Willapa Springers: Unique Harvest Op Won’t Occur Again

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

Willapa River to open for hatchery spring Chinook retention 

Action: Opens retention of hatchery Chinook.  

Effective date: June 3 through July 31, 2022.  

Species affected: Chinook salmon.  

Locations and rules: Willapa River (Pacific Co.): 

1.    From the mouth (City of South Bend boat launch) to WDFW access at mouth of Ward Creek/Wilson Creek: 

Min. size 12″. Daily limit one hatchery (adipose-clipped) Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.Night closure in effect. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-pole Endorsement. 

2.    From the WDFW access at mouth of Ward Creek/Wilson Creek to second bridge on Camp One Rd.: 

Min. size 12″. Daily limit one hatchery (adipose-clipped) Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.Night closure and stationary gear restriction in effect. 

3.    From second bridge on Camp One Rd. upstream to mouth of Mill Creek, approx. 0.5 miles: 

Min. size 12″. Daily limit one hatchery (adipose clipped) Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.Night closure and stationary gear restriction in effect. Fishing from a floating device prohibited. 

4.    From Mill Creek to Hwy. 6 Bridge near the town of Lebam: 

Min. size 12″. Daily limit one hatchery (adipose clipped) Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.Night closure and stationary gear restriction in effect.  

Reason for action: In an effort to increase prey abundance for Southern Resident Killer Whales, 567,560 spring Chinook salmon were released in May of 2019 from the Fork’s Creek Hatchery. WDFW anticipates a limited number of returning 4-year-old Chinook from this one-time release will be available for a targeted fishery. This is a unique harvest opportunity that won’t occur again and fishery managers encourage anglers to harvest those hatchery-origin Chinook that are encountered. 

Additional information: Anglers are asked to be respectful of private property along the river.Anglers are reminded to check the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for additional rules and seasons.