After a closer reading of the regs, I think I have it. Intentionally targeting of Bull Trout is generally a no-no unless there are rules for certain waters that specifically state that it's OK to fish for bull trout. All of the waters the Skokomish watershed are closed to bull trout, then, because there is no specific rule allowing it. There are a few streams that actually allow retention of bull trout/dollies (which I find amazing given the general condition of the populations statewide). Parts of the Sauk, Skagit, Sky, and Snohomish systems allow fishing for BT/DV. The National Park regs read thusly:
"Fishing for bull trout and Dolly Varden is prohibited in all park waters and these species must be released in all waters and at all times of the year if caught incidentally." I guess there was a reason that I didn't ever catch a dolly or bull trout on the NF of the Skok (extremely red-faced embarrassment!!!). Anyway, thought I would go ahead with the followup in case anyone else was wondering about it. Thanks for straightening me out! ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brendan Mason" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Monday, July 21, 2003 8:50 AM Subject: Re: Recommended spots on East-Slope Olympic Pen? Actually, the rules for Bull Trout are the opposite. Here is the official text: ALL FRESHWATER AREAS are CLOSED to fishing for SALMON, Dolly Varden/Bull Trout and GRASS CARP unless listed as open in Special Rules. "The Coles" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I have fished SF Skok a number of times, all above the "canyon" and for cutts. I plan to fish the lower SF this month from the confluence with the NF and up just to see that stretch of water. As to the bull trout, I just read the regs and as near as I can tell, you can fish for them except for waters that are specifically closed. In most cases it is C&R. It is definitely all C&R on the NF Skok above Cushman as it is in the park. SF Skok is all C&R for trout and other gamefish unless you are upstream of Rule Creek. Also, the SF is closed between Rule and Church Creek. The rules do allow for retention of 2 hatchery steelhead on the SF. I may have missed something with respect to the rules pertaining to Bull Trout (wouldn't be the first time!) Anyone else have experience fishing the South Fork Skokomish? ----- Original Message ----- From: "Uncle Brad and Elly" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2003 10:14 PM Subject: Re: Recommended spots on East-Slope Olympic Pen? > I've never fished the south fork and I intentionally omitted the bull trout > on the north fork because as someone on the bb pointed out, evidently you > can't intentionally fish for bull trout in Washington state waters and is > written in the reg booklet as such . have you fished the sf skoke before? > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "The Coles" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2003 7:12 AM > Subject: Re: Recommended spots on East-Slope Olympic Pen? > > > > don't forget the bull trout on the skok! they are definitely there (but > > darned if I have figured out bringing them to a fly!) also, the south > fork > > of the skokomish offers some fairly good cutthroat fishing which can be > > accessed with a short hike downstream from Brown's Creek Campground. > > > > Be well all. > > > > Steve > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Uncle Brad and Elly" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2003 7:01 AM > > Subject: Re: Recommended spots on East-Slope Olympic Pen? > > > > > > > the north fork of the skokomish is real nice above staircase rapids. go > up > > > the west side trail because you have more access to the water from the > > > trail. the east side , you have to hike a long ways before you even see > > the > > > river. smallish rainbows 8-10 inches eager to take a dry. try humpies, > > > coachmans etc.there are several tributaries pouring into the skoke from > > the > > > west side too although I've never fished them. they are called, > > > four,five,six,seven.,eight,and nine stream. down off of the east side of > > the > > > lake and between Dow mountain and saddle mountain. you will need a float > > > tube cause access from the bank is zero and there is a short 1/4 mile > hike > > > from the car through a brushy trail to get to the lake . browns and bows > > > caught there on damsel nymphs. have a good time. check in when you get > > back > > > with a report. > > > bjr > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > From: "David Holmes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > > To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > > Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2003 1:42 AM > > > Subject: Recommended spots on East-Slope Olympic Pen? > > > > > > > > > > I'm trying to plan a day to flyfish somewhere I've > > > > never fished before. I'm thinking the Olympic Pen > > > > sounds interesting but since I only have one day, the > > > > east-slope will have to do (I'm in Renton). > > > > > > > > What rivers are hot with trout right now? > > > > Dosewallips? The Quilcene any good? > > > > > > > > Also, are there any smallish (<300 acre) lakes worth > > > > fishing from a small boat there? > > > > > > > > Any recommendations on where, or where not, to go > > > > would be much appreciated! > > > > > > > > __________________________________ > > > > Do you Yahoo!? > > > > SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month! > > > > http://sbc.yahoo.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
