Coho Limit Boosted In Parts Of Chehalis Watershed, E Grays Harbor

THE FOLLOWING ARE RULE CHANGE NOTICES FROM WDFW

Adult coho salmon daily limit increased in the Chehalis Basin

Action: Increases the adult salmon daily limit

Effective date: Nov. 12 through Nov. 30, 2022

Species affected: Salmon

Locations:

1. Black River (Grays Harbor/Thurston Co.) from mouth to bridge on 128th Ave. SE
2. Chehalis River (Grays Harbor Co.) from Hwy 101 Bridge to high bridge on Weyerhaeuser 1000 line
3. Elk River (Grays Harbor Co.) from Hwy 105 bridge to the confluence of Middle Branch
4. Hoquiam River, including West Fork (Grays Harbor Co.) from Hwy 101 bridge to Dekay Rd.
5. Hoquiam River, East Fork (Grays Harbor Co.) from mouth to confluence of Berryman Creek
6. Johns River (Grays Harbor Co.) from Hwy 105 bridge to confluence of Ballon Creek
7. Newaukum River, including South Fork (Lewis Co.) from mouth to Leonard Road
8. Satsop River and East Fork (Grays Harbor Co.) from mouth to bridge at Schafer State Park
9. Satsop River and East Fork (Grays Harbor Co.) from 400’ below Bingham Creek Hatchery dam to the dam
10. Skookumchuck River (Lewis/Thurston Co.) from mouth to 100’ below outlet of TransAlta WDFW steelhead rearing ponds
11. Van Winkle Creek (Grays Harbor Co.) from mouth to 400’ below outlet of Lake Aberdeen Hatchery
12. Wishkah River (Grays Harbor Co.) from the mouth to 200’ below the weir at the Wishkah Rearing Ponds and from 150’ upstream to 150’ downstream of the Wishkah adult attraction channel/outfall structure (within the posted fishing boundary).
13. Wynoochee River (Grays Harbor Co.) from mouth to WDFW White Bridge access site

Salmon rules: Minimum size is 12”. Daily limit six. Up to two adults may be retained, including no more than one wild coho salmon. Release Chinook salmon.

Reason for action: The number of coho salmon returning to hatcheries in Grays Harbor has exceeded pre-season forecasts. Evaluations of commercial catch information and trap counts indicate the returns of both natural-origin and hatchery-origin coho salmon to the Chehalis basin are sufficient to meet or exceed management goals. This, coupled with reduced opportunity earlier in the season because of environmental conditions, provides for increased opportunity now. 

Additional information: All Chinook salmon are required to be released.

Anglers can be notified of in-season rule changes by downloading the FishWA app or signing up for fishery change notifications by email at https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.

Coho salmon daily limit increased in the East Grays Harbor Fishery

Action: Increases the salmon daily limit

Effective date: Nov. 12 through Nov. 30, 2022

Species affected: Salmon

Location: Marine Area 2-2, East Grays Harbor Fisheryeasterly of a projected line from the mouth of Johns River (Hwy. 105 Bridge) to the Tripod Station on Brackenridge Bluff (46°59.12’N, 124°00.72’W) through channel marker 27 (green).

Salmon rules: Minimum size is 12”. Daily limit two, including no more than one wild coho salmon. Release Chinook salmon.

Reason for action: The number of coho salmon returning to hatcheries in Grays Harbor has exceeded pre-season forecasts. Evaluations of commercial catch information and trap counts indicate the returns of both natural-origin and hatchery-origin coho salmon to the Chehalis basin are sufficient to meet or exceed management goals. This, coupled with reduced opportunity earlier in the season because of environmental conditions, provides for increased opportunity now. 

Additional information: All Chinook salmon are required to be released.

Anglers can be notified of in-season rule changes by downloading the FishWA app or signing up for fishery change notifications by email at https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.

Information contact: Region 6 office, 360-249-4628