March 3, 2023
Hatchery steelhead season extended on Salmon Creek (Clark Co.)
Action: Opens angling for and retention of hatchery steelhead; selective gear rules in effect, except use of barbed hooks is allowed.
Effective date: March 16 through May 26, 2023.
Species affected: Hatchery steelhead.
Location: From the mouth to the 182nd Avenue Bridge.
Reason for action: Changes to the Salmon Creek hatchery steelhead program, resulting from the Mitchell Act Biological Opinion, have resulted in the replacement of early returning winter steelhead stocks with local stocks that exhibit a somewhat later run timing. This rule opens hatchery steelhead fishing during the timeframe outlined above and provides anglers with additional time to harvest these fish from Salmon Creek.
Additional information: The hatchery steelhead daily limit during this period is 3 fish; minimum size 20”. Anglers are reminded that selective gear rules are in effect during this period (except use of barbed hooks is allowed); the selective gear rules are defined in the 2022-2023 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. Salmon Creek will return to permanent rules on May 27, 2023.
Information contact: Matt Gardner, District Fish Biologist, 360-906-6746.