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Last chance to affect 2013 fishing

DOUG HUDDLE; FOR THE BELLINGHAM HERALD
Published: Jan. 25, 2013 at 1:00 a.m. PST
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DThe extended invitation to comment on 2013 changes to the main body of sport-fishing regulations ends Tuesday, Jan. 29.

With an online method of opining that these days couldn't be much easier, you still have a chance to review all the proposals and express your will in one fell swoop.

Among the 69 changes on the table, if you're any kind of a fisher, you are sure to find some things to support and others with which to contend.

Do keep in mind that seasons and other pertinent in-year rules governing personal use fishing for salmon and halibut are ironed out in other rule-making processes.

COLUMBIA'S SPRING ANGLING CHANGES

Including a four-year phase-out of the use of gillnets, the lower Columbia River now has a new framework for managing its fisheries.

Salmon run forecasts for this year are calling for a lower spring king return to the river, but the later-entering up-river bright chinook should be better.

COMING SUNDAY

For an end of January rundown of things needing to be done, plus more details on the Columbia River fishery, read Sunday's Outdoors Column.

Doug Huddle, the Bellingham Herald's outdoors correspondent, since 1983, has written a weekly fishing and hunting column that now appears Sundays. Read his blog and contact him at http://pblogs.belinghamherald.com/outdoors.

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