WSR 23-21-067
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 23-232—Filed October 12, 2023, 3:59 p.m., effective October 12, 2023, 3:59 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: Amends recreational fishing rules for the Skagit River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-04000V; and amending WAC 220-312-040.
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 necessary to close a portion of the Skagit River to avoid gear conflicts with scheduled treaty fisheries. Sufficient recreational harvestable wild coho remain to allow retention and additional fishing opportunity in a portion of the Skagit River. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: October 12, 2023.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000XFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective immediately, through November 30, 2023, the following provisions of WAC 220-312-040 regarding open days for portions of Cascade River and Skagit River, shall be modified as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-040 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended, remain in effect:
(1) Cascade River (Skagit Co.): From mouth to Rockport-Cascade Rd. Bridge: Effective immediately, through October 31, 2023:
Salmon and Gamefish seasons open daily (7 days per week). All other rules regarding salmon and gamefish seasons listed in WAC 220-312-040 (44)(a)(iii) remain in effect.
(2) Skagit River (Skagit Co.): from the mouth to the Cascade River Rd. bridge (Marblemount Bridge). Effective October 13 through November 30:
Daily limit 2 salmon, release Chinook and chum. Minimum size: 12". Night closure in effect.
(3) Skagit River (Skagit Co.), from the Hwy. 9 Bridge in Sedro Woolley to the mouth of the Baker River.
Immediately, until 12:00 p.m. (noon), Oct. 13: All species: Closed Waters.
■ 12:00 p.m. (noon), Oct. 13 - Oct 17: Salmon: Min. size 12". Daily limit 2. Release Chinook and chum. Night Closure in effect.
Oct. 18 through 12:00 p.m. (noon) October 20: Closed Waters.
■ 12:00 p.m. (noon), Oct. 20 - Nov. 30: Salmon: Min. size 12". Daily limit 2. Release Chinook and chum. Night Closure in effect.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:
WAC 220-312-04000V | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound. (23-226) |