Yesterday fishery managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced restrictions to sportfishing in rivers throughout the Washington coast. The new rules represent a massive change to the status quo in an effort to reach conservation goals for struggling steelhead populations.
The restrictions will begin on Dec. 14 and are expected to last through April 30 and affect all sportfishing in coastal tributaries.
Among the changes:
- Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
- Selective gear rules are in effect prohibiting the use of bait (including scents or scented materials), except only one single-point barbless hook is allowed.
- Anglers must release all rainbow trout.
These new regs are likely just a downpayment on additional measures to address what has been years of whistling past the graveyard.
