November 30, 2023
Action:
- Updates rules for fishing from a floating device.
- Implements Selective Gear Rules (Selective Gear Rules prohibit the use of bait including scents or scented materials) with only one single-point barbless hook allowed in all areas open to fishing.
- Requires release of wild rainbow trout.
- Reduces steelhead daily limit for the Quillayute system (Bogachiel, Quillayute, Calawah, Sol Duc) and Hoh River.
- Sets fishing closure dates.
Effective date: Dec. 1, 2023, until further notice; except Big River is not open for fishing until Jan. 1, 2024.
Species affected: All species.
Rules:
All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited except where otherwise noted in the Quillayute and Hoh River systems.
All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only one single-point barbless hook is allowed.
Hatchery steelhead daily limit is 2.
Rainbow trout: Release all wild rainbow trout.
Locations (the following waters will follow the above rules and will close to ALL fishing until further notice beginning on the date listed next to the water; any exceptions to the rule will also be listed next to the water):
- Big River (Clallam Co.), outside Olympic National Park: Opens Jan.1, 2024. Closed beginning March 1, 2024.
- Bogachiel River (Clallam Co.), from the mouth to Olympic National Park boundary: Fishing from a floating device is allowed downstream of the mouth of Mill Creek (located approximately ¾ mi. above the Bogachiel Hatchery). Closed beginning April 1, 2024. See vessel fishing boundaries HERE.
- Calawah River, (Clallam Co.), from the mouth to the forks: Fishing from a floating device is allowed downstream of Highway 101 Bridge. Closed beginning April 1, 2024. See vessel fishing boundaries HERE.
- Calawah River, South Fork (Clallam Co.), from the mouth to Olympic National Park boundary: Closed beginning March 1, 2024.
- Cedar Creek (Jefferson Co.), from the mouth to Olympic National Park boundary: Closed beginning March 1, 2024.
- Dickey River (Clallam Co.), from the Olympic National Park boundary upstream including the East and West forks: Closed beginning April 1, 2024.
- Goodman Creek (Jefferson Co.), outside of Olympic National Park boundary: Closed beginning March 1, 2024.
- Hoh River (Jefferson Co.):
From Olympic National Park boundary near the mouth upstream to DNR Oxbow Campground boat launch: Fishing from a floating device is allowed ONLY on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Closed beginning April 1, 2024.
From DNR Oxbow Campground boat launch to Morgans Crossing boat launch: Fishing from a floating device is allowed ONLY on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. Closed beginning April 1, 2024.
From Morgans Crossing boat launch to Olympic National Park boundary below mouth of South Fork Hoh River: Closed beginning April 1, 2024.
- Hoh River, South Fork (Jefferson Co.), outside of Olympic National Park boundary: Closed beginning April 1, 2024.
- Kalaloch Creek (Jefferson Co.), outside Olympic National Park boundary: Closed beginning March 1, 2024.
- Mosquito Creek (Jefferson Co.), from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to Goodman 30000 Mainline Bridge: Closed beginning March 1, 2024.
- Quillayute River (Clallam Co.), from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to confluence of Sol Duc and Bogachiel rivers: Fishing from a floating device is allowed. Closed beginning April 1, 2024.
- Sol Duc River (Clallam Co.), from mouth to Hwy. 101 Bridge upstream of Klahowya campground: Fishing from a floating device allowed below the concrete pump station at Sol Duc Hatchery. Closed beginning April 1, 2024.
- Sooes River (Clallam Co.), outside of Makah Indian Reservation: Closed beginning March 1, 2024.
- Thunder Creek (Clallam Co.), from mouth to D2400 Rd.: Closed beginning April 1, 2024.
Information contact: Region 6 – Montesano Office, 360-249-4628