Coho Limits Boosted On Satsop, Hanford Reach

THE FOLLOWING ARE RULE CHANGE NOTICES FROM THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE.

Adult coho limit increase in Hanford Reach area

Action: Increases the adult coho portion of the salmon daily limit.

Effective dates: Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2023.

Species affected: Coho salmon.

Location and rules:

Columbia River from I-182 Bridge to the old Hanford townsite powerline crossing:

• Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2023: Minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is six (6). Up to two (2) adults including no more than one (1) adult Chinook may be retained. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho.

Reason for action: In-season observations indicate coho returns to Ringold Hatchery are sufficient to allow for an increase in the adult coho daily limit.

Additional information: Fishery managers will monitor the fishery closely and may adjust seasons rules accordingly. In-season closures or other management actions will be announced as soon as possible. Please see the 2023/24 Washington State Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for current season information and be sure to check for any emergency rule changes prior to fishing. Consider downloading the Fish Washington mobile app or signing up for fishery changes at email notification through WDFW Regulation Updates.

Satsop River anglers may keep an additional adult hatchery coho

Action: Increases daily salmon retention by one (1) additional adult hatchery coho.

Effective dates: Oct. 23 through Dec. 31, 2023.

Species affected: Coho.

Locations, dates, and salmon rules:

Satsop River and East Fork (Grays Harbor County) from mouth to bridge at Schafer State Park:

• Oct. 23 through Nov. 30, 2023: Minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is six (6). Up to three (3) adults including no more than two (2) salmon other than hatchery coho may be retained. Release adult Chinook.
• Dec. 1 through Dec. 31, 2023: Minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is six (6). Up to two (2) adults including no more than one (1) salmon other than hatchery coho may be retained. Release Chinook.

Satsop River and East Fork (Grays Harbor County) from 400 feet below Bingham Creek Hatchery dam to the dam:

• Oct. 23 through Nov. 30, 2023: Minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is six (6). Up to three (3) adults including no more than two (2) salmon other than hatchery coho may be retained. Release adult Chinook.
• Dec. 1 through Dec. 31, 2023: Minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is six (6). Up to two (2) adults including no more than one (1) salmon other than hatchery coho may be retained. Release Chinook.

Reason for action: Broodstock collection at the Bingham Creek Hatchery has exceeded needs for production goals. To date, more than 10,000 coho have entered the Bingham Creek Hatchery.

Additional information: All other permanent rules published in the 2023/24 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet remain in effect. You can receive all in-season rules changes as they are announced by signing up for email notification through WDFW Regulation Updates. Be sure to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website prior to fishing and consider downloading the Fish Washington mobile app.