Access restricted behind Wanapum Dam

The water behind Wanapum Dam is lower than since the building of the dam. This means the area is unsafe. We have heard of one person becoming stuck in sand/mud up to the waist. Take a trip to view this historical event, but stay above normal high-water level. Read on.

Fish and Wildlife has closed five water access sites along the Columbia River behind Wanapum Dam, where the water level has been drawn down in response to a cracked spillway.

Officials said they closed the sites and are preventing access to the beach and exposed riverbed in wildlife areas along the river to protect public safety, fish habitat, and archeological and cultural resources.

The water level behind the dam is at its lowest point since the Grant County Public Utility District facility began operating in 1964.

Jim Brown, WDFW regional director for north-central Washington, said the reservoir level is so low that boaters can't reach the water with their trailers, and some newly uncovered areas near the shoreline present quicksand-like conditions.

The upland portions of the wildlife areas above the ordinary high-water level remain open to the public.

The closures will be in effect until further notice and are being coordinated with the Grant County PUD. He said signs are being installed to inform the public, and WDFW law enforcement officers will be enforcing the closures in cooperation with local sheriff's offices. Grant County PUD is restricting access to the river on other nearby lands.

Have you heard about this? State record walleye caught

A new Washington state record walleye was caught by John Grubenhoff of Pasco on Feb. 28. The fish was caught in the Lake Wallula portion of the Columbia River in Benton County.

It weighed 20.32 pounds, measured 35.5 inches in length and had a girth of 22.75 inches.

Grubenhoff was trolling in 22 feet of water upstream along a current break at 0.8 mph and using a Rapala, J-13 lure 6 feet behind a 2-ounce bottom walker, when the fish hit.

Weather conditions were sunny, but with a cold front expected in the area the next day. Water temperature was 37.2 degrees; air temperature: upper 40s.

The previous record was taken Feb. 5, 2007 in Lake Wallula (Columbia River) by Mike Hepper of Richland. His fish weighed 19.3 pounds, measured 33.7 inches long and had a girth of 22.2 inches.

Hunters have until March 31 to apply for multiple-season permits

Deer and elk hunters have until March 31 to enter their name in a drawing for a 2014 multiple-season permit, which can greatly increase their opportunities for success in the field.

In mid-April, Fish and Wildlife will randomly draw names for 8,500 multiple-season deer permits and 1,000 multiple-season elk permits.

Winners of the drawing will be eligible to purchase a special tag allowing them to participate in archery, muzzleloader and modern firearm general hunting seasons for deer or elk in 2014. Winners who purchase the multiple-season elk tag by Aug. 31 can participate in general elk-hunting season in both eastern and western Washington.

Winners also may choose any weapon type when applying for a special permit to hunt deer or elk.