WSR 25-12-084
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 25-99—Filed June 2, 2025, 8:31 a.m., effective June 2, 2025, 8:31 a.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: This emergency rule is needed to open Cascade River spring Chinook seven days per week and to set Skagit River sockeye seasons.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-04000K; and amending WAC 220-312-040.
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 Cascade River daily and sockeye harvest opportunity in Skagit River.
Treaty fisheries in Cascade River have concluded, rendering weekly recreational closures to avoid gear conflicts unnecessary. Skagit River sockeye returns are forecasted to be sufficient for this in-river fishery. It is also consistent with North of Falcon salmon seasons agreed to with comanagers.
This rule also carries forward previously opened spring Chinook fisheries in the Skagit River in filing WSR 25-12-018. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: June 2, 2025.
Amy H. Windrope
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000MFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective immediately, through July 15, 2025, the following provisions of WAC 220-312-040 and WAC 220-220-160 regarding salmon seasons 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) Cascade River (Skagit County):
(a) From mouth to Rockport-Cascade Rd. Bridge:
Salmon, effective immediately, 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.
(b) From Rockport-Cascade Rd. Bridge upstream 300 feet: immediately, through July 15, closed waters for all species.
(2) Skagit River (Skagit Co.);
(a) From the Hwy. 536 (Memorial Hwy.) Bridge in Mt. Vernon to the Dalles Bridge in Concrete:
Salmon, effective June 16 through July 15:
(i) Daily limit 4. Release all salmon other than sockeye.
(ii) Night closure in effect.
(iii) Anglers who possess a valid two-pole endorsement may fish with two lines.
(b) From Hwy. 530 Bridge at Rockport to Cascade River Rd. (Marblemount Bridge):
Salmon, effective immediately, 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.
REPEALER
The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective immediately:
WAC 220-312-04000K | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound. (25-92) |