Two Toutle River tributaries open early for hatchery steelhead

May 18, 2011

Action: Lower portions of the South Fork Toutle and Green rivers will open two weeks early to fishing for hatchery steelhead.

Species affected: Steelhead

Effective dates: May 21, 2011 to June 3, 2011

Locations:

South Fork Toutle River from the mouth to the 4700 Road Bridge.

Green River from the mouth to 400' below the water intake at the upper end of the hatchery.

Special Rules and Daily limit: Selective gear rules will be in effect through June 3 to minimize handling mortality of smolts and wild steelhead that may be present. Daily limit is two hatchery steelhead. Hatchery steelhead are defined as steelhead with a clipped adipose or ventral fin and a healed scar at the location of the clipped fin. Wild steelhead and all other game fish (including trout) must be released.

Other information: The entire South Fork Toutle River and the Green River from the mouth to the 2800 Road Bridge will open to fishing for hatchery steelhead beginning the first Saturday in June (June 4) as outlined in the 2011/2012 Sportfishing Rules Pamphlet.

All tributaries to the South Fork Toutle and Green rivers will remain closed to all fishing.

Reason for action: Harvestable adult hatchery summer run steelhead are returning to the South Fork Toutle and Green rivers.

Opening the lower portions of the South Fork Toutle and Green rivers early allows additional recreational opportunity to harvest hatchery steelhead that are returning to Columbia River tributaries in strong numbers.



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.