Wednesday, June 13th, I witnessed the worst practice and use of fishery
resource I've ever experienced in 51 years of fishing. I stopped by Curl Lake in Columbia County after staying overnight at the Tucannon Campground a couple miles to the south. Two hours of observation the following 2 items were noted: #1. Catch limits by two individuals were being completely disregarded (I am reasonably sure about this) #2.(which in my opinion was far worse - I am completely sure about this) - anglers catching and releasing with (my calculation) almost 100% mortality in "hopes of landing a larger one". I did confront one individual about two fish he just recently released flipping on the surface/bleeding badly but all I got was an earful. It did result in both him and his wife leaving a few minutes after the incident. . The lake is "littered" with dead fish lying on the bottom.

I think it is fine that people take fish home to eat but abusing a resource is a whole different subject. Furthermore, allowed to go on, teaches nobody a thing about sport fishing.

I've lived in this state almost 51 years. But the waste and abuse on this lake was appalling to me. I hope that someone takes note, as I would like to see our resources treated with some respect.

soggy toed angler

11/19/2018 9:38:25 AM

I remember complaining about fishermen doing this to a co-worker and he blamed it on the state putting too small of fish in the lake. His answer so dumbfounded me that I didn't even have a reply. Seems obvious if you don't like the small fish go elsewhere but don't kill the poor trout for no good reason just because you want bigger ones. I have had to toss some back in streams that were too small legal-wise though I doubted they would make it. Tried to give them a chance though.

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