WSR 21-21-022
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 21-228—Filed October 8, 2021, 4:05 p.m., effective October 8, 2021, 4:05 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules for the Cascade River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-04000P; and amending WAC 220-312-040.
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: This area of the Cascade River was closed to avoid gear conflicts with tribal fisheries. Tribal fisheries have concluded in the Cascade, so gear conflict avoidance closures are no longer necessary. The coho return is sufficient to allow for recreational salmon fishing seven days per week through October 24, 2021. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: October 8, 2021.
Amy H. Windrope
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000SFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective immediately, through October 24, 2021 recreational fishing seasons for the Skagit River and Cascade River, shall be modified as follows, during dates listed below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-040 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended, remain in effect:
(1) Skagit River (Skagit County):
(a) From Highway 9 Bridge at Sedro Woolley to the Baker River: All recreational fishing is closed October 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21, 2021.
(b) From mouth to Cascade River Rd. (Marblemount Bridge): Recreational salmon fishing is open immediately, through October 24, 2021 except in areas and times listed in subsection (1)(a) of this rule:
(i) Daily limit 4, of which up to 2 may be coho. Release Chinook and chum.
(ii) Night Closure in effect.
(2) Cascade River (Skagit County): From the mouth to Rockport-Cascade Road Bridge:
Recreational salmon fishing is open immediately, through October 24, 2021, seven days per week:
(a) Daily limit 4. Release all salmon other than coho.
(b) Night Closure in effect.
(c) Anti-snagging Rule in effect.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:
WAC 220-312-04000P | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound. (21-220) |