WSR 26-11-054
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 26-76—Filed May 19, 2026, 1:21 p.m., effective May 23, 2026]
Effective Date of Rule: May 23, 2026.
Purpose: This emergency rule opens recreational hatchery Chinook retention in Nooksack River, North Fork.
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 hatchery spring Chinook retention opportunity. The hatchery spring Chinook forecast is sufficient to allow in-river harvest opportunity. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: May 18, 2026.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000AFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective May 23 through June 30, 2026, recreational salmon seasons for Nooksack River, North Fork shall be modified during dates listed 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:
Nooksack River, North Fork (Whatcom County), from Hwy. 9 Bridge to the yellow marker at the upstream side of Kendall Hatchery property:
Salmon: Daily limit is 2. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Night closure and Anti-snagging rule in effect.