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Methow Valley News March 23, 2000 Endangered Species Coverage Three charged with catching steelhead By John Hanron A Winthrop man and two Brewster men hooked more than they bargained for while fishing in the Methow River near Winthrop last week. After landing two beautiful steelhead salmon from their fruitful fishing hole beneath the green bridge in Winthrop, they attracted a bigger fish—the game warden. The three found in their mailboxes this week a citation from state Fish and Wildlife agent Cal Treser, who charged them each with two counts of possession of an endangered species, one count of fishing out of season and one count of violation of the state’s selective gear rules. If found guilty, the three face fines of at least $1,345. A trial date has been set for April 4. Treser declined to release the names of the three men, saying he did not want to jeopardize just prosecution of the case. Treser said he saw the three fishing on the east side of the river March 14 and approached them for a routine check of their gear. He noticed a lot of blood on the rocks and asked them what was going on. They said they’d been fishing for trout, and showed him two large fish that were sitting on the bank. The game warden identified the two fish as steelhead salmon—one 24 inches, the other 22 and a half inches long. State regulations say any fish over 20 inches must be considered to be a steelhead, Treser said. The two males had clipped adipose fins, identifying them as hatchery-raised steelhead. Both, according to Treser, were very dark in color, indicating that they had already spawned. "It was obvious they were steelhead," Treser said. "I don’t believe that anyone in the entire county of Okanogan doesn’t know that steelhead and salmon are protected in the Methow River. It’s been well advertised." Treser seized the fish. And since the men said they were fishing for trout, he cited them for fishing out of season. Trout season on the Methow closed last September. Until March 31, the river is only open for whitefish. And since the men had barbed hooks, they were cited for violation of selective fisheries rules. Anglers in the Methow may only use single, barbless hooks. Each count of possessing an endangered species carries with it a mandatory court appearance and a minimum fine of $500. The charge of fishing out of season could tack on $250 and the gear violation has a $95 fine. The men were lucky, Treser said. If they had been caught holding an endangered species by a federal agent, the fine could have been as much as a year in jail and $25,000. "I think everybody really knows what they’re doing," Treser suggested. "There are a few people who are really going to try and push their luck. If they get caught, the consequences are a lot higher than last year, with the Endangered Species Act." Treser said fishermen must stay apprised of the regulations and not assume that they will be the same as the previous year. "I know the fishermen in the Methow enjoy their fishing in the Methow," Treser said. "They’re doing everything they can to protect it. But a few individuals can ruin it for everyone." Opinion | Sports |
Local Interest |