Hale Ovisten’s comment from Bill Bakke is an important one, so I though I would post it in order to stress the importance of commenting about the “simplification” tact that ODFW is using. See the comment below and please do let your voice be heard.
A message from Bill Bakke:
ODFW OPENS KILL FISHERY ON DESCHUTES TROUT
ODFW wants you to kill Deschutes redband trout and steelhead smolts. Stocking of hatchery rainbow trout in the lower Deschutes was terminated in 1978 with the intention of managing the the lower 100 miles exclusively for wild trout. Spawning redband trout average 3 to 4 years of age and 12”-13”. These trout can live up to 10 years. In 1984, at my suggestion, the ODFW Commission and chief of the Fishery Division agreed to a 10” to 13” slot regulation that would protect steelhead smolts and the full age structure of Deschutes wild trout. The purpose of this regulation was to prevent anglers from keeping 3 -4 year old juvenile steelhead or high-grading their catch and killing the larger breeding age redbands. With the slot limit in place, most anglers do not fish for trout in the lower Deschutes for consumption, but prefer to practice catch and release regardless.
Now in the name of “simplified” regulations ODFW is proposing to allow a kill fishery on all trout greater than 8-inches (two trout limit per day). Even though the local biologists would prefer a catch and release fishery on trout, their Salem bosses want more license sales and less conservation. This regressive regulation can be stopped if YOU contact ODFW and redirect their misguided and selfish approach to management.
What could be more “simple” than mandatory catch and release of all trout on the lower Deschutes? Tell the Commission that you want a catch and release fishery on trout in the lower Deschutes River so that this unique and diverse population and the exceptional fishery they support can be protected.
See yesterdays post for details on how to email ODFW and for the full run down of proposed rule changes.
“….in the name of “simplified” regulations ODFW is proposing to allow a kill fishery on all trout,…..Salem bosses want more license sales….”
Once again, I am amused by the idiotic logic from government bureaucrats.
It has been proven time and time again, as license and tag fees increase, sales go down. We are at an all time low percentage wise in fishing licenses.
Make license fees more affordable (especially in this struggling economy) and you’ll see increased revenue over time.