WSR 24-22-074
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 24-246—Filed October 29, 2024, 5:12 p.m., effective November 1, 2024]
Effective Date of Rule: November 1, 2024.
Purpose: This emergency rule will open recreational salmon seasons in Snohomish, Skykomish, and Wallace rivers and close recreational fishing in Snoqualmie River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: 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 extend the recreational salmon seasons in the Snohomish, Skykomish, and Wallace rivers. Additionally, this rule will also temporarily close recreational fishing in the Snoqualmie River. Snohomish basin coho runsize in-season update indicates a low risk of exceeding management objectives for coho. Chinook salmon are nearing the end of their spawning run, and the risk of incidental sport fishery encounters of natural Chinook salmon is reduced in Snohomish, Snoqualmie, and Wallace rivers, allowing for salmon season openings targeting coho. Chinook spawning activity still present in Snoqualmie River necessitates a temporary closure until they are clear of the system. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 29, 2024.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000AFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective November 1 through December 31, 2024, provisions of WAC 220-312-040 regarding salmon seasons for Snohomish, Skykomish and Wallace rivers shall be as described herein. Additionally, recreational fishing seasons for Snoqualmie River for all species shall be modified as described herein. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-040 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule remain in effect:
(1) Skykomish River (Snohomish County): From the mouth to confluence of North and South Forks:
Salmon: Daily limit 2. Release Chinook and chum.
(2) Snohomish River (Snohomish County): From mouth (Burlington-Northern Railroad bridges) (including all channels, sloughs, and interconnected waterways, but excluding all tributaries) to confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers (all channels).
Salmon: Daily limit 2. Release Chinook and chum.
(3) Snoqualmie River (Snohomish County): From mouth to Snoqualmie Falls, including all tributaries:
All species: Closed.
(4) Wallace River (Snohomish County): From the mouth to 200 feet upstream of water intake of salmon hatchery:
Salmon: Daily limit 2. Release Chinook and chum.