Corrects pamphlet description of lower Grande Ronde River fishing rules

September 17, 2015

September 17, 2015

Corrects pamphlet description of lower
Grande Ronde River fishing rules

Action: Corrects fishing regulations for trout (including steelhead) in the 2015-16 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for the lower portion of the Grande Ronde River, from the mouth upstream to the County Road Bridge.

The correct fishing regulations for that section of the lower Grande Ronde River are:

ALL SPECIES - Sept. 1-May 31: selective gear rules. Sept. 15-March 15: internal combustion motors prohibited.

TROUT - April 16-Dec. 31: Minimum size 10", maximum size 20". Daily limit 2. No minimum size for TROUT with clipped adipose fin and a healed scar at the location of the clipped fin. Catch and release for steelhead.

TROUT - Jan. 1-April 15: Minimum size 10". Daily limit 2, except up to 3 hatchery STEELHEAD may be retained. No minimum size for TROUT with clipped adipose fin and a healed scar at the location of the clipped fin. Mandatory hatchery STEELHEAD retention.

OTHER GAME FISH - Year-round. Statewide min. size/daily limit. No size restrictions or daily limit for BASS, CHANNEL CATFISH, and WALLEYE.

Effective date: Immediately.

Species affected: Trout and steelhead.

Reason for action: The 2015-16 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet incorrectly states that steelhead retention is allowed year round in the lower Grande Ronde River. The correct fishing rule in the lower Grande Ronde River requires anglers to release all steelhead from April 16-Dec. 31. In addition, a new rule requiring mandatory retention of hatchery steelhead is in place from Jan. 1-April 15 on that portion of the river.

Information Contact: Chris Donley, Regional Fish Program Manager, (509) 892-1001, ext. 307; Jeremy Trump, District 1 (Dayton) Fisheries Biologist, (509) 382-1005.

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.