WSR 21-19-079
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 21-194—Filed September 15, 2021, 3:55 p.m., effective September 18, 2021]
Effective Date of Rule: September 18, 2021.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to open recreational coho seasons in the Icicle River and the Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to Wells Dam.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-050 and 220-312-060.
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 open coho retention seasons in the Icicle River and upper Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to Wells Dam.
Through September 12, 2021, the approximately 113,000 coho that have passed over Bonneville Dam is the second highest count on record. The estimated number of UCR-bound coho is currently at about 30,000 fish. At this abundance there is sufficient fish to meet spawner escapement and broodstock needs and provide for sport angler harvest.
Expected returns of coho to the Icicle River are sufficient to provide for sport angler harvest as are returns of upper Columbia River-bound coho salmon.
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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 2, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: September 15, 2021.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-05000AFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Eastside.
Effective September 18, through November 30, 2021, the following 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 otherwise amended by emergency rule, remain in effect:
Icicle River (Chelan County):
(1) From the closure signs located 800 feet upstream of the mouth of the river to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam: Salmon:
(a) Daily limit 4. Release all salmon other than coho.
(b) It is unlawful to use bait.
(c) Night Closure in effect.
(2) 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:
(a) Daily limit 4. Release all salmon other than coho.
(b) It is unlawful to use bait.
(c) Night Closure in effect.
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-06000YFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia
Effective September 18 through October 15, 2020, provisions of WAC 220-312-060 and 220-220-160 regarding Columbia River salmon seasons 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 September 18 through October 15, 2021: Daily limit is 6; of which, up to 2 adult Chinook and up to 4 coho may be retained. Release sockeye.
(2) From Rock Island Dam to Rocky Reach Dam: Salmon:
Effective September 18 through October 15, 2021: Daily limit is 6; of which, up to 2 adult hatchery Chinook and up to 4 coho may be retained. Release wild adult Chinook and sockeye.
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.