check me and never say anything about it.Watch out for the Indians they will try to pursuade you to leave by telling you,you are trespassing but this is not true..They hate to see ANYONE besides themselves fish here..

grumpyr, That is exactly what I mean! I bet if you asked a different Warden he would give you another answer that doesn't make sense. It would be nice if the state would get it together and make clear laws that everyone understands.

Timber Man,

You mustn't have been to the Skok/Purdy recently. Purdy is ALWAYS open till mid-August. Last year they posted the mouth of Purdy, as well as a piece of Skok river that intersects it and then runs along the road as "Closed Waters". The sign grumpyr was referring to is on the Purdy Cr. bridge at Bourgault rd. It's still posted with a leftover sign from last year. But fishing there could probably get you written up even if it is a leftover sign. But fishing along the road below the mouth of Purdy will definitely get you a ticket. Gotta go below the island.

Fish on.......

[This message has been edited by Dan S. (edited 07-09-2000).]

Got another response from Sgt. Demiero today.
He says that the area where the Skokomish broke through into Purdy creek a few years ago has been "signed" for some time now in order to protect returning hatchery stocks. I guess my response to that would have to be, HUH!?!?!
Since when does gamie have the authority to do anything other than "ENFORCE" the regulations that have been pulmogated by proper authority.
I will be asking him just that question in our next corespondence.
Later Dudes..........

-Dan S-I never seen any signs posted..I thought the Skoke was the Skoke I didnt realize that they had that part closed.As far as purdy creek, its usually later in the year before you see any fish in..so it doesnt do any good to have it open till aug.15 thats about the time the fish show up. TM

I agree, if they are gonna keep that portion of the creek/river closed it should be listed in the regulations as such. Because in my view once the creek has hit the river, it is now a part of the river. Right? Rivers don't go into creeks, do they?
Saying it is closed to protect hatchery stocks? That is the exact type of B.S. I would expect out of them! It is also funny that you can fish above where the hatchery stream goes in all the way up to the highway 101 bridge for kings. Does that make any sense? Thanks for keeping us posted grumpyr.

Timber,

Yeah, they posted it last year. I can see their reasoning, though. The Kings stack in so thick below the mouth of Purdy, that it would be a bloodbath there if it was open from the road side. Oh well, you'd think they'd take down the signs once the Kings cleared out, but I guess that's asking too much.

Good luck if you get out there this year.....


Fish on.......

hey peeps, jus where is this purdy creek..let me guess, out by purdy? lol..i really dont know..but there is a hatchery out that way and was wondering if thats the creek your talking about? and do you guys fish the salt water down near the mouth? and if so, what do you do well with..tight lines

Schitzo,

Purdy Cr. is located north of Shelton just before you get to Hood Canal. The creek is closed when the salmon are in there, but the Skokomish is open below Hwy. 101. The mouth isn't very accessible, but the tidewater section around the Hwy. 106 bridge can be productive. Stay on the south side of the river, as the north side is Skok reservation and they will throw you out. Be prepared for big crowds and a fishing debacle if you go there on a weekend. In other words, you may have to bring your own rock.

Fish on.........

There is a tiny stream called Purdy creek in Purdy, but that is not the one we are talking about. That one is very very small. You can jump across it in most of its parts.

The latest from Sgt.Demeiro of the WDFW is that the closed water signs at purdy creek were left over from last years salmon closure and will be removed post haste!!
I guess this just goes to show what a little action can accomplish instead of just bitching about things that tic us off.
Later dudes,
grumpyr

wow good deal grumpyr are they gonna make any changes on closures this year? Thats good we all need to contact these folks more often and find out the real deal.Good work grumpyr