WSR 24-14-054
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 24-114—Filed June 26, 2024, 5:32 p.m., effective June 26, 2024, 5:32 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to open recreational fishing in a portion of Cascade River daily. This rule also imposes a temporary all-species fishing closure on Skagit River, from Hwy. 9 in Sedro Woolley to the mouth of the Baker River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-04000I; 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 Cascade River, from the mouth to Rockport-Cascade Rd. Bridge, daily.
Treaty fisheries for hatchery spring Chinook in this section of the Cascade have concluded for the season. Sunday through Tuesday closures to avoid gear conflicts are no longer necessary. The ongoing Skagit system sport fisheries are still within conservation objectives for wild spring Chinook encounters.
A fishing closure in Skagit River, from Hwy. 9 in Sedro Woolley to the Baker River, is necessary to avoid gear conflicts during scheduled treaty fisheries.
This rule carries forward spring Chinook and sockeye seasons for Skagit River, previously announced in WSR 24-13-004, on June 5, 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 26, 2024.
Amy H. Windrope
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000NFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective immediately, 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 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:
Salmon, effective immediately, through July 15, 2024:
(a) Open daily.
(b) Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 adults. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
(c) Night closure and Anti-snagging rule in effect.
(2) Skagit River (Skagit Co.):
(a) From the Hwy. 536 (Memorial Hwy. Bridge) in Mt. Vernon to the Hwy. 9 Bridge in Sedro Woolley:
Salmon, effective immediately, 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. 9 Bridge in Sedro Woolley to the Dalles Bridge at Concrete:
(i) Salmon, effective immediately, through June 29, 2024:
(A) Daily limit 4. Release all salmon other than sockeye.
(B) Night Closure in effect.
(C) Selective gear rules are not in effect for salmon.
(ii) All species, effective June 30 through July 2, 2024: Closed.
(iii) Salmon, effective July 3 through July 15, 2024:
(A) Daily limit 4. Release all salmon other than sockeye.
(B) Night Closure in effect.
(C) Selective gear rules are not in effect for salmon.
(c) From the Dalles Bridge at Concrete to the mouth of the Baker River:
All species, effective June 30 through July 2, 2024: Closed.
(d) 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.
REPEALER
The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective immediately:
WAC 220-312-04000I
Puget Sound salmon—Saltwater seasons and daily limits. (24-84)