WSR 15-24-052 EMERGENCY RULES DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE [Order 15-431—Filed November 23, 2015, 2:11 p.m., effective November 23, 2015, 2:11 p.m.] Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-310-18500F; and amending WAC 220-310-185.
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: Nearly fifty-two thousand catchable size hatchery rainbows were released into the reservoir in late May. Because of the drought, the boat launch was largely unusable for most of the summer resulting in low harvest rates. The reservoir is now within ten feet of full pool and the boat launch just recently became usable. By extending the season an additional month we will be providing additional angling opportunity. There is insufficient time to adopt permanent rules.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: November 23, 2015.
J. W. Unsworth
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-310-18500F Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Southwest.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-310-185, effective immediately through December 31, 2015, it is permissible to fish in the waters of Swift Reservoir from the Dam upstream to Eagle Cliff Bridge
(1) The daily limit is 10 trout. For trout, only rainbow trout with an adipose clipped fin and a healed scar at the location of the clipped fin may be retained. All bull trout and steelhead must be released.
(2) Landlocked rules will also be in effect (salmon count towards the trout daily limit); however, all salmon larger than 15 inches must be released.
(3) Selective gear rules will remain in effect from markers approximately 3/8 mile below Eagle Cliff Bridge upstream to the bridge.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective January 1, 2016:
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