Hatchery steelhead limits and night fishing changes for southwest Washington rivers

May 29, 2018

May 29, 2018

Hatchery steelhead limits and night fishing
changes for Southwest Washington rivers

Actions: Increases the daily limit of hatchery steelhead in the lower reaches of the Cowlitz, Lewis, Wind, and White Salmon rivers. Also opens the lower Cowlitz River, lower Lewis River, and the lower White Salmon River for night fishing during the last 2 weeks of June. Closes night fishing on the lower Wind River immediately through June 30.

Species affected: All species

Locations and effective dates:

Cowlitz River: Open to night fishing June 16 to June 30, 2018 from the boundary markers at the mouth to the Lexington Drive Bridge; daily limit 3 hatchery steelhead.

Lewis River: Open to night fishing June 16 to June 30, 2018 from the mouth of the Lewis River to the mouth of the East Fork; daily limit 3 hatchery steelhead.

White Salmon River: Open to night fishing June 16 to June 30, 2018 from the mouth to the county road bridge below the former location of the powerhouse; daily limit is a total of 2 salmon or hatchery steelhead or 1 of each. Release wild salmon and steelhead.

Wind River: Closed to night fishing immediately through June 30, 2018 from the mouth upstream to 400 feet below the Shipherd Falls fish ladder; daily limit 2 salmon or 2 hatchery steelhead or 1 of each. Release wild salmon and steelhead.

Reason for action: Forecast returns of summer steelhead have improved for 2018, making night closures and reduced daily limits currently unnecessary in the lower reaches of the Cowlitz, Lewis and White Salmon rivers. Additionally, the lower Wind River is typically closed to night angling between March 16 and June 30; this rule change corrects an omission in the 2017-2018 Sport Fishing Pamphlet.

Other information: All other permanent rules contained in 2017-2018 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for these waters remain in effect through June 30, 2018. New sport fishing rules for Washington waters will take effect on July 1, 2018. There are no night fishing closures that will take immediate effect on July 1 for the areas described in this fishing rule change. Additionally, Drano Lake will be open for night fishing beginning July 1, 2018.

Information contact: (360) 696-6211. For 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.