Coho salmon fishing to open in Willapa Bay tributaries

October 2, 2020

Action: Open coho salmon fishing.

Effective date: Oct. 3, 2020 until further notice.

Species affected: Coho Salmon

Locations: Fork Creek, Naselle River, Nemah River Middle, Nemah River North, Nemah River South, Willapa River, Willapa River South Fork, North River, Smith Creek, Bear River.

Rules:

1. Bear River - from mouth (Hwy 101 Bridge) to Lime Quarry Road (approx. 2 river miles) - Open for salmon October 3, 2020 through January 31, 2021. Min. size 12". Daily limit 1. Release wild Chinook.

2. Fork Creek - from Forks Creek Hatchery rack upstream 500’ at fishing boundary sign - Open for salmon October 3, 2020 through January 31, 2021. Min. size. 12". Daily limit 3. Only 1 may be a wild coho. Release wild Chinook. Reminder: Open only to anglers with lower extremity disabilities who must permanently use a medically prescribed assistive device every time for mobility as defined in WAC 220-413-150 AND possess a designated harvester companion card.

3. Naselle River - from the Hwy 101 Bridge to the Hwy 4 Bridge - Open for salmon October 3, 2020 through January 31, 2021. Min. size 12". Daily limit 3. Only 1 may be a wild coho. Release wild Chinook.

4. Naselle River – from the Hwy 4 Bridge to the Crown Mainline (Salme) Bridge - Open to salmon October 16, 2020 through January 31, 2021. Min. size 12". Daily limit 3. Only 1 may be a wild coho. Release wild Chinook.

5. Nemah River, Middle - from mouth upstream to the Department of Natural Resources decommissioned bridge on Middle Nemah A-Line Rd. - Open for salmon October 3, 2020 through January 31, 2021. Min. size 12". Daily limit 1. Release Chinook.

6. Nemah River, North - from Hwy 101 Bridge upstream to bridge on Nemah Valley Road - Open for salmon October 3, 2020 through January 31, 2021. Min. size 12". Daily limit 1. Release Chinook.

7. Nemah River, North - from Nemah Hatchery barrier dam to N700 Rd (46 28.58N, 123 48.54W) - Open for salmon October 3, 2020 through January 31, 2021. Min. size 12". Daily limit 1. Release Chinook.

8. Nemah River, South - from mouth (Lynn Point 117 true to opposite shore) upstream - Open for salmon October 3, 2020 through January 31, 2021. Min. size 12". Daily limit 1. Release Chinook.

9. North River - from the Hwy 105 Bridge to Fall River - Open for salmon October 3, 2020 through January 31, 2021. Min. size 12". Daily limit 1. Release wild Chinook.

10. Smith Creek - from mouth to Hwy 101 Bridge - Open for salmon October 3, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Min. size 12". Daily limit 1. Release wild Chinook.

11. Willapa River - from mouth (City of South Bend boat launch) to Hwy 6 Bridge (near the town of Lebam) - Open for salmon October 3, 2020 through January 31, 2021. Min. size 12". Daily limit 3. Only 1 may be a wild coho. Release wild Chinook.

12. Willapa River, South Fork - from mouth to 400’ downstream of falls/fish ladder in Sec. 6 T13N R8W - Open for salmon October 3, 2020 through January 31, 2021. Min. size 12". Daily limit 3. Only 1 may be a wild coho. Release wild Chinook.

13. Willapa River, South Fork - from falls/fish ladder in Sec. 6 T13N R8W to Pehl Rd. Bridge - Open for salmon October 3, 2020 through January 31, 2021. Min. size 12". Daily limit 3. Only 1 may be a wild coho. Release wild Chinook.

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.