Black Pharoah Loc: Washington State

So, I have been a resident here in Washington State since 1996- I still can't figure out with all of these quality rivers and lakes, we don't stock other types of gamefish and/or panfish here. Do I need to make a signature board to get it on a ballot or what? Thank you for your time.

Paulyups Loc: Spanaway wa

Because of the salmon and steelhead

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

There is a long time prejudice in this state against any fish that is not salmon or trout. When I first came here in the early 80's, bass were pretty much considered poor table fair, so a trash fish among locals. Even now, many long time Washington fishermen don't know the difference between a bluegill and a pumpkin seed. In fact, most all small lake fish were just perch or bluegill and had a negative value.The belief was that they ate salmon eggs or lake planted trout. There is also a belief that all warm water fish compete with the already dwindling salmon and trout population. Washington has a long standing history of doing things by opinion, emotion and political pressure, rather than scientific studies. That being said, the state has planted a small number of channel cats and tiger muskies over the years. This uninformed prejudice seems to be magnified west of the Mountains. All that being said, There is still great fishing for panfish and bass, as only a small number of the population target them relative to the number of licenses sold. Caveat: This is just a simple answer to a very complicated management problem.

Foodfisher Loc: SO. Cal coast

Agreed - management problem

Ted A Loc: Eastern Washington

There's more science than you think. Lots of mistakes have been made and some may be irreversible. Politics is also involved which may be scientific or emotional but always goes back to the ballot box. There are lots of opinions including the ones above. Science is moving in slowly and care is being taken to reduce further mistakes. Once a species is introduced it is very difficult if even possible to reverse the problem. Lakes can be poisoned but rivers are another matter.

Bobber 48 Loc: Mason Co. Wa. State

I would like to see Bluegill and White and Black Crappy fishing in this state in more than a couple lakes. As it stands I almost need to travel out of state to participate in this fishery. So whatever it takes!!

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

There must be a lot of new people. This is not directed to anyone in particular, but if you respond to a particular post in a subject, Please use the "Quote Reply" under the specific comment you are replying to, rather than "Quick Reply". That will show who you are replying to yet still be seen by all. Thanks. This old man gets confused easy.

Edfisher Loc: Athens, WI and Sultan, WA

You won't get anywhere in a state that poisons populations of self reproducing, delicious, spiny rays in favor of planting mud tasting taxpayer costing trout.....

Edfisher Loc: Athens, WI and Sultan, WA

You won't get anywhere in a state that poisons populations of self reproducing, delicious, spiny rays in favor of planting mud tasting taxpayer costing trout.....

Oops, sorry for the double post, I see no way to edit and delete.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Just hit report and say you double posted. They will remove one post.

Dawgpound Loc: Cumming Ga

Sorry, im the newbie here and will adjust, from one old man to another

Rambob Loc: Edmonds wa

Not too many fishers here want scrap fish.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

No apology necessary. At least you are using Quote Reply. That seems to be the most common confusion. Not only does Quote Reply let everyone know who you are replying to, It also makes it so easy to add pictures. I am looking forward to your photos.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Please define "scrap fish" as that is often just a personal opinion. Back in the early 60's, bass were considered by most locals a scrap fish in Lake Whatcom. In some areas, pink salmon are consider a scrap fish. In some circles, pike are considered a scrap fish. Many people go so far as to call a dolly varden a trash fish. Among many Alaskans, quill backs are a nuisance fish and greenling are a scrap or trash fish. I fished with a local in northern Maine for the holy grail Atlantic salmon (a real bad fish in Puget Sound). He considered two and three pound brook trout a nuisance fish. As you can see, I am not attacking or even disagreeing with you. I am just trying to understand what you ar saying.

harleypiker Loc: WA

Very well said, Bapabear. I grew up in MN where they manage fish species as per the characteristics of the specific lake and not according to the prevailing opinion like the salmonid here. NE Wash was getting real good until the gill nets arrived.