Upper Hoh and South Fork Hoh rivers will close to fishing

September 25, 2014

Action: Closes the Hoh River from Morgan's Crossing boat launch upstream to the Olympic National Park boundary and the South Fork Hoh River outside Olympic National Park to all fishing.

Effective date: 12:01 a.m. Sept. 29 through Oct. 15, 2014.

Species affected: All species.

Location: Hoh River, from Morgan's Crossing boat launch upstream about 7 river miles to the Olympic National Park boundary, and the South Fork Hoh River outside the Park.

Reason for action: Returns of spring/summer chinook to the Hoh River have been low for several years, and escapements have consistently been below the floor escapement goal. This closure is needed to protect these chinook as they stage and spawn in the upper Hoh River. This stock is generally finished spawning by mid-October. The Olympic National Park has closed the Hoh River to fishing within the Park through Oct. 15. However, the coastal strip portion of the Park remains open with the remainder of the Hoh River below Morgan’s Crossing boat launch.

Information contact: Mike Gross, District 16 fish biologist, (360) 249-1210.

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.