WSR 26-05-027
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 26-18—Filed February 10, 2026, 3:32 p.m., effective February 16, 2026]
Effective Date of Rule: February 16, 2026.
Purpose: This emergency rule opens gamefish seasons in Snoqualmie River and Tokul Creek.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: 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 emergency rule is necessary to open recreational game fish seasons in Snoqualmie River and Tokul Creek. The additional fishing opportunity targeting hatchery steelhead will help minimize hatchery fish from straying to natural spawning areas and assist in the transition to an integrated broodstock program. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: February 10, 2026.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000XFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective February 16 through March 1, 2026, provisions of WAC 220-312-040 regarding game fish seasons for Snoqualmie River and Tokul Creek shall be modified as described in this section. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-040 not addressed in this section, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule remain in effect:
(1) Snoqualmie River (Snohomish County):
(a) From boat ramp at Plum access to mouth of Tokul Creek:
(i) All species: Fishing from a floating device prohibited.
(ii) Trout: Statewide minimum size and daily limit, except cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout minimum size 14 inches.
(iii) Other game fish: Statewide minimum size and daily limit.
(b) From Tokul Creek to Snoqualmie Falls:
(i) Trout: Statewide minimum size and daily limit, except cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout minimum size 14 inches.
(ii) Other game fish: Statewide minimum size and daily limit.
(2) Tokul Creek (King County): From mouth to the posted boundary marker downstream of diversion dam:
(a) All species:
(i) Anti-snagging rule in effect.
(ii) Fishing closed from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., daily.
(b) Trout: Statewide minimum size and daily limit, except cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout minimum size 14 inches.
(c) Other game fish: Statewide minimum size and daily limit.