Lake Whatcom Early Opener Proposal

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kun on December 8, 2011 at 9:54pm

Yes sir!  Let make this happen.

Permalink Reply by Tag Watson on December 9, 2011 at 6:53am

I'm certainly not an opponent, but something to keep in mind:  One of the reasons Lake Whatcom fishes so well is that the fish get a reprieve from pressure for 6 months out of the year.  Also, there is very little mortality from fish getting hauled out of deep water with the lake closing at the end of October and opening at the end of April.  Folks just need to understand that this could significantly impact the quality of the fishing throughout the Spring.  Lake Sammamish is a prime example, another 5,000 acre lake.  The fish get consistently pounded beginning in January.  By the time Spring comes, tons of fish have been stuck.  This pressure certainly has an impact on the quality of the Spring fishing.  

       

Again, not opposing, just wanting to offer my opinion on the potential implications. 

Permalink Reply by BigBass Dez on December 9, 2011 at 8:48am

Tag make a great point !

 

It is truley a treat that we get chance to enjoy a non pressured fishery like lk whatcom here on the west side of the state . One of the main reasons i enjoy fishing the spring open is because those smallies hasnt seen a lure/bait in over 6 months. For those that have fished the spring open in april , the first hour of fishing on opening day is AMAZING IMO !

Sammish is open year round and so is lk goodwin which are both good lake to fish during the winter months , so whats really the "need"  factor for lk whatcom to open so early is my question ?

Im not in favor of the suggestion mentioned aboved , sounds like a good ideal however the extra pressure is not something that motivates me in any positive way .

 

lk whatcom is a fun fishery that offers both quality & Quantity through out the entire year the lake , so we get  plenty of time and opportunity too enjoy the lake from april thru october so why change things .. Thats my honest thoughts on the topic guyz !!

 

Dez "The Sophomore"

Permalink Reply by Ronald Hobbs, Jr. on December 9, 2011 at 11:12am

I totally agree, with Tag 100%.

I probably wouldn't be so pumped up to fish the Whatcom Open, if the lake was open to fishing before that event, it is so good because the fish have not had any pressure. It would kind of be a bummer! I am not going to say that it should not be open, but the fishing on that lake is so good and, I think it is because they get a break. Im afraid if you opened it all year you will see the catch rate, size, and quantity go down.  I have noticed this happen to Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish as they get about 75+% more anglers on the water during the winter then they did 10 years ago.

Sorry guys I would have to here some compelling arguments, for the opening of the lake, not just so you can think about going out fishing in the sleet in the middle of the winter.

Tag Watson said:

I'm certainly not an opponent, but something to keep in mind:  One of the reasons Lake Whatcom fishes so well is that the fish get a reprieve from pressure for 6 months out of the year.  Also, there is very little mortality from fish getting hauled out of deep water with the lake closing at the end of October and opening at the end of April.  Folks just need to understand that this could significantly impact the quality of the fishing throughout the Spring.  Lake Sammamish is a prime example, another 5,000 acre lake.  The fish get consistently pounded beginning in January.  By the time Spring comes, tons of fish have been stuck.  This pressure certainly has an impact on the quality of the Spring fishing.  

       

Again, not opposing, just wanting to offer my opinion on the potential implications. 

Permalink Reply by Chris Blandi on December 9, 2011 at 4:02pm

I agree with the last few posts.  The lake is good for a reason, best to keep it that way.

Permalink Reply by David Parnicky on December 9, 2011 at 6:41pm

Tag, Dez, and Ron,

  You all make excellent points and I really appreciate your input!  I wouldn't enjoy Lake Whatcom turning into Lake Sammamish, I can tell you that!  Althought the lake is still phenomal, especially right after it opens, I have noticed a steady decline in the numbers and average size of fish I have caught in the last two years just from the recent increase in pressure the lake has recieved during the months it is open to fishing.  Based on your arguments, which I know are accurate, I understand that the great fishing on this lake could easily be destroyed if it opens early.  I was kind of thinking that opening it early could have a negative impact on the fishing but you have all really opened my eyes to how great the consequences would be.

  I am choosing to not personally send a proposal in but in the interest of Borderline I still want to leave this proposal as an option to the public.  They started this believing it was in the best interest of the anglers in the area and were honestly just trying to help them out.  They were trying to keep bass anglers in the area from being unfairly robbed of angling opportunities.  Outside of protecting the fishery, there is no good reason for the lake to be closed to bass fishing during the winter months. That is ALL the reason needed though for it to remain closed during the winter months.  I will plead your case to all the members ASAP and I am sure they will agree this might not be the best idea.  At that time I will delete this thread if they decide that is what they want.  Fair enough?

  Thanks again to everyone who voiced their honest opinion! That is what makes this site so great!  I hope Whatcom remains an amazing fishery for us all to enjoy for years to come!

Permalink Reply by Willie Parsons on December 9, 2011 at 11:33pm

If you fish the opener you will be spoiled for the rest of the year, it only takes a month or so after it opens and the pressure is noticeable in catch rate in my observation. I understand prespawn/spawn is usually better on most lakes than other times but on Whatcom I see a big difference in catch rate in a shorter time.
I say it should be left alone to save the unique fishery it is.

Permalink Reply by P.J. Koshi on December 11, 2011 at 5:47pm

I agree with everyone who is weary of opening the lake year round.  I firmly believe one of the main reason for the tough fishing on Lake WA and Sammamish is because of the constant pressure and boat traffic.  Whatcom gets a short break, and I believe it makes for more aggressive fish especially early in the season, and more fish that have never been hooked so they are more likely to hit a bait when you're out fishing. 

Permalink Reply by Matthew Kennedy on December 11, 2011 at 7:09pm

I love to hear how you all think. The knowledge and thoughtfulness on this site is so rad.