Spring chinook must be released on Kalama River beginning Saturday

May 26, 2011

May 26, 2011


Spring chinook must be released on
Kalama River beginning Saturday

Action: Kalama River anglers must release all spring chinook beginning May 28.

Species affected: Chinook salmon

Effective dates by location: Effective May 28 through July 31, 2011, from boundary markers at the mouth to the upper salmon hatchery.

Reason for action: Through May 20, just 11 adult spring chinook (including 3 unmarked fish) had returned to Kalama Falls Hatchery, well below the hatchery broodstock goal of 400 fish. Only 600 adult spring chinook were forecasted to return to the Kalama River this year.

Other information: Creel sampling surveys have shown light catches and no evidence of large numbers of fish holding in the river. Hatchery returns will continue to be closely monitored.

The lower Kalama remains open to the retention of hatchery steelhead.

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.