WSR 22-18-096
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 22-190—Filed September 7, 2022, 9:05 a.m., effective September 7, 2022, 9:05 a.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to set a closure date for the 2022 white sturgeon fishery in Lake Roosevelt.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-05000L and 220-312-05000U; and amending WAC 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 emergency rule is needed to set a closure date for the 2022 Lake Roosevelt white sturgeon fishery. The Washington department of fish and wildlife anticipates harvest and fishery impacts will have been achieved for the season by September 30, 2022. Fishery managers will evaluate the 2022 Lake Roosevelt white sturgeon catch and harvest prior to establishing rules for the 2023 season. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 2.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: September 7, 2022.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-05000LFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Eastside.
Effective immediately, through September 30, 2022, the following provisions of WAC 220-312-050 regarding recreational sturgeon seasons and harvest rules for Lake Roosevelt shall be as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-050 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended, remain in effect:
It is permissible to fish for sturgeon in waters of Lake Roosevelt from Grand Coulee Dam upstream to the China Bend Boat Ramp (including the Spokane River from Highway 25 Bridge upstream to 400' below Little Falls Dam, Colville River upstream to Meyers Falls and the Kettle River upstream to Barstow Bridge):
(a) Daily limit: 1 sturgeon; minimum fork length 50 inches, maximum fork length 63 inches. Annual limit 2 sturgeon. Anglers must cease fishing for the day after obtaining a daily limit and for the season after the annual limit has been taken.
(b) Anglers may fish for sturgeon with two poles with the purchase of a Two-pole endorsement.
(c) Only one single-point barbless hook and bait per rod is allowed.
(d) Night closure is in effect for sturgeon.
(e) All other statewide rules for white sturgeon apply
REPEALER
The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective immediately:
WAC 220-312-05000L | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Eastside. (22-74) |
The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective October 1, 2022:
WAC 220-312-05000U | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Eastside. (22-190) |