Salmon Limits Upped On SW WA Rivers; Barrier Dam Closure Area Reduced
THE FOLLOWING ARE EMERGENCY RULE CHANGE NOTICES FROM THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
Retention of hatchery salmon expanded on Cowlitz River
Action: Increases daily limit of hatchery salmon.
Effective date: Nov. 19 through Dec. 31, 2020.
Species affected: Salmon.
Locations and salmon rules: Cowlitz River, from the mouth to the posted markers below the Barrier Dam: Salmon min. size 12”. Daily limit 6, up to 3 adults may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho.
Reason for action: Chinook and coho salmon returns to the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery have been above levels needed to meet broodstock collection goals for the Cowlitz Hatchery Chinook and coho programs. Modifying coho fisheries on this river will provide additional fishing opportunities while still meeting program goals.
Additional information: The posted fishing boundary markers below the Barrier Dam at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery have been temporarily moved from the standard 400 foot boundary upstream to approximately 100-feet below the fish ladder entrance to provide anglers with additional fishing area.
Adult salmon daily limit increased on the Kalama River
Action: Increases the adult salmon daily limit to three hatchery fish.
Effective date: Nov. 19 through Dec. 31, 2020.
Species affected: Hatchery salmon.
Location: Kalama River, from the mouth to 1,000 feet below fishway at Kalama Falls Hatchery.
Rule: Salmon min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 3 adults may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho.
Reason for action: The current return of fall Chinook and coho salmon to the Kalama River has exceeded preseason expectations. Broodstock collection goals for several hatchery programs are on track to be met and additional fish are available for harvest.
Additional information: All other permanent rules published in the 2020-2021 Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet remain in effect.
Retention of hatchery coho expanded on Lewis River
Action: Increases retention of hatchery coho salmon.
Species affected: Coho salmon.
Effective date and Locations:
1. Lewis River, from the mouth to Colvin Creek: Nov.19 through Dec. 31, 2020.
2. Lewis River, from Colvin Creek to the overhead powerlines below Merwin Dam: Dec. 16 through Dec. 31.
Rule: Salmon: Min. size 12”. Daily limit 6; up to 3 adults may be retained, of which no more than 2 may be Chinook. Release all salmon other than Chinook and hatchery Coho.
Reason for action: Coho salmon returns to the Lewis Hatchery are projected to meet broodstock collection goals for the Lewis Hatchery programs. Modifying coho fisheries will provide additional fishing opportunities while still meeting program and reintroduction goals.
Additional information: All other permanent rules published in the 2020-2021 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet remain in effect, including the Salmon and steelhead closure from Nov. 1 through Dec. 15 from Colvin Creek to the overhead powerlines below Merwin Dam.
Adult salmon daily limit increased on the Washougal River
Action: Increases the adult salmon daily limit to three hatchery fish.
Effective date: Nov. 19 through Dec. 31, 2020.
Species affected: Hatchery salmon.
Location: Washougal River, from the mouth to the bridge at Salmon Falls.
Rule: The salmon daily limit is 6 hatchery fish; up to 3 adults may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho.
Reason for action: The current return of fall Chinook and coho salmon to the Washougal River has exceeded preseason expectations. Broodstock collection goals for several hatchery programs are on track to be met and additional fish are available for harvest.
Additional information: All other permanent rules published in the 2020-2021 Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet remain in effect.
Adult salmon daily limit increased on the Klickitat River
Action: Increases the adult salmon daily limit to three fish.
Location and effective dates:
1. from the mouth to Fisher Hill Bridge: Nov. 19 through Jan. 31, 2021
2. from 400 feet above #5 Fishway to boundary markers below Klickitat Salmon hatchery: Nov. 19 through Nov. 30, 2020
Species affected: Salmon.
Rule: Salmon min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 3 adults may be retained.
Reason for action: The current return of coho salmon to the Klickitat River has exceeded preseason expectations and additional fish are available for harvest.
Additional information: Anglers are reminded that the ‘Closed Waters’ area between Fisher Hill Bridge and 400 feet above #5 Fishway remains in effect. All other permanent rules published in the 2020-2021 Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet remain in effect.
Information contact: Matt Gardner, District Fish Biologist, 360-906-6746
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