LONGVIEW — Though this year’s smelt fishing season was only one-day long, dippers netted more than 160 violations.
The Longview Daily News reports that smelt season opened and closed Saturday. During the day 68 people were cited for exceeding the legal catch limit.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife also issued 94 warnings, man for dippers who started before the 7 a.m. start time.
Minor infractions can cost $150 or more, while larger offenses mandate a court appearance.
Smelt have been listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act since 2010. This year’s smelt season was limited to one day, but Fish and Wildlife officials say they may extend it to a second day if the run size appears to be large enough.
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