Springers Limits Back Up To 2 On Cowlitz, Lewis, Lower Klickitat

Editor’s note: Here are the latest catch stats for the three rivers below.

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

Cowlitz River fisheries return to permanent rules  

Action: Restores the salmon angling rules for the Cowlitz River to those in the 2021-22 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet; all other permanent rules remain in effect. 

Species affected: Salmon. 

Effective Date: June 17, 2022. 

Location: Cowlitz River (Cowlitz Co.);from the mouth to the posted markers below the Barrier Dam 

Permanent 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: Salmon retention on the Cowlitz River was closed for portions of the season and, when open, adult retention has been limited to one adult Chinook to help ensure the spring Chinook broodstock collection goal was achieved. Adult broodstock collection is currently on track and goals are expected to be met. Additionally, upstream transport of hatchery adults in excess of weekly broodstock collections targets is occurring for reintroduction purposes. Therefore, returning to permanent rules is warranted.  

Additional information: All other permanent rules published in the Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet remain in effect. The posted fishing boundary markers below the Barrier Dam at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery will be remain at the standard 400-foot boundary downstream of the fish ladder entrance.  

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Spring Chinook daily limit increased on Lewis River   

Action: Increases the daily limit of hatchery Chinook salmon. 

Species affected: Chinooksalmon.

Effective dates: June 17 through July 31, 2022. 

Locations: From the mouth to the overhead powerlines below Merwin Dam.  

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

Reason for action: Spring Chinook salmon returns to the Lewis Hatchery are projected to meet broodstock collection goals for the Lewis Hatchery programs. Additionally, upstream transport of adults in excess of weekly broodstock collections targets is occurring for reintroduction purposes. Therefore, additional spring Chinook are available for harvest.   

Modifying fisheries will provide additional fishing opportunities while still meeting program and reintroduction goals.  

Additional information: Under permanent rules, the Lewis River is currently open for hatchery steelhead retention from the mouth up to the overhead powerlines below Merwin Dam. All other permanent rules published in the Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet remain in effect.    

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Lower Klickitat River returns to permanent rules, reduced adult salmon limit maintained above Lyle Falls 

Action:  Restores the adult salmon daily limit, described in the 2021-2022 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet, to the lower Klickitat River. Maintains a reduced adult salmon limit above Lyle Falls.   

Effective date:  June 17, 2022 until further notice 

Species affected: Salmon.  

Locations and Rules: Klickitat River (Klickitat Co.): 

1.            From the mouth to Fisher Hill Bridge, Salmon: Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained. Release wild Chinook.  

2.            From 400 feet upstream from #5 Fishway to boundary markers below Klickitat Salmon Hatchery, Salmon: Daily limit 6, up to 1 adult may be retained. Release wild Chinook.  

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 recently indicated that spring Chinook counts at the Lyle Falls adult trap have been good and escapement to the Klickitat Hatchery is on track to meet the broodstock collection goal. The majority of spring Chinook pass Lyle Falls by the end of June, therefore a reduced daily limit for is no longer needed in the lower Klickitat, as broodstock collection continues at Klickitat Salmon Hatchery.     

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