[Order 18-127—Filed June 13, 2018, 3:40 p.m., effective June 18, 2018]

Effective Date of Rule: June 18, 2018.

Purpose: Amends recreational fishing rules for the Yakima River.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-05000K; and amending WAC 220-312-050.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047.

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 emergency rule is needed to close two areas for salmon fishing which were opened by WSR 18-11-049. Spring Chinook daily counts at Prosser have declined substantially, signaling the end of the 2018 run in this area of the Yakima River. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: June 13, 2018.

WAC 220-312-05000MExceptions to statewide rules—Yakima River.

Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-312-05000B and WAC 220-312-050, effective June 18, 2018 until further notice it is permissible to fish for salmon in waters of the Yakima River from the Interstate 82 Bridge at Union Gap (river mile 107.1) to the BNSF railroad bridge approximately 600 feet downstream of Roza Dam (river mile 127.8). The following rules apply:

(1) Daily limit of two hatchery Chinook, minimum size 12 inches in length. Terminal gear is restricted to two, single (point), barbless hooks with a hook gap from point to shank of 3/4 inch or less when fishing for salmon. Use of bait is allowed.

(2) The Selective Gear Rules requirement prohibiting use of bait and knotted nets is suspended for all species for the duration of the salmon fishery. Night closure in effect.

(3) The Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement is required to participate in this fishery.

(4) The use of two (2) fishing poles is permitted during the salmon fishery provided the participating angler has purchased a "Two-Pole Endorsement" (in addition to the freshwater fishing license and Columbia River salmon/steelhead endorsement).

The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective June 18, 2018:


WAC 220-312-05000K	Exceptions to statewide rules—Yakima River. (18-95)

Exceptions to statewide rules—Yakima River. (18-95)