Low water threatens Asotin County fishing spot

ASOTIN- Asotin County commissioners are exploring options to get water to Headgate Pond so the popular fishing spot can be stocked and ready for angling action by the end of the month.

The water level is low this year and the system that drains from Asotin Creek to the pond has some problems, said Joel Ristau, public works director.

"The low water levels make it difficult to provide water from the creek to the pond. We've had some historic issues with that, particularly in years with low water levels."

The pond, which is located about 10 miles west of Asotin, is open to juveniles younger than 15, seniors older than 70 and people who have a disability fishing license. The fishing season runs from the last Saturday in April until the end of October, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Headgate is stocked on an annual basis with catchable-size rainbow trout, and fishing is usually good during spring before the water gets too warm, officials said. A lot of people use the pond and it would be a shame to let it go, the commissioners agreed.

Several options to keep the pond in operation were discussed at Monday's commission meeting, including a temporary removable pump system, digging a ditch from the creek to the pond and finding grant money to pay for a permanent solution.

Thomas Schirm, an area habitat biologist from Fish and Wildlife, said the state is concerned about the ditch option from a biological standpoint. The digging destabilizes the bank area and makes it more susceptible to erosion.

The commissioners agreed to pursue grant money to install a pump at the pond, along with a screen to keep fish from getting sucked into the pump. Ristau is looking into availability of a pump that can be used this year, and Schirm said a permit to dig a ditch could be issued, but only if no other options are available.

In other county business:

l Preliminary approval was granted for the Slatter Addition, an eight-lot subdivision at 2560 20th St. in Clarkston, and the three-lot Kumm Addition at 2627 13th St. in Clarkston.

l The commissioners denied a short plat for the Schultz Addition at 1327 Perry Lane in Clarkston, based on a recommendation from the county's planning commission. Topographical challenges and drainage issues prompted the denial, officials said.

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Sandaine may be contacted at kerris@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2264.