WSR 14-21-052
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 13-293—Filed October 7, 2014, 4:41 p.m., effective October 8, 2014]
Effective Date of Rule: October 8, 2014.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 232-28-619 [220-310-200].
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.020 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: Steelhead fisheries for hatchery steelhead (adipose clip only) have opened in the upper Columbia and tributaries, thus allowing early retention of adipose fin clip only steelhead in the Hanford Reach. Hatchery-origin steelhead in excess of desired escapement are forecast to return to the upper Columbia River. The fishery enhancements in the Hanford Reach will reduce the number of excess hatchery-origin steelhead and consequently increase the proportion of natural-origin steelhead on the spawning grounds. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 7, 2014.
Joe Stohr
for Philip Anderson
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-310-20000X Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-310-200, it is unlawful to violate the following provisions, provided that unless otherwise amended, all permanent rules remain in effect:
(1) Effective October 8 through October 31, 2014, in the Columbia River from the Highway 395 Bridge in Pasco to the Old Hanford townsite wooden powerline towers:
(a) Daily limit of any 2 hatchery steelhead.
(b) Anglers may fish with two poles if they possess a valid two-pole endorsement.
(2) Effective October 8 through October 22, 2014, in the Columbia River from the Old Hanford townsite wooden powerline towers to Vernita Bridge:
(a) Daily limit of any 2 hatchery steelhead with mandatory retention required. All fishing for steelhead must cease for the day after retaining the daily limit.
(b) Selective gear rules in effect, except that bait may be used to fish for steelhead.
(3) Effective October 8 through October 22, 2014, and November 27, 2014, until further notice in the Columbia River from the Vernita Bridge to Priest Rapids Dam:
(a) Daily limit of any 2 hatchery steelhead with mandatory retention required. All fishing for steelhead must cease for the day after retaining the daily limit.
(b) Selective gear rules in effect, except that bait may be used to fish for steelhead.