2075 Temporary changes to fishing regulations; additions to 58 Pa.?Code § 65.24 to impose catch and release regulations on portions of Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers?

FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION

Temporary Changes to Fishing Regulations; Additions to 58 Pa. Code § 65.24 to Impose Catch and Release Regulations on Portions of Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers

[40 Pa.B. 6366]
[Saturday, October 30, 2010]

 The Executive Director of the Fish and Boat Commission (Commission), acting under the authority of 58 Pa. Code § 65.25 (relating to temporary changes to fishing regulations), has taken immediate action to amend 58 Pa. Code § 65.24 (relating to miscellaneous special regulations) to impose new regulations on smallmouth and largemouth bass in portions of the Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers that are currently regulated under 58 Pa. Code § 65.9 (relating to big bass special regulations). These temporary modifications will apply to the 98-mile section of the Susquehanna River from the inflatable dam near Sunbury downstream to the Holtwood Dam and to the 31.7-mile section of the Juniata River from the SR 0075 Bridge at Port Royal downstream to the mouth.

 Specifically, the Executive Director has imposed no harvest, catch and immediate release regulations on smallmouth and largemouth bass that will apply throughout the year. In addition, the Executive Director has restricted bass tournaments in those portions of the rivers during 2011. From April 16 through June 17, 2011, no tournaments will be permitted. Catch-measure-immediate release tournaments only will be allowed during the remainder of the year. The Executive Director will cause these temporary modifications to fishing regulations to be posted in the vicinity of the waters, and the modified regulations will be fully effective and enforceable. The Executive Director has found that this action is necessary and appropriate for the management of fish and to conserve and preserve fishing opportunities.

 The temporary modifications will go into effect on January 1, 2011, and will remain in effect until the Commission, by appropriate action, amends 58 Pa. Code § 65.24. At its meeting on October 5, 2010, the Commission approved the publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking containing the proposed amendments to 58 Pa. Code § 65.24 and soliciting public comments for a period of 90 days. The Commission expects to consider final adoption of the proposed amendments at its April 2011 meeting.

JOHN A. ARWAY, 
Executive Director

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 10-2075. Filed for public inspection October 29, 2010, 9:00 a.m.]