Coho daily limit increased for North Fork Toutle River; anglers must release all Chinook

July 30, 2019

Action: Modifies North Fork Toutle River daily limit to 6 fish per day, up to 4 of which may be adults. Anglers must release all salmon other than hatchery coho.

Effective dates: Aug. 1, 2019 until further notice.

Species affected: Salmon.

Locations: North Fork Toutle River from the mouth to the posted markers downstream of the fish collection facility.

Reason for action: Coho and Fall Chinook salmon returning to the North Toutle Hatchery, located on the Green River, must first migrate through the North Fork Toutle River. The 2019 coho salmon run to the North Toutle hatchery is forecast to be large, allowing for an increase in the adult daily limit. The fall Chinook forecast is too low to support a fishery in this area. Implementing this conservation measure for fall Chinook will maximize the number of hatchery fish available for broodstock and help ensure fishing opportunities in future years. These regulation changes will also align regulations in the North Fork Toutle River with regulations already in place for the Toutle River and Green rivers.

Additional information: All other permanent rules remain in effect. Please refer to the 2019-20 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for additional regulations.

Anglers are reminded to always check for emergency rule changes prior to fishing. Rule changes can be found online at https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/ or by calling the fishing hotline at 360-902-2500.

Information contact: 360-696-6211. For the latest information, press *1010.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.