WSR 25-12-018
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 25-92—Filed May 22, 2025, 1:47 p.m., effective May 28, 2025]
Effective Date of Rule: May 28, 2025.
Purpose: This emergency rule is needed to open salmon seasons in upper Skagit River and Cascade River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-313-06000I; and amending WAC 220-313-060.
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 rule is necessary to open hatchery Chinook harvest opportunity in upper Skagit River and Cascade River. The forecasted return of hatchery spring Chinook to Marblemount hatchery is sufficient to support these fisheries. Cascade River is closed Sundays through Tuesdays to all recreational fishing during this spring Chinook fishery to avoid gear conflicts with tribal fisheries. This rule also carries forward previously opened spring Chinook fisheries in the lower Skagit River in filing WSR 25-11-074. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: May 22, 2025.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000KFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective May 28 through July 15, 2025, the following provisions of WAC 220-312-040 and WAC 220-220-160 regarding salmon seasons and for the Skagit River and Cascade River shall be as described in this section. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-040 and WAC 220-220-160 not addressed in this section, or unless otherwise amended, remain in effect:
(1) Skagit River (Skagit Co.);
(a) From the Hwy. 536 (Memorial Hwy.) Bridge in Mt. Vernon to Gilligan Creek:
Salmon, effective May 28 through May 30:
(i) Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
(ii) Night closure in effect.
(iii) Anglers who possess a valid two-pole endorsement may fish with two lines.
(iv) All species other than salmon are closed to fishing for or retaining.
(b) From Hwy. 530 Bridge at Rockport to Cascade River Rd. (Marblemount Bridge):
Salmon, effective May 28 through July 15:
(i) Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 adults. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
(ii) Night closure in effect.
(iii) Anti-snagging rule in effect.
(2) Cascade River (Skagit County):
(a) From mouth to Rockport-Cascade Rd. Bridge:
(i) Salmon, effective May 28 through July 15:
(A) Open Wednesdays through Saturdays only. Closed Sundays through Tuesdays.
(B) Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 adults. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
(C) Night closure in effect.
(D) Anti-snagging rule in effect.
(ii) Game fish, effective May 31 through July 15: Closed Sundays through Tuesdays.
(b) From Rockport-Cascade Rd. Bridge upstream 300 feet: Closed waters.
REPEALER
The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective May 28, 2025:
WAC 220-312-04000I | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound. (25-85) |