WSR 16-20-014
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 16-260—Filed September 23, 2016, 4:45 p.m., effective September 24, 2016]
Effective Date of Rule: September 24, 2016.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules for the Skykomish River.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-310-19000R; and amending WAC 220-310-190.
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: Washington department of fish and wildlife and tribal managers have agreed that opening a fishery for hatchery steelhead and gamefish in a portion of the Skykomish River will not significantly impact conservation objectives for coho escapement. Opening this portion of the river will provide for additional angling opportunity. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 23, 2016.
J. W. Unsworth
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-310-19000R Freshwater exceptions to statewide rulesPuget Sound.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-310-190, effective September 24 through October 31, 2016, it is permissible to fish in waters of the Skykomish River (Snohomish Co.) (844) from Gold Bar/Big Eddy Access (Hwy. 2 Bridge) to confluence of North and South forks.
(1) Night closure all species
(2) Anti-snagging rules apply.
(3) Fishing from any floating device prohibited from 1,000' downstream of Reiter Ponds outlet to 1500' upstream.
(4) Dolly Varden/Bull trout, Minimum size 20 inches, may be retained as part of the trout daily limit.
(5) Other trout, Minimum size 14 inches, daily limit 2.
(6) Other game fish, statewide minimum size/daily limit.
(7) Release all salmon.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective November 1, 2016:
WAC 220-310-19000R
Freshwater exceptions to statewide rulesPuget Sound. (16-260)