WSR 16-21-034 EMERGENCY RULES DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE [Order 16-276—Filed October 11, 2016, 10:31 a.m., effective October 12, 2016] Effective Date of Rule: October 12, 2016.
Purpose: Amend freshwater recreational fishing rules for the Columbia River.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-310-20000G; and amending WAC 220-310-200.
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: Over thirty-five thousand Chinook primarily from the Hanford Reach fall Chinook hatchery programs have returned above Priest Rapids Dam, including over twenty-five thousand above Rock Island Dam. The intent of the fishery is the removal of excess hatchery fall Chinook from the upper Columbia River Basin while also providing additional angling opportunity. The population is not listed under the Endangered Species Act. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: October 11, 2016.
Joe Stohr
for J. W. Unsworth
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-310-20000G Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-310-200, effective October 12 through November 30, 2016, it is permissible to fish for salmon in waters of the Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to 400' below Chief Joseph Dam with the following restrictions:
(1) Daily limit six Chinook salmon (marked or unmarked), of which only three may be adult Chinook. Release coho salmon.
(2) Minimum size 12 inches.
(3) Selective gear rules apply, except bait is permissible.
(4) Night closure upstream of Rock Island Dam.
(5) Release Chinook salmon that have a 1/4 inch diameter (round) hole punched in the upper lobe of the caudal (tail) fin.
(6) Two poles allowed.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective December 1, 2016:
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