Spring chinook must be released on Lewis River beginning Saturday

May 26, 2011

May 26, 2011

Spring chinook must be released
on Lewis River beginning Saturday

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

Species affected: Chinook salmon

Effective dates by location: Effective May 28 through July 31, all chinook must be released from the mouth of the the mainstem Lewis River to the mouth of East Fork and on the North Fork Lewis from the mouth of the East Fork to the overhead powerlines below Merwin Dam.

Reason for action: Less than one hundred adult spring chinook have entered the traps on the Lewis River, well below the hatchery escapement goal of 1,300 fish. The pre-season forecast anticipated a return of 3,400 adult spring chinook to the river system.

Other information: Creel sampling surveys have shown light catches and no evidence of large numbers of fish holding in the river. In addition, recent checks at the traps show low recruitment. Hatchery returns will continue to be closely monitored.

Both the mainstem and North Fork Lewis remain open to fishing for 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.