Lake Sammamish

[Camcam]

Over the past few years this lake keeps getting brought up in the forum regarding ethics, harvest, catch and release, barbless hooks etc.

I just want to say a few things whatever it's worth.

Clearly there are more than a couple people who feel strongly about the unique situation this lake is in regarding a native trout and salmon fishery so close to the Seattle metro area.

To me the regulations are pretty liberal regarding harvest and use of bait. The state is ultimately responsible for that. But just because it is legal to do doesn't make it the right choice in my opinion. People participating in this fishery (any fishery really) should be well versed in the effects associated with plowing a native stock of fish into the ground. I mean, the Kokanee here should be a prime example.

Mike, I understand it is ultimately up to the wdfw biologists to set regulations here and determine what is/isn't allowed. However this forum receives so much attention, especially regarding the cutthroat fishery on Lake Sammamish, that I think it is a much more direct way to approach the community and possibly shed some light on a very unique fishery. Not to get too political but it wouldn't be the first time WDFW screwed the pooch, only to realize their mistake too late.

A couple months ago there was a report of a guy who caught a 22" cutthroat. Clearly harvested, in the boat for the trophy shot. It was not a cutthroat, and was unmistakably a rainbow if not a steelhead. The regulations state any rainbow over 20" must be released.

Mistakes happen, I get it. But I feel when you are participating in these fisheries with mixed species, especially with an endangered species, you BETTER be able to identify your catch. Your ignorance towards the matter looks bad on all fisherman. If there is any doubt whatsoever let the fish go.

There are so many lakes stocked with harvestable trout in this state and I would hate to see this lake be the next example.

End rant.