Anglers head to area waters such as Woodland’s Horseshoe Lake to enjoy opportunities previously closed down by “Stay Home, Stay Healthy’’ order
WOODLAND — Some recreational fishing reopened Tuesday in the state of Washington. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) reopened some recreational fishing and hunting in a phased approach following the state’s efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus.
The WDFW is asking hunters and anglers to enjoy these outdoor activities only if they can do so locally, while also practicing physical distancing. As a result, many wildlife areas and boat ramps reopened today (May 5) for day-use only recreation.
Clark County Today’s Mike Schultz joined a number of area residents who made their way to Horseshoe Lake in Woodland for the reopening. Schultz found Woodland resident Lucas Holmgren enjoying good weather and good fishing. Holmgren even offered some tips for area anglers as to how he was able to pull some trout out of the lake Tuesday.
“It’s good to be fishing back in Washington state,’’ Lucas Holmgren said Tuesday. “Everything has been closed since mid-March so I know a lot of anglers are getting out and enjoying their time outdoors.
“It’s good to see everybody out here social-distancing, but really enjoying fishing with their families,’’ Holmgren said. “It really had a difficult effect on the outdoors industry as well as the anglers themselves, not to be able to fish in Washington. We just hope for the best in this situation and hope everybody gets out and enjoys the beautiful resource that Washington has.’’
WDFW to open some recreational fishing and hunting starting Tue., May 5
Port of Camas-Washougal
Effective Tuesday (May 5), and until further notice, the Port of Camas-Washougal’s launch ramp will have two lanes open for launching and retrieval. Taking into consideration the opening of some recreational fishing and the increased traffic at the ramp, and as long as social distancing is being observed, the port will have the eastern- and western-most lanes available for boaters.
The port will continue to monitor launch activity and allow recreational launch ramp usage as long as it complies with social distancing requirements recommended by federal, state and local health officials to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Should distancing become an issue at the ramps the port may implement additional closures.
“Our first priority is to ensure protection of the public, employees, business operators and users during this unprecedented public emergency,’’ said David Ripp, CEO of the Port of Camas-Washougal.
