WSR 26-11-055

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[Order 26-77—Filed May 19, 2026, 1:28 p.m., effective May 22, 2026]

Effective Date of Rule: May 22, 2026.

Purpose: This emergency rule opens hatchery spring Chinook seasons in Cascade 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 open hatchery Chinook harvest opportunity in Cascade River. Harvestable numbers of hatchery spring Chinook are forecast to return to Marblemount Hatchery. Closure days are to prevent gear conflicts with tribal 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: May 19, 2026.

Kelly Susewind

Director