NEWS RELEASE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Date: October 7, 2021
Contact: Fish Program, 360-902-2700
Media Contact: Eryn Couch, 360-890-6604
Public invited to Oct. 26 virtual coastal steelhead town hall
Members of Ad-hoc Coastal Steelhead Advisory Group announced
OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fishery managers are inviting the public to join them at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 26, for a virtual town hall to gather feedback ahead of the 2021-2022 coastal steelhead season. It marks the second meeting in a suite of public engagement opportunities this fall.
“As we look back on last season, it’s important to our team of fishery managers, research scientists and fisheries biologists that we chart a successful communication path with those interested in coastal steelhead,” said Kelly Cunningham, WDFW fish program director. “At the core of that is a commitment to transparent, open dialogue with the public as we consider the various needs.”
The Oct. 26 meeting will include discussion around stock assessment and creel monitoring results from the 2020-2021 season, preliminary forecasts for the 2021-22 season and some possible regulatory options for the 2021-2022 season.
Last season’s fishery restricted the use of bait and fishing from a boat, ultimately ending in an early closure to help increase the number of wild steelhead that return to the spawning grounds. Tribal governments took similar steps to help support coastal steelhead conservation and are expediting post-season analysis alongside WDFW to support earlier public engagement ahead of next season.
Since the last virtual coastal steelhead town hall in July 2021, WDFW appointed 12 members to its the newly formed Ad-Hoc Coastal Steelhead Advisory Group. The group will play a key role in implementing the coastal steelhead proviso aimed at producing watershed specific fishery plans as required by the Washington Legislature in the 2021-23 budget. The ad-hoc group will meet virtually beginning in 2022. To view the member list and find more information, visit wdfw.wa.gov/about/advisory/csag.
WDFW continues to operate under its Statewide Steelhead Management Plan, which requires the department to prioritize the sustainability of wild coastal steelhead runs, by focusing on healthy levels of abundance, productivity, diversity and distribution.
For more information about the Oct. 26 town hall as well as prior and future coastal steelhead virtual town hall meetings, please visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/management/steelhead/coastal. The meeting will be recorded and posted online so people can also watch the meetings afterwards at their convenience.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
Individuals who need to receive this information in an alternative format, language, or who need reasonable accommodations to participate in WDFW-sponsored public meetings or other activities may contact the Title VI/ADA Compliance Coordinator by phone at 360-902-2349, TTY (711), or email (Title6@dfw.wa.gov). For more information, see https://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation.
Unfortunately the COVID situation has not improved and we will be unable to hold our October meeting. The Board of Directors made this decision after reviewing data showing that the pandemic remains real in this area with the local hospitals being at capacity and a dramatic increase in the number of deaths related to COVID infections. Hopefully, the situation will improve soon and we will be able to resume regular meetings starting in November. Although we don’t believe it is prudent to hold indoor meetings we do believe that outdoor activities are safe and with that in mind have scheduled several outings.
The first event was a surf perch/clam dig outing to Mocrocks on September 25. We had a good day on the beach even though the surf perch part was a bust with only 2 very small perch, a couple of flounder and some sculpins being brought to shore. However, most everyone brought home a limit of 20 clams. It was an opportunity to see friendly faces and catch up with what is happening with other members
Other upcoming events are an excursion to Mayfield Lake on October 23 (changed from Riffe Lake due to water levels); a combination crab/clam dig to Willipa Bay and Grayland on November 20; another combination crab/clam dig to Willipa Bay and Grayland on December 18 and our traditional New Years Eve clam dig at Grayland on December 31. More specific information regarding these events will be sent later. However, it will help us plan for each outing if you could let Mike Silvers or me know now if you would like to come to any of them. We would especially like to know if you plan to be there, are bringing your boat, if you have one, and have room for someone on it. As of this time we have preliminary commitments from two boat owners and room for four individuals without a boat
Please let me or Mike Silvers know if you have any ideas for other outings. For example, there are a number of other possible dates for clam dig outings which we could put together if there is enough interest. We also would appreciate suggestions for other outing opportunities.
You can contact Mike at setthehook55@gmail.comor 360 951-5160. My contact is ramorrow@pacifier.comor 360 866-0189.
Allen Morrow, President
South Sound Chapter Puget Sound Anglers
The world needs more Larry Stamp's! Larry Stamp who owns Rods and Reels in Need tonight was at the Lacey Community center giving away brand new rods and reels along with new Tackle boxes stuffed with terminal tackle to help out the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Organization. The kids got a quick lesson in casting and than down to the lake to try there luck. some trout, Bass, and blue Gill were caught and fun was had by all. Larry's motto : Because Everyone Deserves the chance to fish. If you have any fishing gear to donate or want to help out this incredible Non Profit Organization contact : Rods and Reels in Need
@donateyourgear4kids · Charity Organization.
((see below))
Volunteers needed:
Hello Everyone,
I am forwarding emails regarding an opportunity to assist Rods and Reels in Need ( Larry Stamp) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service at an event to provide Big Brothers and Big Sisters fishing rods and reels and instruction on how to use them. The event will happen at the Lacey Community Center ( Long's Pond) on September 22 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM.
One more thing to add. Another option for assisting would be to help sort through, organize, and prep donated rod and reel combos prior to the events. Larry with Rods and Reels in Need has a shed and two trailers with donated gear and it would be a big help if folks could spare an hour or two here and there to help him prep the gear. This could be done any time between now and the events. There is a second event in the parking lot of Salvation Army on Friday, September 24th. This is strictly giving away gently used rod & reel combos to families that qualify for their holiday give and meal program.
If you are interested in helping, please respond to Dan Spencer (daniel_spencer@fws.gov) or Larry Stamp (rodsandreelsinneed@gmail.com).
Allen Morrow, President
South Sound Chapter Puget Sound Anglers
Be sure to check the Club News tab and the Calendar tab to see what is currently going on with our club. Monthly meetings are held at the Lacey Community Center/Woodland Creek Community Park (see directions below) on the first Thursday of each month. All are welcome to attend. Come listen to our guest speaker and other fish stories.
FISHING RULE CHANGE