Spring chinook must be released on the Lewis River; portion of North Fork Lewis to close to all fishing

January 29, 2014

January 29, 2014


Spring chinook must be released on the Lewis River;
portion of North Fork Lewis to close to all fishing

Action: Lewis River anglers must release all spring chinook; North Fork Lewis River from Johnson Creek upstream to close to all fishing

Species affected: Chinook salmon

Effective date and locations: Feb. 17, 2014

Until further notice, all chinook must be released on main-stem Lewis River from mouth to mouth of East Fork;

Until further notice, all chinook must be released on the North Fork Lewis River from mouth of East Fork to overhead powerlines below Merwin Dam;

Through May 31, 2014, fishing is closed to all angling on the North Fork Lewis River from Johnson Creek (located downstream from the Lewis River Salmon Hatchery) upstream to Merwin Dam.

Reason for action: The pre-season forecast is for a return of 1,100 adult spring chinook to the Lewis in 2014. The closure is necessary to provide enough fish to meet the hatchery escapement goal of approximately 1,350 fish.

Other information: Lewis spring chinook returns will be closely monitored in-season.

The main-stem Lewis River and North Fork Lewis River from Johnson Creek downstream remain open to fishing for hatchery steelhead. The North Fork Lewis River from Johnson Creek upstream will reopen to fishing for hatchery steelhead June 1.

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.