[2] Responding to a proposal from Washington Trout, Olympic National Park has announced an emergency change to fishing regulations on Lake Crescent.

On May 24 (2002), Park Superintendent David Morris announced that Lake Crescent and all its tributaries will be open for catch and release angling only.

The rule change prohibits the use of down riggers, and requires that anglers use only artificial lures with single barbless hooks and no more than two ounces of weight.

The new rules are designed to protect Lake Crescent's population of Beardslee rainbow trout, which has declined to a critically low level.

They spawn in late winter and early spring in only one small area of the Lyre River, near the outlet of the lake.