More Steelhead For Rock Lake

[Old406Kid]

Young Tokul Creek Hatchery Steelhead Stocked In Palouse's Rock Lake -

Another Eastern Washington lake is being stocked with Westside steelhead, this time Rock Lake on the Palouse, and they're expected to provide a good fishery in coming years if the past is any guide.

nwsportsmanmag.com

 

[Stonedfish]

What is the reason for trucking Tokul creek fish all the way to eastern WA? Same goes for the Washougal fish.
Couldn’t they just have been planted in local lakes. Seems like an added expense for a department that is continually dealing with budget issues.
SF

 

[Yardus]

Good to know. Rock Lake or bust 2028. That's a long drive for Steelhead I used to catch in my backyard

 

[Yardus]

What is the reason for trucking Tokul creek fish all the way to eastern WA? Same goes for the Washougal fish.
Couldn’t they just have been planted in local lakes. Seems like an added expense for a department that is continually dealing with budget issues.
SF

Thinking the same thing.

 

[krusty]

Beware the wind-bitch and rock fingers on Rock Lake......

 

[Pink Nighty]

What is the reason for trucking Tokul creek fish all the way to eastern WA? Same goes for the Washougal fish.
Couldn’t they just have been planted in local lakes. Seems like an added expense for a department that is continually dealing with budget issues.
SF

The "steelhead" need to be released into waters with no anadramous connectivity per the ESA. I'm not sure why they chose rock creek and its remoteness, but it does fit that bill. I remember when they first shut the hatcheries down and Saxon got like 15000 16" fish. Good times.

Rock lake and, for those with a civil disobedience streak, Rock creek around the outlet can provide amazing fishing. Browns, bows, small and largemouth bass in a creek setting... dont get shot!

 

[Flymph]

And plenty of buzztails that like to swim this lake!

 

[Stonedfish]

The "steelhead" need to be released into waters with no anadramous connectivity per the ESA. I'm not sure why they chose rock creek and its remoteness, but it does fit that bill. I remember when they first shut the hatcheries down and Saxon got like 15000 16" fish. Good times.

Rock lake and, for those with a civil disobedience streak, Rock creek around the outlet can provide amazing fishing. Browns, bows, small and largemouth bass in a creek setting... dont get shot!

I’m aware of the ESA concerns.
I say plant them in lakes that have any possible outlets that empty into the Snoqualmie above the falls. If any are lucky enough to survive going over the falls, ESA be damned….
SF

 

[Old406Kid]

As others have mentioned, Rock is definitely a lake to be respected due to its maximum depth of 300', narrowness, orientation, rock outcroppings that are barely below the surface, and above all the propensity for wind. Many areas are tough to find a place to get to shore and beach a boat if the wind catches a person off guard.
Here's a link to a map that shows depths.

i-Boating : Free Marine Navigation Charts & Fishing Maps

i-Boating: Marine navigation app with nautical charts, hi-res lake depth maps, Fishing AI, routing, and weather. Works on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, and Raspberry Pi.

fishing-app.gpsnauticalcharts.com

 

[Pink Nighty]

I’m aware of the ESA concerns.
I say plant them in lakes that have any possible outlets that empty into the Snoqualmie above the falls. If any are lucky enough to survive going over the falls, ESA be damned….
SF

I am fully in agreement with this plan!

 

[Clean Willy]

As others have mentioned, Rock is definitely a lake to be respected due to its maximum depth of 300', narrowness, orientation, rock outcroppings that are barely below the surface, and above all the propensity for wind. Many areas are tough to find a place to get to shore and beach a boat if the wind catches a person off guard.
Here's a link to a map that shows depths.

i-Boating : Free Marine Navigation Charts & Fishing Maps

i-Boating: Marine navigation app with nautical charts, hi-res lake depth maps, Fishing AI, routing, and weather. Works on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, and Raspberry Pi.

fishing-app.gpsnauticalcharts.com

And not Rock Lake specific, but it is where I fell over backwards off my friends boat, no PFD. Happened in a split second. Lost sunglasses, ruined phone, but he was able to grab my rod before it went to the depths. Never been on a boat without a PFD since.

 

[Yard Sale]

They at least used to put old brood stock in some of the lakes along the Columbia. When i first moved here 15 years ago I kept one not really knowing what it was and tried to smoke it up.

 

[Guy Gregory]

As others have mentioned, Rock is definitely a lake to be respected due to its maximum depth of 300', narrowness, orientation, rock outcroppings that are barely below the surface, and above all the propensity for wind. Many areas are tough to find a place to get to shore and beach a boat if the wind catches a person off guard.
Here's a link to a map that shows depths.

i-Boating : Free Marine Navigation Charts & Fishing Maps

i-Boating: Marine navigation app with nautical charts, hi-res lake depth maps, Fishing AI, routing, and weather. Works on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, and Raspberry Pi.

fishing-app.gpsnauticalcharts.com

And these maps are not of sufficient detail to represent all the hazards. Experienced hunters and anglers die here quite often. Pay attention!!

 

[Evan B]

I mean, those fish can still technically end up in anadramous waters. Rock lake -> rock creek -> palouse river -> snake river

 

[Old406Kid]

I mean, those fish can still technically end up in anadramous waters. Rock lake -> rock creek -> palouse river -> snake river

I found that kind of interesting too but that said, they would have to survive the 200' drop at Palouse Falls along with a host of predators.

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This day trip is ideal for observing a dramatic 200-foot waterfall and exploring hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and other wildlife.

www.explore.com

 

[Evan B]

I found that kind of interesting too but that said, they would have to survive the 200' drop at Palouse Falls along with a host of predators.

Visit This West Coast State Park For Dramatic Waterfall Views - Explore

This day trip is ideal for observing a dramatic 200-foot waterfall and exploring hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and other wildlife.

www.explore.com

I did say "technically." so I'm technically correct which is the best kind of correct

 

[Billy]

I found that kind of interesting too but that said, they would have to survive the 200' drop at Palouse Falls along with a host of predators.

Visit This West Coast State Park For Dramatic Waterfall Views - Explore

This day trip is ideal for observing a dramatic 200-foot waterfall and exploring hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and other wildlife.

www.explore.com

A bird picks one up to eat it, flies down below the falls and it escapes certain death with a spin move from the talons!

The super stock then swims into the ocean and back and spawns ruining the pure steelhead of the mighty Columbia!

Thanks a lot WDFW!

 

[Evan B]

I think if the steelhead nail their dive techniques they have a chance to survive the falls. The ones who flop on their side or belly probably become crawdad food.

 

[Billy]

Stocked Steelhead headed to the ocean:

 

[Porter2]