WSR 26-06-054
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 26-32—Filed February 25, 2026, 3:14 p.m., effective February 26, 2026]
Effective Date of Rule: February 26, 2026.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to set a limited Columbia River commercial fishery for eulachon smelt.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-358-06000J; and amending WAC 220-354-160 [220-358-160].
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 expands the previously set Columbia River commercial fishery for eulachon smelt to now include open periods on Wednesdays. Since landings have exceeded 400 pounds per day over a minimum of three periods, state-managed fisheries have been upgraded from Harvest Phase 2 into Harvest Phase 3, which entails a five percent harvest rate. This regulation is consistent with fisheries allowed while in Harvest Phase 3 as described in the "Washington and Oregon Eulachon Management Plan 2nd Edition" for the Columbia River. This fishery serves as an important index to monitor run strength and timing and to collect biological data. This action is consistent with decisions made by the states of Washington and Oregon during the Columbia River Compact hearings on January 8, and February 25, 2026. The general public welfare is protected with the immediate and limited duration opening of the commercial smelt fishing in the mainstem Columbia River. This limited harvest opportunity allows for maintenance and monitoring of a sustainable fish population. There is insufficient time to adopt permanent regulations.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: February 25, 2026.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-358-06000KCommercial fisheries—Columbia River below Bonneville Dam—Smelt.
Effective February 26 through March 19, 2026: notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-358-060, the Columbia River and Washington tributaries are closed to fishing for eulachon smelt except as provided in this section:
Open Dates: February 26 through March 19, 2026: Open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays only, from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (12-hour periods).
Open Area: Columbia River - Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Areas 1A, 1B, 1C. (Areas defined in WAC 220-301-010.)
Gear: It is unlawful to use anything other than gillnets. Gillnets must meet the following specifications per WAC 220-358-060: mesh size not to exceed 2 inches stretch measure; not to exceed 1,500 feet in length along the cork line.
Use of monofilament nets is permissible.
Allowable sales: Smelt.
Other: 24-hour quick-reporting is required for Washington wholesale dealers, as provided in WAC. 220-352-315.
Multi-Net Rule: Nets not specifically authorized for use in this fishery may be onboard the vessel if properly stored. A properly stored net is defined as a net on a drum that is fully covered by a tarp (canvas or plastic) and bound with a minimum of ten revolutions of rope with a diameter of 3/8 (0.375) inches or greater.
Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040. REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective February 26, 2026:
WAC 220-358-06000J | Commercial fisheries—Columbia River below Bonneville Dam—Smelt. |