Drano Opening For Hatchery Steelhead Retention; Salmon Limits Increasing On Parts Of Toutle System, Washougal

THE FOLLOWING IS AN EMERGENCY RULE CHANGE NOTICE FROM THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

Drano Lake opens for hatchery steelhead retention 

Action: Opens angling for and retention of hatchery steelhead. 

Effective date: Oct. 3, 2020 through Oct. 31, 2020 

Species affected: Hatchery steelhead. 

Location: Drano Lake. 

Rule: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit is 6 fish, of which no more than 1 may be an adult salmon or hatchery steelhead.The salmon minimum size is 12 inches. 

Reason for action: Summer 2020 steelhead fisheries in Drano Lake were closed through the North of Falcon rule-making process based on low preseason forecasts and the need to limit ESA-listed steelhead impacts in non-treaty fisheries. The estimated return of B-index summer steelhead, the primary stock currently passing Bonneville Dam, was recently increased from preseason forecasts. Mainstem Columbia River temperatures have also decreased, likely reducing the number of ESA-listed summer steelhead occupying Drano Lake. Reopening hatchery steelhead retention at this time will provide added sport fishing opportunity for anglers, while also meeting conservation objectives for ESA-listed steelhead stocks.  

Additional information: All other permanent rules remain in effect. Beginning Nov. 1, 2020, permanent rules published in the 2020-2021 Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet will resume; anglers are reminded to consult the fishing rules pamphlet and check for emergency rule changes before hitting the water.  

Information contact: Matt Gardner, District Fish Biologist, 360-906-6746.  

Adult salmon daily limits increased on Toutle, North Fork Toutle, and Green rivers  

Action: Increases the adult salmon daily limit to 2 hatchery salmon. 

Effective date: Oct. 3, 2020 throughNov. 30, 2020. 

Species affected: Chinook andcohosalmon. 

Locations:  

1.    Toutle River,from the mouth to the forks. 

2.    North Fork Toutle River, from the mouth to the posted markers below the Fish Collection Facility.  

3.    Green River, from the mouth to Miner’s creek. All ‘Closed Waters’ areas identified in the 2020-2021 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet remain in effect.  

Rule: Salmon: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Min. size 12”. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho. 

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

Additional information:  

Public access to the Toutle Hatchery grounds is restricted due the continued spread of COVID-19; see the news release at https://wdfw.wa.gov/news/wdfw-hatcheries-remain-closed-public. 

Information contact: Josua Holowatz, 360-906-6771.  

Adult Chinook daily limit increased on the Washougal River

Action: ?Increases the adult Chinook daily limit to two hatchery fish.

Effective date: Oct. 3 through Dec. 31, 2020

Species affected: Hatchery Chinook salmon

Location: Washougal River, from the mouth to the bridge at Salmon Falls.

Rule: Min. size 12″. Daily limit 6 fish. Up to 2 adults may be retained, of which 1 may be a coho. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho.

Reason for action: The current return of fall Chinook to the Washougal River has exceeded preseason expectations. Collection of adult fall Chinook is on track to meet the hatchery broodstock goal and surplus fish are available for harvest.

Additional information: Anglers are reminded that the area from 1,000 feet below to 200 feet above the weir (located at the WDFW County Line Access Site) remains closed, while the weir is installed in the river.

Information contact: Matt Gardner, District Fish Biologist, 360-906-6746