November 3, 2023
This Fishing Rule Change was updated Nov. 30, 2023, to reflect emergency closures beginning Dec. 1, 2023. All areas contained in this Fishing Rule Change will close beginning Dec. 1.
Action: Reduces adult portion of salmon daily limit to one (1) fish. Closes all Chinook retention. Note: All areas listed below will close to all fishing beginning Dec. 1.
Effective date: Nov. 4 through Nov. 30, 2023.
Species affected: Salmon.
Locations and salmon rules:
Black River (Grays Harbor Co.), from mouth to bridge on 128th Ave SW: Minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is six (6) including no more than one (1) adult. Release Chinook.
Chehalis River (Grays Harbor Co.), from the mouth upstream to the high bridge on Weyerhaeuser 1000 line: Minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is six (6) including no more than one (1) adult. Release Chinook.
Clearwater River (Jefferson Co.), from the mouth to Snahapish River: Daily limit is three (3) including no more than one (1) adult. Release Chinook.
Copalis River (Grays Harbor Co.), from mouth to Carlisle Bridge: Daily limit is six (6) including no more than one (1) adult. Release Chinook.
Elk River (Grays Harbor Co.), from the mouth (Hwy. 105 Bridge) to the confluence of Middle Branch: Daily limit is six (6) including no more than one (1) adult. Release Chinook.
Hoquiam River (Grays Harbor Co.), from mouth (Hwy. 101 Bridge on Simpson Ave.) to Dekay Rd. Bridge (West Fork): Daily limit is six (6) including no more than one (1) adult. Release Chinook.
Hoquiam River East Fork (Grays Harbor Co.), form mouth to confluence of Berryman Creek: Daily limit is sex (6) including no more than one (1) adult. Release Chinook.
Joe Creek (Grays Harbor Co.), from the mouth to Ocean Beach Rd. Bridge: Daily limit is six (6) including no more than one (1) adult. Release Chinook.
Johns River (Grays Harbor Co.), from the mouth (Hwy. 105 Bridge) to Ballon Creek: Daily limit is six (6) including no more than one (1) adult. Release Chinook.
Moclips River (Grays Harbor Co.), from the mouth to Quinault Indian Reservation boundary: Daily limit is six (6) including no more than one (1) adult. Release Chinook.
Newaukum River, including South Fork (Lewis Co.), from mouth to Leonard Rd near Onalaska: Daily limit is six (6) including no more than one (1) adult. Release Chinook.
Queets River (Grays Harbor/Jefferson Co.): Contact Olympic National Park for regulations. (360) 565-3000. https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/fishing.htm
Salmon River (Jefferson Co.), from outside Quinault Indian Reservation and Olympic National Park: Daily limit is six (6) including no more than one (1) adult. Release Chinook.
Satsop River and East Fork (Grays Harbor Co.):
- From the mouth to bridge at Schafer State Park: Daily limit is six (6) including no more than one (1) adult. Release Chinook.
- From 400’ below Bingham Creek Hatchery dam to the dam: Daily limit is six (6) including no more than one (1) adult. Release Chinook.
Skookumchuck River (Lewis/Thurston Co.), from mouth to 100’ below outlet of TransAlta WDFW steelhead rearing pond located at the base of Skookumchuck Dam: Daily limit is six (6) including no more than one (1) adult. Release Chinook.
Van Winkle Creek (Grays Harbor Co.), from mouth to 400’ below outlet of Lake Aberdeen Hatchery: Daily limit is six (6) including no more than one (1) adult. Release Chinook.
Wishkah River (Grays Harbor Co.):
- From the mouth to 200’ below the weir at the Wishkah Rearing Ponds: Daily limit is six (6) including no more than one (1) adult. Release Chinook.
- From 150’ upstream to 150’ downstream of the Wishkah adult attraction channel/outfall structure (within the posted fishing boundary): Daily limit is six (6) including no more than one (1) adult. Release Chinook.
Wynoochee River (Grays Harbor Co.), from mouth to the WDFW White Bridge access site: Daily limit is six (6) including no more than one (1) adult. Release Chinook.
Reason for action: Early season indicators suggest the number of coho returning to Grays Harbor and other coastal tributaries are lower than pre-season forecast. These measures are necessary to ensure natural escapement and hatchery broodstock goals are met.
Additional information: Anglers are reminded that fishing from 400 feet below Bingham Creek Hatchery dam to the dam and from 150’ upstream to 150’ downstream of the Wishkah adult attraction channel/outfall structure (within the posted fishing boundary) is open only to anglers with disabilities who permanently use a wheelchair and have a designated harvester companion card.
Information contact: Region 6 - Montesano, 360-249-4628