WSR 25-21-096
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 25-258—Filed October 17, 2025, 9:28 a.m., effective October 17, 2025, 9:28 a.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: Amends recreational fishing rules for the Skagit River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-04000J; 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 temporarily close recreational fishing in a portion of the Skagit River. The temporary sport fishing closure from 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: October 17, 2025.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000JFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective October 20 through October 21, 2025, the following provisions of WAC 220-312-040 regarding recreational fishing seasons for the Skagit River are modified as described in this section. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-040 not addressed in this section, or unless otherwise amended, remain in effect:
Skagit River (Skagit Co.), from Gilligan Creek to Baker River: Closed waters.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective October 22, 2025:
WAC 220-312-04000J | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound. |