WSR 26-11-019
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 26-73—Filed May 13, 2026, 3:30 p.m., effective May 15, 2026]
Effective Date of Rule: May 15, 2026.
Purpose: This emergency rule sets a closure date for previously announced spring Chinook seasons below Little Goose Dam and opens spring Chinook seasons below Ice Harbor Dam.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-05000Q; and amending WAC 220-312-050.
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: An update was provided to the 2026 Columbia River return of upriver spring Chinook salmon. While the update is slightly below the preseason forecast, the removal of the 30 percent buffer increased the quota for the Snake River fishery. The new quota will allow for opportunity at Little Goose [Dam] through May 19 and two days of fishing below Ice Harbor Dam. Harvest opportunity on the Snake River based on the Washington department of fish and wildlife (WDFW) Commission Policy C-3630. The U.S. v. Oregon (2018-2027) Management Agreement provides Endangered Species Act (ESA) coverage for this fishery.
WDFW will monitor spring Chinook returns throughout the season and may close the fishery at any time due to harvest levels, ESA impacts, or in-season run adjustments.
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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: May 13, 2026.
Amy H. Windrope
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-05000RFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Eastside.
Effective May 15, through May 21, 2026, the following provisions of WAC 220-312-050, regarding salmon seasons in the Snake River shall be open as described in this section. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-050 remain in effect unless modified by emergency rule:
(1) Snake River from Texas Rapids boat launch (located on the south side of the river upstream of the mouth of Tucannon River) to the fishing restriction boundary below Little Goose Dam and including the rock and concrete area between the juvenile bypass return pipe and little Goose Dam along the shoreline of the facility (including the walkway area locally known as "the Wall" in front of the juvenile collection facility):
Salmon:
(a) Open May 15 and May 19, 2026.
(b) Daily limit 4, of which up to 1 adult may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
(c) Night Closure.
(d) Barbless hooks required.
(e) Salmon may not be removed from the water unless retained as part of the daily limit.
(2) Snake River from the South Bound Highway 12 Bridge near Pasco upstream about 7 miles to the fishing restriction boundary below Ice Harbor Dam:
Salmon:
(a) Open May 20 and May 21, 2026.
(b) Daily limit 4, of which up to 1 adult may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
(c) Night Closure.
(d) Barbless hooks required.
(e) Salmon may not be removed from the water unless retained as part of the daily limit.
Reviser's note: The spelling 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. 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 Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective May 15, 2026:
WAC 220-312-05000Q | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Eastside. (26-60) |