Grande Ronde River steelhead fishing rules have a catch

Steelheading regulations regarding catch-and-release fishing in the lower Grande Ronde River are incorrectly published on page 68 in Washington’s 2015-2016 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.

Officials say the pamphlet neglects to show that fishermen, as in the past, must release all steelhead caught until the end of the year in the lower 2.5 miles of the river.

A Fish and Wildlife Department manager says a correction is set to be posted on the agency’s emergency rules web page this week to require mandatory release of steelhead in the lower river through Dec. 31.

LINK (via: The Spokesman Review)

The story also covers proper etiquette when it comes to fishing crowded areas on the Ronde....or any where else for that matter.

Patagonia Environmental + Social Initiatives 2015

In the conventional model of philanthropy, the big funders—corporations and foundations—mainly support big professional environmental groups. The large national organizations (those with budgets over $5 million) are doing important work but they make up just 2% of all environmental groups, yet receive more than 50% of all environmental grants and donations.

Meanwhile, funding the environmental movement at a grassroots level—where change happens from the bottom up and lasts—has never been more important. But these groups continue to be woefully underfunded.

The funding paradigm is out of balance. Patagonia aims to change it.

LINK (via: The Cleanest Line)

To see the full breadth of Patagonia's environmental and social initiatives for 2015, check out their digital booklet or pick up a printed copy from a Patagonia store near you.

Bahamas Announces New Marine National Parks

Some good news coming out of the Bahamas courtesy of Bonefish Tarpon Trust.

We are pleased to share good news from the Bahamas. The Minister of the Environment, Kenred Dorsett, recently announced the creation of numerous new marine parks in the Bahamas. Among the new designations are parks on Grand Bahama and Abaco that have been the focus of efforts by BTT collaborators Bahamas National Trust, Abaco Fly Fishing Guides Association, Friends of the Environment, and many guides and lodges.

LINK

Regulatory changes to Kootenay angling management

This just in from our neighbors to the north.....

The main change is implementation of a booking system for non-resident anglers on three “classified waters” in the Kootenays: the Wigwam River, Skookumchuck Creek and Michel Creek. All three of these fisheries have seen non-resident, non-guided angler use exceed targets, creating overcrowding on the river as well as pressure on fish populations, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations announced today.

Under the new system, a set amount of non-resident, non-guided angler days will be made available through the existing online angling licensing system. Selections will be made on a first-come, first-serve system, ensuring all non-resident anglers have an equal opportunity.

Once these days are sold, non-resident anglers will have to book through a licensed angling guide to fish on these waters.

LINK

Fresh Chum

It took us ten years but we now have an "official" Facebook page. We're a little slow for social media folks but we finally made it...

Give us a like.

This just in......

ODFW has cut the change to the regs on the Deschutes that would have allowed for 2 bag limit on rainbow trout. The current slot limit will remain in place.