October 6, 2022
Action: Closes listed Willapa Bay tributary stream areas and requires release of wild coho in areas remaining open.
Effective date: October 8, 2022, until further notice.
Species affected: All species.
Locations and rules:
The following areas (including all tributaries to listed areas) are CLOSED to all fishing from Oct. 8, until further notice:
- Bear River (Pacific Co.)
- Fork Creek (Pacific Co.)
- Naselle River (Pacific Co.), mainstem from Hwy. 4 upstream, and all tributaries from the mouth upstream.
- Naselle River South Fork (Pacific Co.)
- Nemah River, Middle, North and South forks (Pacific Co.)
- Niawiakum River (Pacific Co.)
- North River (Pacific Co.), from Lower Salmon Creek upstream, and all tributaries from the mouth upstream.
- Palix River (Pacific Co.)
- Salmon Creek (Pacific Co.)
- Smith Creek (Pacific Co.)
- Willapa River (Pacific Co.), mainstem from the second Camp One Rd. bridge upstream, and all tributaries from the mouth upstream.
- Willapa River South Fork (Pacific Co.)
Wild coho must be released in the following areas:
- Naselle River (Pacific Co.), mainstem from the mouth (Hwy. 101 Bridge) to Hwy. 4 Bridge:
Oct. 8-Dec. 31: Salmon: Min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Release wild Chinook and wild coho.
- North River (Pacific Co.), mainstem from the mouth (Hwy. 105 Bridge) to Lower Salmon Creek:
Oct. 8-Dec. 31: Salmon: Min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Release wild Chinook and wild coho.
- Willapa River (Pacific Co.), mainstem from mouth (City of South Bend boat launch) to the second bridge on Camp One Road:
Oct. 8-Dec. 31: Salmon: Min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Release wild Chinook and wild coho.
Reason for action: These closures are necessary to protect salmon returning to coastal rivers. Fishing will reopen when flows increase, or stock assessment information suggests that salmon have resumed their upstream migration.
Mark selective fisheries are necessary in areas where salmon seasons remain open within the Willapa Bay system to ensure that wild coho escapement objectives will be met.
Additional information: Anglers can be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced by signing up for WDFW Regulation Updates at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
Information contact: Region 6 office, 360-249-4628