Sport fishery for salmon, steelhead extended two weeks on Grays River

October 15, 2009

October 15, 2009

Sport fishery for salmon, steelhead
extended two weeks on Grays River

Action: The mainstem and West Fork of the Grays River will remain open to fishing for hatchery salmon and steelhead through October 25

Species affected: Hatchery coho, hatchery chinook, and hatchery steelhead

Effective dates: Immediately through Oct. 25, 2009

Location:

Mainstem Grays River from mouth to South Fork

West Fork Grays River from the mouth to the hatchery intake/footbridge.

Daily limits: Salmon daily limit is 6 fish of which no more than 2 adult chinook may be retained. Release chum, wild coho, and wild chinook. All chinook must be adipose and/or ventral fin clipped to be retained.

In addition, up to 2 hatchery steelhead may be retained. Wild steelhead and all other game fish must be released.

Reason for action: Based upon recent field observations, large numbers of early stock coho have been holding in the lower Grays. Originally, the salmon and steelhead season was scheduled to close Oct. 15. This extension will allow additional opportunity to harvest surplus hatchery fish. However, it will close before larger numbers of chum salmon listed under the federal Endangered Species Act are typically present.

Other information: Night closure, anti-snagging rule, and stationary gear restrictions are also extended through Oct. 25.

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.