With the Yakima River Basin and nearly all of Washington in the grip of a historic drought, state officials have imposed limits on where you can fish, game or otherwise, until further notice. Does this affect any of us? It does me.

The fishing rules took effect July 18

Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency because of the drought in May. Since then, water levels in local rivers, lakes and ponds have all dropped dramatically, and fishing has now slowed to nearly a standstill in some places.

Until the drought is over, which might be for quite some time, there are places we will not be able to fish. One of them is my favorite place to go, the Little Naches.

Here is the list from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife -- I hope it rains soon.

1) Ahtanum Creek, including North and Middle Forks: Closed

2) Naches River from Tieton River to Bumping River/Little Naches River: Closed 2:00 p.m. until 12:00 midnight

3) Rattlesnake Creek: Closed 2 p.m. until midnight

4) Little Naches River: Closed

5) Teanaway River, including West, Middle and North Forks: Closed

It is a good idea, but I am sad about it.

Reason for action: Afternoon water temperatures in Yakima Basin rivers and creeks are approaching the upper limit for survival of trout and salmon. Most of the above waters do not benefit from cold water releases from the Bureau of Reclamation storage reservoirs. These select waters receive significant summer fishing effort that will subject hooked fish to handling stress, injury or death directly related to elevated water temperature combined with record low instream flow conditions.

If you need more information go to WDFW Fishing Rules or use the contact information below.

Information contacts: Eric Anderson, District 8 Fish Biologist, (509) 457-9301 (Yakima) or John Easterbrooks, Regional Fish Program Manager, (509) 457-9330.

 

More From 94.5 KATS