[Order 24-84—Filed June 5, 2024, 4:30 p.m., effective June 16, 2024]

Effective Date of Rule: June 16, 2024.

Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to open sockeye seasons in a portion of the Skagit River.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-04000H; and amending WAC 220-312-040.

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 necessary to open sockeye seasons in Skagit River, in accordance with agreed to seasons in the list of agreed fisheries set during the 2024 North of Falcon season setting process. Harvestable numbers of sockeye are forecast to return to the Baker system.

The sockeye harvest guideline in the river fishery will be 25 percent of the state share. The remaining 75 percent will be reserved for Baker Lake opportunity. Current river sport share is over 4,000 fish, but exact number could change with in-season run-size updates. There will be periodic closures to prevent gear conflicts during tribal fisheries. In-season closures will be announced as soon as possible.

This rule carries forward spring Chinook seasons for Cascade River and Skagit River, previously announced in WSR 24-11-142, on May 21, 2024.

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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: June 5, 2024.

WAC 220-312-04000IFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.

Effective June 16 through July 15, 2024, the following provisions of WAC 220-312-040 and WAC 220-220-160 regarding salmon seasons and two-pole fishing for the Skagit River and salmon seasons and all species weekly closures for Cascade River, shall be as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-040 and WAC 220-220-160 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended, remain in effect:

(1) Cascade River (Skagit Co.); from mouth to Rockport-Cascade Rd. Bridge:

(a) Salmon, effective immediately, through July 15, 2024:

(i) Open Wednesdays through Saturdays.

(ii) Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 adults. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.

(iii) Night closure and Anti-snagging rule in effect.

(b) All Species, effective immediately through July 15, 2024: Closed Sundays through Tuesdays.

(2) Skagit River (Skagit Co.):

(a) From the Hwy. 536 (Memorial Hwy. Bridge) in Mt. Vernon to the Dalles Bridge at Concrete:

Salmon, effective June 16 through July 15, 2024:

(i) Daily limit 4. Release all salmon other than sockeye.

(ii) Night Closure in effect.

(iii) Selective gear rules are not in effect for salmon.

(b) From Hwy. 530 Bridge at Rockport to Cascade River Rd. (Marblemount Bridge):

Salmon, effective, immediately through July 15, 2024:

(i) Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 adults. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.

(ii) Night Closure and Anti-snagging rule in effect.

The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective June 16, 2024:

Puget Sound salmon—Saltwater seasons and daily limits. (24-74)