[Order 20-206—Filed September 29, 2020, 4:20 p.m., effective October 1, 2020]

Effective Date of Rule: October 1, 2020.

Purpose: The purpose of this rule is to open coho retention seasons on the Icicle River and upper Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to Rocky Reach Dam.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-06000T, 220-312-06000Z and 220-312-05000J; and amending WAC 220-312-060 and 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 rule is needed to open coho retention seasons in Icicle River and the upper Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to Rocky Reach Dam. Returns of upper Columbia River bound coho salmon are sufficient to meet broodstock needs and to provide for sport angler harvest.

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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 2, Amended 0, Repealed 3.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: September 29, 2020.

WAC 220-312-06000ZFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia

Effective October 1 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:

(a) Salmon: Effective October 1 through October 15, 2020: Daily limit is 6; of which, up to 2 adult Chinook and up to 2 coho may be retained. Release sockeye.

(b) Effective October 1 through October 15: Anglers who possess a valid two-pole endorsement may fish with two lines.

(2) From Rock Island Dam to Rocky Reach Dam:

(a) Salmon: Effective October 1 through October 15, 2020: Daily limit is 6; of which, up to 2 adult hatchery Chinook, up to 2 coho, and up to 4 sockeye may be retained. Release wild adult Chinook.

(b) Effective October 1 through October 15: Anglers who possess a valid two-pole endorsement may fish with two lines.

WAC 220-312-05000JFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Eastside.

Effective 1 hour before official sunrise October 1 through 1 hour after official sunset November 30, 2020, provisions of WAC 220-312-050 regarding salmon seasons for the Icicle River shall be as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-050 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule remain in effect:

Icicle River:

(a) From the closure signs located 800 feet upstream of the mouth of the river to 500 feet downstream from the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam: Salmon:

(i) Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than coho.

(ii) Bait prohibited.

(iii) Night closure in effect.

(b) From the shoreline markers where Cyo Road intersects the Icicle River at the Sleeping Lady Resort to the Icicle Peshastin Irrigation Footbridge (approximately 750 feet upstream from the Snow Lakes trailhead parking area): Salmon:

(i) Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than coho.

(ii) Bait prohibited.

(iii) Night closure in effect.

The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective October 1, 2020:

Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia. (20-143)

The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective October 16, 2020:

Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia. (20-206)

The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective December 1, 2020:

Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Eastside. (20-206)

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.