Yakima River Chandler Power Plant Area closure beginning Saturday, October 7


Action: Close the Yakima River to all fishing within 400 feet of the Chandler Power Plant.

Effective date: Oct. 7 through Oct. 22, 2006.

Species affected: All Fish Species

Location: Within 400 feet of the Chandler Power Plant.

Reason for action: Significant numbers of Chinook are holding immediately adjacent downstream of the Chandler Power Plant and illegal snagging has become a significant problem in the area. Closing this small area will continue to allow anglers the opportunity to catch a Chinook in other areas that are open to salmon on the Yakima.

Information contact: Paul Hoffarth, District Fish Biologist (509) 545-2284; John Easterbrooks, Regional Fish Program Manager (509) 457-9330

Bravo! I'm really pleased that they focused their action at the problem and preserved the opportunity for those that want to play fair.

You know, its really sad that this kind of rule has to be put into effect. Though; I do applaud the guys who play fair!

I was really happy that it was closed. I stated earlier that there were a ton more people there fishing that spot. It wasnt uncommon to see 35-40 people there shoulder to shoulder basically flossing the fish that pool up in large amounts at the base of the power plant. Another plus is the crowd that fishes that spot has troubles picking up their trash. I talked to a couple of the game wardens and told them It would be nice if they just started the season out like that next year. They think that they (WDFW) is going to make it a year around rule that will show up in the fishing pamplet.