WSR 14-10-018
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 14-92—Filed April 25, 2014, 4:49 p.m., effective April 25, 2014, 4:49 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-310-190.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.045, and 77.04.020.
Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.
Reasons for this Finding: The department is in the process of adopting permanent rules that are necessary to implement the personal use fishing plans agreed-to with resource comanagers at the North of Falcon proceedings. These emergency rules are necessary to comply with agreed-to management plans, and are interim until permanent rules take effect.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: April 25, 2014.
Joe Stohr
for Philip Anderson
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-310-19000B Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-310-190, effective immediately until further notice, it is unlawful to violate the following provisions, provided that unless otherwise amended, all permanent rules remain in effect:
1. Baker Lake (Whatcom County):
Salmon: Open July 10 until further notice: Daily limit 3; minimum length 18 inches: Each angler aboard a vessel may deploy salmon angling gear until the limit for all licensed and juvenile anglers aboard is reached. It is permissible to fish with two poles so long as the angler possesses a two-pole endorsement.
2. Nisqually River (Pierce County):
From the mouth to Military Tank Crossing: July 1 until further notice: Vessel closure dates are rescinded; anti-snagging rule and night closure in effect; barbed hooks are permitted.
3. Skagit River (Skagit/Whatcom counties):
(a) From the mouth to Memorial Highway Bridge (Highway 536 at Mt. Vernon): May 1 until further notice: trout is open; selective gear rules apply; hooks must measure 1/2 inch or less from point to shank.
(b) From Memorial Highway Bridge (Highway 536 at Mt. Vernon) to Gilligan Creek: June 1 through June 13 and June 30 until further notice: selective gear rules apply; hooks must measure 1/2 inch or less from point to shank. June 1 until further notice: Night closure. Salmon: Open June 14 through June 29: Daily limit 2 sockeye only; minimum length 12 inches.
(c) From Gilligan Creek to Dalles Bridge at Concrete: June 1 until further notice: selective gear rules apply; hooks must measure 1/2 inch or less from point to shank; night closure.
(d) From Dalles Bridge at Concrete to Highway 430 Bridge at Rockport: June 1 until further notice: selective gear rules apply; hooks must measure 1/2 inch or less form point to shank; night closure.
(e) From Highway 430 Bridge at Rockport to Cascade River Road: June 1 until further notice: Night closure. July 16 until further notice: selective gear rules apply; hooks must measure 1/2 inch or less from point to shank.
4. Skokomish River (Mason County):
(a) From mouth to Highway 101 Bridge: Open first Saturday in June through July 13 for gamefish: Catch and release rules only.
(b) From Highway 101 Bridge to forks: Open first Saturday in June until further notice for gamefish: Catch and release rules only; selective gear rules apply; fishing from a floating device equipped with an internal combustion motor is prohibited.
Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.