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So now that the Potholes Open has been cancelled, how many other tournaments will be cancelled? Tough call for a tournament organization. What's your thoughts.

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Well Dana ,

As always they didn't give the people a choice on the topic . Below is a link to WDFW ,They just banned fishing in our state as of yesterday .

WDFW closes recreational fishing statewide in wake of governor's order to 'Stay Home, Stay Healthy' in response to COVID-19

https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/erule.jsp?id=2488

Yea, finding it difficult to process that decision. Got a hunch that this may be extended beyond April 8th. I'm already getting a little "growly", can't imagine the asshole I'm going to be in another week.

I live on a private lake and am told , via mill creek office, enforcement officers will issue an " educational warning " even if I am fishing off my own dock, alone, if any of my neighbors call it in. Rumors of 30 issued on Lake Stevens first day of the fishing ban. 

I'm an asshole already, only cutting firewood has saved my sanity, a tractor, chain saw and a choker is just good dirty fun.

Fred, the woman of the house just informed me that I've officially reached asshole status. She must have been blind for the past 20 years.

Fred Vander Werff said:

I live on a private lake and am told , via mill creek office, enforcement officers will issue an " educational warning " even if I am fishing off my own dock, alone, if any of my neighbors call it in. Rumors of 30 issued on Lake Stevens first day of the fishing ban. 

I'm an asshole already, only cutting firewood has saved my sanity, a tractor, chain saw and a choker is just good dirty fun.



BigBass Dez said:

Well Dana ,

As always they didn't give the people a choice on the topic . Below is a link to WDFW ,They just banned fishing in our state as of yesterday .

WDFW closes recreational fishing statewide in wake of governor's order to 'Stay Home, Stay Healthy' in response to COVID-19

https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/erule.jsp?id=2488

WDFW-Managed Lands

  • Wildlife areas & water access areas: In response to Gov. Inslee's extended "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order, all wildlife areas and water access areas remain closed through May 4. The extension applies to all camping on state lands, boat launches, and day-use recreation areas. WDFW officials deemed the closures necessary to reduce traveling around the state and support recommended social distancing and sanitation practices. 
  • Outdoor recreation during "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order: 
    • Do outdoor activities only with people in your immediate household - not extended families. 
    • Enjoy the outdoors close to home instead of traveling. General rule of thumb: If you have to drive, it's too far.
    • If you encounter others, maintain a minimum of 6 feet of physical distance.
    • Gatherings of any size are not allowed outdoors, just as they are not allowed indoors. 

You must be a wdfw employee, what you should do is join the hiking, biking, walking, frisbee golf, and snowmobiling forums and post your stuff there. Every boat launch I've seen is empty while all those other activities are packing parking lots and doing there thing. If I'm essential and have to go to work everyday I sure as hell should be able to go fish, By myself, on my day off.

It would be nice of you if you didn't tell me what I should be doing. However I was only posting to inform others of the update. Because I was awaiting Wednesday's announcement like most are. Have yourself a nice evening and get your sticks ready for after May 4 unless they change something.

Bigdog said:

You must be a wdfw employee, what you should do is join the hiking, biking, walking, frisbee golf, and snowmobiling forums and post your stuff there. Every boat launch I've seen is empty while all those other activities are packing parking lots and doing there thing. If I'm essential and have to go to work everyday I sure as hell should be able to go fish, By myself, on my day off.

Please see the Letter below from Governor Inslee : 

April 6, 2020
Dear Senators and Representatives:
I am in receipt of your letter from March 27, 2020, requesting that recreational fishing be added to the list of essential activities during the “Stay Healthy, Stay Home” order. I appreciate your advocacy for recreational fishing. It is a key component in the outdoor recreation lifestyle that Washingtonians embrace.
In the last month, outdoor recreation, and every other aspect of our lives, has been turned upside down by the speed of the pandemic. Our state’s essential critical infrastructure list largely adopts the federal Homeland Security guidelines, which does not list recreational fishing as an essential activity. The decisions that resulted in closure of all state parks, state public recreational lands, state-owned trails, golf courses, and a ski resort on state property were difficult to arrive at and were not taken lightly. National agencies and local governments have also closed lands and facilities.
Because recreational fishing is a popular activity and enjoyed by so many, it creates hazards at this time. If recreational fishing were to resume, it is highly likely that it will induce people to travel across the state and also attract some from out-of-state. It is highly likely that local gas stations, grocery stores, and take out restaurants will see increased activity. It is highly likely that some folks will travel in cars with companions outside their household unit. Since we are almost certain that the virus can be transmitted without symptoms, all of the instances above increase the likelihood that rural communities with recreational fishing destinations could see increased transmission and increased strain on their limited healthcare resources.
This is why we have seen rural communities reach out to us and implore the state to take more steps, not fewer, to discourage travel to their areas. We are fortunate that as of this writing, we have a few rural counties with no detected cases, and several with only a handful. We are trying to do everything we can to keep these counties from experiencing the rapid spread seen elsewhere. For that reason, it is important that recreational fisheries remain closed while the “Stay Healthy, Stay Home” order is in effect. Adventure can wait. Stay close by when going outdoors—if you need to take a car, it may be too far. Don’t recreate with those outside your household. Practice strong social distancing when getting fresh air. While a few can fish and meet this standard, many cannot. It is in the interest of protecting all people that we support the closure of recreational fishing.
I need your help in communicating these principles to our mutual constituents. If we can do that now, for a limited time, I am hopeful that we can get folks back on the water sooner rather than later.
Very truly yours,
Jay Inslee
Governor

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