WSR 18-11-059
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 18-98—Filed May 10, 2018, 4:34 p.m., effective May 10, 2018, 4:34 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules for the Lewis River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-030.
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: This emergency rule is needed because the 2018 Lewis River spring Chinook run is currently on track to meet the Lewis River Hatchery broodstock goals, allow for transport of fish to the upper Lewis River Basin for reintroduction, and allow anglers to fish for and retain hatchery Chinook. Similarly, broodstock goals for summer steelhead are expected to be met on the Lewis River. Therefore, the section from Johnson Creek to the overhead power lines below Merwin Dam will be open early and allow hatchery steelhead retention.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: May 10, 2018.
Amy H. Windrope
for Joe Stohr
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-03000S Freshwater exceptions to statewide rulesSouthwest.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-312-03000R and WAC 220-312-030, effective May 12, 2018 until further notice:
Lewis River (Clark/Cowlitz Co.):
(1) From the mouth to Johnson Creek:
(a) Salmon:
(i) Daily limit 6, minimum length 12 inches
(ii) Only 1 adult salmon may be retained
(iii) Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook
(2) From Johnson Creek to the overhead powerlines below Merwin Dam:
(a) Fishing from a floating device is prohibited.
(b) Salmon:
(i) Daily limit 6, minimum length 12 inches
(ii) Only 1 adult salmon may be retained
(iii) Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook
(c) Steelhead:
(i) Daily limit 3 hatchery steelhead, minimum length 20 inches