Salmon Fishing Ops Expand On More SW WA Rivers
THE FOLLOWING ARE EMERGENCY RULE CHANGE NOTICES FROM THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
Coho limit increased, two hatchery adult salmon may be retained on the Washougal River
Action: Increases the adult salmon daily limit to two hatchery fish.
Effective date: Oct. 16 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; up to 2 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: This rule revises a previous increase in the adult Chinook limit, to include coho. 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.
Hatchery coho retention extended on Lewis River
Action: Extends retention of hatchery coho salmon.
Species affected: Cohosalmon.
Effective date and Locations:
- Lewis River, from the mouth to Colvin Creek: Oct. 16 throughDec.31, 2020.
- Lewis River, from Colvin Creek to the overhead powerlines below Merwin Dam: Oct. 16 through Oct. 31 and Dec. 16 through Dec. 31.
Rule: Salmon: Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained. Min. size 12”. 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 as well as US v. Oregon obligations. 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.
Fall Chinook retention opens on the Cowlitz River
Action: Opens retention of hatchery fall Chinook.
Effective date: Oct. 16 throughDec. 31, 2020.
Species affected: HatcheryChinook 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 6, up to 2 adults may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho.
Additional information:
The posted fishing boundary markers below the Barrier Dam at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery 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.
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