WSR 25-21-052

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[Order 25-250—Filed October 10, 2025, 8:51 a.m., effective October 14, 2025]

Effective Date of Rule: October 14, 2025.

Purpose: This emergency rule temporarily closes recreational fishing in a portion of the Skagit River.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-040.

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 rule is necessary to temporarily close recreational fishing in a portion of the Skagit River. The temporary sport fishing closure from the Gilligan Creek to the Baker River is necessary to avoid gear conflicts during scheduled treaty fisheries. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: October 10, 2025.

Amy H. Windrope

for Kelly Susewind

Director