WSR 20-15-002
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 20-122—Filed July 1, 2020, 3:29 p.m., effective July 4, 2020]
Effective Date of Rule: July 4, 2020.
Purpose: The purpose of this rule is open summer Chinook seasons in the upper mainstem Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam upstream, also in the Chelan and Entiat rivers. Additionally, this rule opens salmon seasons earlier than scheduled in the Brewster pool and allows two-pole fishing with a valid two-pole endorsement during salmon seasons in the mainstem upper Columbia River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-06000N and 220-312-05000D; and amending WAC 220-312-060 and 220-312-050.
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 rule is needed to open summer Chinook seasons in the upper Columbia River. The U.S. v. Oregon Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) updated the summer Chinook run from a preseason value of thirty-eight thousand to sixty-five thousand. At this updated run size there are more surplus hatchery fish available for harvest. The TAC is comprised of representatives from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the treaty tribes and are responsible for developing preseason and inseason run forecasts that salmon seasons are based on. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 2, Amended 0, Repealed 2.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: July 1, 2020.
Amy H. Windrope
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-06000NFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia
Effective July 4 through October 15, 2020, provisions of WAC 220-312-060 and 220-220-160 regarding Columbia River salmon seasons and the use of the Two-pole Endorsement from Priest Rapid Dam upstream are modified as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-060 and WAC 220-220-160 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule remain in effect:
(1) From Priest Rapids Dam to Rock Island Dam:
Salmon: Effective July 4 through August 31, 2020: Daily limit is 6; of which, up to 2 adult hatchery Chinook and up to 2 sockeye may be retained. Release coho and wild adult Chinook.
(2) From Rock Island Dam to Wells Dam:
(a) Salmon: Effective July 4 through October 15, 2020: Daily limit is 6; of which, up to 2 adult hatchery Chinook and up to 2 sockeye may be retained. Release coho and wild adult Chinook.
(b) Anglers who possess a valid two-pole endorsement may fish with two lines through October 15, 2020.
(3) From Wells Dam to the Highway 173 Bridge at Brewster:
(a) Salmon: Effective July 16 through October 15, 2020: Daily limit is 6; of which, up to 2 adult hatchery Chinook and up to 2 sockeye may be retained. Release coho and wild adult Chinook.
(b) Anglers who possess a valid two-pole endorsement may fish with two lines through October 15, 2020.
(4) From the Highway 173 Bridge at Brewster to the rock jetty at the upstream shoreline of Foster Creek (Douglas County side):
(a) Salmon: Effective July 4 through October 15, 2020: Daily limit is 6; of which, up to 2 adult hatchery Chinook and up to 2 sockeye may be retained. Release coho and wild adult Chinook.
(b) Anglers who possess a valid two-pole endorsement may fish with two lines through October 15, 2020.
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-05000DFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Eastside
Effective July 16 through October 15, 2020, provisions of WAC 220-312-050 regarding salmon seasons in the Chelan and Entiat Rivers are modified as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-050 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule remain in effect:
(1) Chelan River: From the mouth (railroad bridge) to the Chelan P.U.D. safety barrier below the powerhouse:
Salmon: Effective July 16 through October 15, 2020: Daily limit 6; of which up to 2 may be adult hatchery Chinook. Release sockeye, coho, and wild adult Chinook.
(2) Entiat River: From the mouth (railroad bridge) to the boundary markers located approximately 1,500 feet upstream of Roaring Creek Road Bridge (immediately downstream of the Entiat National Fish Hatchery):
Salmon: Effective July 16 through September 30, 2020: Daily limit 6. Release all salmon other than Chinook. Night closure in effect.
REPEALER
The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed effective October 16, 2020:
WAC 220-312-06000N | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia |
WAC 220-312-05000D | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Eastside |