Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, August 28, 1994 TAG: 9408300016
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BILL COCHRAN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Maybe so, but the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries says opening day has served its purpose and the state needs to move to a year-round season.
Last week, the department proposed doing that, begining with the 1996 season. The agency will present the idea to sportsmen across the state during 11 public hearings, including one in the Roanoke Valley Wednesday, 7 p.m. at the Roanoke County Administration Center.
Officials really don't expect much opposition. A survey by the department revealed that 73 percent of the license buying anglers want a year-round season.
"Changes in the stocking schedule will produce a more uniform distribution of trout through the fall, winter and spring," said Gary Martel, the state fish division chief. More fall stocking are promised, and the pretty days in February and early March no longer will be off-limits to trout anglers.
Fish officials have proposed a number of other changes in the trout program:
nThe trout limit in Moomaw, Philpott and Flannagan lakes would drop from six to two daily, and the minimum size limit would be boosted to 16 inches.
The idea is to produce more trophy trout by protecting the smaller fish. Too many trout are being caught about July, when they are 10 to 12 inches, said Larry Mohn, a state fish biologist. If left alone, by fall they can be 15 to 16 inches, he said. "The following season they can run 3 to 5 pounds."
nThe establishment of more special-regulation streams, especially in the Southwest section of the state where catch-and-release programs are scarce.
A wild trout, no-kill fishery would be developed on a two-mile section of the South Fork of the Holston River, upstream from the current put-and-take area, and on Roaring Fork at Buller Hatchery.
Big Wilson Creek and Little Wilson Creek within the Grayson Highlands State Park and the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area would be placed under artificial lures and a 9-inch minimum size limit.
Two additional weeks would be added to the end of the catch-and-release fishing season on Back Creek, North River and South River.
The minimum size limit would go from 9 to 12 inches on Green Cove Creek and Whitetop Laurel Creek in Washington County. The size limit would be reduced from 20 to 16 inches at Mossey Creek, located in Augusta County. Fish officials say there is no benefit to the 20 inch limit at Mossy.
nThe catch limit on the state's fee-fishing areas-Douthat Lake, Crooked Creek and Big Tumbling Creek-would be increased from five to six daily. Even if the state goes to a year-round season, the pay areas will operate under the same dates as in the past.
nA trout license no longer would be required on designated trout streams from June 1 to Oct. 1, when streams generally aren't stocked because of low water and high temperatures. This will give tourist an opportunity to fish without purchasing e a costly nonresident trout license.
nWhile it isn't a trout matter, the game and fish department also has proposed that the white bass limit at Claytor Lake and in the New River from Buck Dam to Claytor Lake be reduced from 25 to 5 daily.
Data collected at Claytor the past five years shows a steady decling of white bass.
In addition to the Roanoke area hearing, there will be public meetings Thursday , 7 p.m. in Clifton Forge at Dabney Lancaster Community College (gymnasium meeting room), and in Wytheville at Wytheville Community College (Grayson Hall). Following the hearings, the proposals will be given a final hearing in Richmond on Oct. 12.
DUCK SEASON: Waterfowl hunters will have a less restrictive season this fall and winter under regulations set by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
The duck season will be 40 days in length, 10 more than last season. The three-way split season will be open Oct. 5-8; Nov. 23-26 and Dec. 20-Jan. 20.
The daily bag limit will be three, and for the first time in recent years one canvasback will be included in the limit.
Black ducks will be an unlawful target during the October hunting dates, in an effort to protect this species which has been declining in number.
Other ducks, such as mallards and teal, have seen a significant increase, which accounts for the longer hunting season.
by CNB