WDFW Fishing Rule Change
Action: Remove size and daily limits and extend the season for game fish on three lakes in Stevens County and two lakes in Spokane County that scheduled for rehabilitation.
Species affected: Trout and other game fish
Stevens County:
- Effective dates and locations: Effective immediately through Oct. 15, 2017, Rigley, Rocky and Williams lakes (Stevens County) are open to fishing with no daily limits and no size limits for all game fish and no selective gear rules.
- Rigley and Rocky will be closed to fishing from Oct. 16, 2017 until April 28, 2018. Williams Lake will be closed from Oct. 16, 2017, until Nov. 23, 2018.
Spokane County:
- Effective dates and locations: Effective immediately through Oct. 22, 2017, Hog (a.k.a. Hog Canyon) and Fishtrap lakes (Spokane County) are open to fishing with no daily limits and no size limits for all game fish.
- Fishtrap Lake will be closed to fishing from Oct. 23, 2017 until April 28, 2018. Hog Lake will be closed from Oct. 23, 2017, until Nov. 23, 2018.
Reasons for action: For management purposes, these lakes are scheduled to be treated with the rotenone, a naturally occurring pesticide commonly used to remove undesirable and illegally stocked fish species from lakes and streams.
Before closing these lakes, WDFW fish managers are suspending game fish daily limits and size restrictions in order to temporarily increase angling opportunity. The lakes close to fishing before rotenone treatments will begin.
Other information: Unless otherwise amended all permanent rules remain in effect.
Information contact: For Rigley, Rocky and Williams Lakes: Bill Baker, Region 1, District 1 Fish Biologist, 509-684-2362 ext. 23. For Hog and Fishtrap Lakes: Randy Osborne, Region 1, District 2 Fish Biologist, 509-892-1001 ext. 302.