WSR 21-01-051
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 20-252—Filed December 8, 2020, 3:35 p.m., effective December 14, 2020]
Effective Date of Rule: December 14, 2020.
Purpose: The purpose of this rule is to modify rules for coastal tributary streams, including Willapa and Grays Harbor tributaries, in order to prohibit fishing from a floating device, implement selective gear rules except that only 1 single point barbless hook is allowed and to require release of all rainbow trout.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-020.
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: These measures are being taken to protect wild steelhead stocks. The majority of coastal wild steelhead runs are expected to return below escapement targets as they have the past four seasons and have failed to meet management objectives. These rules are expected to result in a reduction of wild steelhead encounters by more than fifty percent. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: December 8, 2020.
Amy H. Windrope
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-02000FFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coast.
Effective December 14, 2020 through March 31, 2021 the following provisions of WAC 220-312-020, regarding gamefish seasons, steelhead daily limits, fishing from a floating device, and gear and hook restrictions for coastal tributaries, including tributaries of Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay shall be modified as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-040 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule, remain in effect:
1. Bear River (Pacific Co.):
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 30, 2021: All species: Closed.
2. Big River (Clallam Co.), outside Olympic National Park:
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed.
3. Bogachiel River (Clallam Co.), from the mouth to Olympic National Park boundary: Effective December 14, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
(a) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(c) Release all rainbow trout.
4. Calawah River: (Clallam Co.), from the mouth to the forks: Effective December 14, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
(a) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(c) Release all rainbow trout.
5. Calawah, South Fork (Clallam Co.), from the mouth to Olympic National Park boundary:
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed.
6. Cedar Creek (Jefferson Co.), from the mouth to Olympic National Park boundary:
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
7. Chehalis River (Grays Harbor Co.), from the mouth upstream, including all forks: Effective December 14, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
(a) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(c) Release all rainbow trout.
8. Clearwater River (Jefferson Co.), from the mouth to Snahapish River: Effective December 14, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
(a) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(c) Release all rainbow trout.
9. Cloquallum Creek (Grays Harbor/Mason Co.), from the mouth to the outlet at Stump Lake:
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
10. Copalis River (Grays Harbor Co.):
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
11. Dickey River (Clallam Co.), from the Olympic National Park boundary upstream to the confluence of the east and west forks: Effective December 14, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
(a) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(c) Release all rainbow trout.
12. Elk Creek (Lewis/Pacific Co.): Effective January 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
(a) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(c) Release all rainbow trout.
13. Elk River (Grays Harbor Co.):
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
14. Goodman Creek (Jefferson Co.), outside of Olympic National Park boundary:
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
15. Hoh River (Jefferson Co.), from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to Olympic National Park boundary below mouth of South Fork Hoh: Effective December 14, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
(a) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(c) Release all rainbow trout.
16. Hoh River, South Fork (Jefferson Co.), outside of Olympic National Park boundary: Effective December 14, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
(a) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(c) Release all rainbow trout.
17. Hoquiam River including West and East forks (Grays Harbor Co.):
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
18. Humptulips River (Grays Harbor Co.), from the mouth to confluence of East and West forks: Effective December 14, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
(a) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(c) Release all rainbow trout.
19. Joe Creek (Grays Harbor Co.), from the mouth to Ocean Beach Rd. Bridge:
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through December 31, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective January 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
20. Johns River (Grays Harbor Co.), from the mouth (Hwy. 105 Bridge) to Ballon Creek:
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
21. Kalaloch Creek (Jefferson Co.), outside Olympic National Park boundary:
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
22. Moclips River (Grays Harbor Co.), from the mouth to Quinault Indian Reservation boundary:
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
23. Mosquito Creek (Jefferson Co.), from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to Goodman 30000 Mainline Bridge:
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
24. Naselle River (Pacific Co.), from the Hwy. 101 Bridge to the North Fork: Effective December 14, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
(a) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(c) Release all rainbow trout.
25. Naselle River, South (Pacific Co.), from the mouth to Bean Creek:
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
26. Nemah River, Middle (Pacific Co.):
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
27. Nemah River, North (Pacific Co.), from Hwy. 101 Bridge to Cruiser Creek:
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
28. Nemah River, South (Pacific Co.):
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
29. Newaukum River, including South Fork (Lewis Co.), from mouth to Hwy. 508 Bridge near Kearny Creek: Effective December 14, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
(a) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(c) Release all rainbow trout.
30. Newaukum River, Middle Fork (Lewis Co.), from mouth to Taucher Rd. Bridge: Effective December 14, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
(a) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(c) Release all rainbow trout.
31. Newaukum River, North (Lewis Co.), from mouth to 400' below Chehalis City water intake: Effective December 14, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
(a) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(c) Release all rainbow trout.
32. North River (Grays Harbor/Pacific Co.), from the Hwy. 105 bridge to Raimie Creek:
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
33. Palix River (Pacific Co.):
(a) From Hwy. 101 Bridge to the mouth of the Middle Fork:
(i) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(A) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(B) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(C) Release all rainbow trout.
(ii) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
(b) From the confluence with the Middle Fork upstream (all forks including South fork Palix River and Canon River):
(i) Effective December 16, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(A) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(B) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(C) Release all rainbow trout.
(ii) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
34. Quillayute River (Clallam Co.), from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to confluence of Sol Duc and Bogachiel rivers: Effective December 14, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
(a) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(c) Release all rainbow trout.
35. Quinault River, Upper (Grays Harbor/Jefferson Co.), from the mouth at upper end of Quinault Lake upstream to Olympic National Park boundary: Effective December 14, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
(a) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(c) Release all rainbow trout.
36. Salmon River (Jefferson Co.), from outside Quinault Indian Reservation and Olympic National Park:
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
37. Satsop River and East Fork (Grays Harbor Co.), from the mouth to bridge at Schafer State Park, and from 400' below Bingham Creek Hatchery dam to the dam: Effective December 14, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
(a) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(c) Release all rainbow trout.
38. Skookumchuck River (Lewis/Thurston Co.), from mouth to 100' below outlet of TransAlta WDFW steelhead rearing pond located at the base of Skookumchuck Dam: Effective December 14, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
(a) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(c) Release all rainbow trout.
39. Smith Creek (near North River) (Pacific Co.):
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
40. Sol Duc River (Clallam Co.), from mouth to Hwy. 101 Bridge upstream of Klahowya campground: Effective December 14, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
(a) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(c) Release all rainbow trout.
41. Sooes River (Clallam Co.), outside of Makah Indian Reservation:
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
42. Van Winkle Creek (Grays Harbor Co.), from mouth to 400' below outlet of Lake Aberdeen Hatchery:
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through January 31, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective February 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
43. Willapa River (Pacific Co.), from mouth (City of South Bend boat launch) to Hwy. 6 Bridge (near the town of Lebam): Effective December 14, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
(a) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(c) Release all rainbow trout.
44. Willapa River, South Fork (Pacific Co.):
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
45. Wishkah River (Grays Harbor Co.), from the mouth to 200' below the weir at the Whishkah Rearing Ponds and from 150' upstream to 150' downstream of the Wishkah adult attraction channel/outfall structure (within the posted fishing boundary):
(a) Effective December 14, 2020 through February 28, 2021:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(ii) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(iii) Release all rainbow trout.
(b) Effective March 1 through March 31, 2021: All species: Closed
46. Wynoochee River (Grays Harbor Co.): Effective December 14, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
(a) All species: Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only 1 single-point barbless hook is allowed.
(c) Release all rainbow trout.
Reviser's note: The spelling 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.
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.