WSR 25-07-072
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 25-44—Filed March 14, 2025, 1:05 p.m., effective April 1, 2025]
Effective Date of Rule: April 1, 2025.
Purpose: This emergency rule closes fishing in Hoh River and Quillayute River systems during the month of April.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-020.
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 emergency rule closes fishing in Hoh River and Quillayute River systems during the month of April. This closure is needed as a conservation measure for protection of wild steelhead. This closure will provide protection for steelhead during peak spawn timing and downstream kelt migration. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: March 14, 2025.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-02000UFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coast.
Effective April 1 through April 30, 2025, the following provisions of WAC 220-312-020, regarding recreational fishing seasons for Quillayute River and Hoh River systems shall be modified as described in this section. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-020 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule, remain in effect:
Effective April 1 through April 30 the following areas are Closed Waters:
(a) Bogachiel River (Clallam Co.), from the mouth upstream to Olympic National Park Boundary;
(b) Calawah River (Clallam Co.), from the mouth to the forks;
(c) Dickey River (Clallam Co.), from the Olympic National Park boundary upstream, including East and West Forks;
(d) Hoh River (Jefferson Co.), from Olympic National Park boundary (near mouth) upstream to Olympic National Park boundary below mouth of South Fork Hoh River;
(e) Hoh River, South Fork (Jefferson Co.), outside of Olympic National Park boundary;
(f) Quillayute River (Clallam Co.), from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to confluence of Sol Duc and Bogachiel rivers;
(g) Sol Duc River (Clallam Co.), From mouth to Hwy. 101 Bridge upstream of Klahowya campground.