Salmonid limit on lower Columbia
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife reports that some anglers fishing from the mouth of the Columbia River up to Bonneville Dam are continuing to fish after retaining their limit. Many anglers seem unaware that this year’s daily limit is one salmonid, instead of the two fish limit in years past.
Anglers may keep two salmonids a day above Bonneville Dam.
Always check the regulations before you fish.
WDFW OKs budget, policy proposals
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission approved budget and policy proposals for the 2019 legislative session at a meeting Aug. 9-11 in Olympia.
The commission, a citizen panel appointed by the governor to set policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), also supported the agency’s long-term funding plan, developed with the help of a broad-based advisory group.
The commission approved the department’s 2019-21 operating budget proposal, which includes a request of more than $30 million to preserve the existing services WDFW provides and an additional $28.2 million to provide new or improved services, such as enhanced fishing and hunting opportunities and conservation work.
WDFW’s budget request would come from primarily state general funds augmented by a small recreational license fee increase. Commissioners gave the OK for the department to pursue during the upcoming legislative session an increase of 5 percent across-the-board on recreational fishing and hunting license fees.
The department’s presentation on its budget and policy proposals can be found on the commission webpage at https://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/meetings/2018/08/agenda_aug0918.html.
Closure, detour in Goat Rocks Wilderness
Due to the small Clear Fork Fire in the Goat Rocks Wilderness, there is an emergency closure in effect. The closure is bounded by the Pacific Crest Trail on the east; US Hwy 12 & Trail No. 76 on the north; Trail No. 61 (Coyote Trail) on the west and southwest to its junction with the Pacific Crest Trail.
The Pacific Crest Trail No. 2000 is closed between Elk Pass north to White Pass.
Buoy 10 Challenge slated for weekend
The Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association’s Buoy 10 Salmon Challenge will be held in Astoria, Ore., on Thursday and Friday. Registration is still open with a cost per angler at $110.
The NSIA will hold a pre-tournament Team Reception on Thursday at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds from 5-7 p.m. The reception is an opportunity to review the rules and participate in a Tule ID training.
The derby takes place on Friday, with weigh-in between 3-5 p.m. and an awards dinner at 6 p.m.
Anglers will compete for thousands in cash and gear prizes, including a $1000 cash prize for biggest fish, as well as a $1,100 Mystery Fish Prize.
Proceeds from the event go to support NSIA’s work preserving, restoring and enhancing sportfisheries and the businesses dependent on them. To register contact NSIA at 503.631.8859 or email events@nsiafishing.org.
Lake Stevens angler sets tope shark mark
Ten-year old Isabella Tolen of Lake Stevens has established the state record for the largest tope shark caught off the coast of Washington.
Tolen was bait fishing with a strip of salmon belly in Grays Harbor in late July. The 41-pound fish measured 68 inches.
This was the first tope shark submitted for a state record in Washington.
Oregon all-depth halibut fishing opens
The central Oregon coast all-depth halibut fishery will open Friday and Saturday, fishery managers announced.
A little over half of the allocation (27,193 pounds) for the central Oregon Coast subarea remains available for harvest and the fishery could open every other Friday and Saturday until Oct. 31, unless the remaining quota is caught first.
The central Oregon nearshore season is open seven days a week, and about 29 percent (7,503 pounds) of that allocation remains.
In other halibut fisheries, both the all-depth and nearshore seasons in the Columbia River subarea are closed as the full quota has been caught.
