Dayton Fish Talk

Sport fishing

Possible changes in fish management forced by endangered species listings is causing a stir in southeast Washington.

Of particular interest is the effect the rules could have on stocking hatchery trout for anglers in rivers such as the Tucannon and Touchet. In recent years, for example, about 10,000 brown trout have been stocked each season in the Touchet near the town of Dayton.

The stocking program could be dramatically reduced if it’s considered a hardship on endangered steelhead smolts that inhabit the river, Fish and Wildlife Department officials say.

Fish managers will discuss sportfishing management options at a public meeting Tuesday, 7 p.m., at the Columbia County Faigrounds Youth Building in Dayton. , DataTimes