Coho Limits Boosted On More Southwest Washington Rivers

THE FOLLOWING ARE FISHING RULE CHANGES FROM THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

Daily limit of hatchery coho salmon increased on Cowlitz River

Action: Increases daily limit for hatchery coho.

Effective date: Oct. 9 throughDec. 31, 2021.

Species affected: Hatchery coho salmon.

Locations and salmon rules: Cowlitz River, from the mouth to the posted markers below the Barrier Dam:

Rule: Salmon min. size 12”. Daily limit: A combined total of six adults and jacks may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery coho.

Reason for action: Coho salmon returns to the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery have been above levels needed to meet broodstock collection goals for the Cowlitz Hatchery programs. Increasing the coho limits on this river will provide additional fishing opportunities while still meeting program goals.

Additional information:

The posted fishing boundary marker below the Barrier Dam on the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery side of the river (river right) will be 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. Due to safety concerns in the construction area on the opposite bank (river left) the fishing boundary sign will remain at the 400-foot distance. 

Daily limit of hatchery coho salmon increased on North Fork Toutle and Green rivers

Action:  

• Increases the adult salmon daily limit to six hatchery fish on North Fork Toutle and Green rivers.

Effective date: Oct. 9 through Nov. 30, 2021.

Species affected: Coho salmon.

Locations and salmon rules:  

• North Fork Toutle River, from the Forks to the posted markers below the fish collection facility:  Min. size 12”. Salmon daily limit: A combined total of six adults and jacks may be retained, of which only one may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho.

• Green River, from the mouth to posted markers 400’ below the Toutle Hatchery Rack: Min. size 12”. Salmon daily limit: A combined total of six adults and jacks may be retained, of which only one may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho.

Reason for action:  Coho salmon returns to the Toutle Hatchery have been above levels needed to meet broodstock collection goals for the Toutle Hatchery programs.  Increasing the adult coho limits on these rivers will provide additional fishing opportunities while still meeting program goals.

Additional information:

• Anglers should be aware that the entrance gate at North Toutle hatchery (located on the Green River) will remain closed. Do not block gate. The hatchery facility remains closed to the Public.  Anglers should avoid the main hatchery facility and adult ponds. To gain access to the river, follow signage and painted user trail around the facility.
• All ‘closed waters’ areas defined in the 2021-2022 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet remain in effect.