WSR 24-20-015
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 24-196—Filed September 19, 2024, 5:08 p.m., effective September 21, 2024]
Effective Date of Rule: September 21, 2024.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to open recreational coho retention seasons in the Columbia River upstream of Priest Rapids Dam and in Icicle River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-06000S; and 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 rule is necessary to open coho retention in some areas of the Columbia River upstream of Priest Rapids Dam and in some areas of Icicle River. Returns of upper Columbia River-bound coho salmon are sufficient to meet conservation objectives and to provide for sport angler harvest between Priest Rapids Dam and Chief Joseph Dam and in Icicle 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 2, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: September 19, 2024.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-06000VFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River.
Effective September 21 through October 15, 2024, the provisions of WAC 220-312-060 regarding recreational salmon seasons from Priest Rapids Dam to Chief Joseph Dam, shall be modified as described below, except in areas closed to fishing for salmon and steelhead year-round in WAC 220-312-060. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-060 not addressed herein remain in effect unless otherwise amended by emergency rule:
(1) Priest Rapids Dam to Rock Island Dam:
Salmon: Daily limit 6, including no more than 2 adult Chinook and no more than 2 coho. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho.
(2) Rock Island Dam to Wells Dam:
Salmon: Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than coho.
(3) Highway 173 Bridge at Brewster to the rock jetty at the upstream shoreline of Foster Creek (Douglas County side):
Salmon: Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than coho.
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-05000XFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Eastside.
Effective 1 hour before official sunrise September 21 through 1 hour after official sunset November 30, 2024, 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 unless otherwise amended by emergency rule remain in effect:
Icicle River:
(a) From the closure signs located 800 feet upstream of the mouth of the river to 500 feet downstream from the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam: Salmon:
(i) Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than coho.
(ii) Bait is prohibited.
(iii) Night closure in effect.
(b) 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:
(i) Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than coho.
(ii) Bait is prohibited.
(iii) Night closure in effect.
REPEALER
The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective September 21, 2024:
WAC 220-312-06000S | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River. (24-154) |