Spring Chinook Rules Loosened On Several Washington Rivers

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

Kalama River fisheries return to permanent rules 

Action:  Restores the adult salmon daily limits described in the 2020-2021 Washington Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet; all other permanent rules remain in effect. 

A LONE ANGLER FISHES THE KALAMA RIVER IN SPRING 2016. RECENT WEEKS’ CATCH STATS FROM WDFW SHOW NO SPRING CHINOOK CAUGHT OFF THE BANK SINCE MID-MAY. (ANDY WALGAMOTT)

Effective date: June 5, 2021. 

Species affected: Salmon. 

Location: From the mouth to 1,000 feet below the fishway at Kalama Falls Hatchery. 

Reason for action: The adult salmon daily limit on the Kalama River was reduced earlier in the year to help ensure the Spring Chinook broodstock collection goal was achieved. Adult broodstock collection is on track and expected to be met, therefore a reduced daily limit is no longer necessary. 

Additional information: Anglers are reminded to check the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for additional information. 

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

Klickitat River fisheries return to permanent rules 

Action: Restores the adult salmon daily limits described in the 2020-2021 Washington Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet; all other permanent rules remain in effect. 

Effective date: June 5, 2021. 

Species affected: Salmon. 

Location: From the mouth to boundary markers below Klickitat Salmon Hatchery. 

Reason for action: The adult salmon daily limit on the Klickitat River was reduced earlier in the year to help ensure the spring Chinook broodstock collection goal was achieved.  Fishery co-managers have indicated that the spring Chinook escapement to the Klickitat Hatchery is on track to make broodstock, therefore a reduced daily limit for adult Chinook is no longer needed.    

Additional information: Anglers are reminded to check the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for additional information. 

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

Portion of Cascade River to open seven days per week

Action: Opens a section of the Cascade River previously closed Sundays and Mondays to fishing 7 days per week.  

Effective date: Immediately through July 15, 2021.

Species affected: All species.

Location: Cascade River (Skagit Co.) from the mouth to Rockport-Cascade Rd. Bridge.

Reason for action: Treaty fisheries for hatchery spring Chinook in this section of the Cascade have concluded for the season. Closures are no longer necessary to avoid gear conflicts with treaty fisheries.

Additional information: The section of the Cascade River will be open 7 days per week under the gear and harvest rules outlined in the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet, including night closure and anti-snagging rules.

Information contact: Mill Creek Regional Office, 425-775-1311.