WSR 26-12-041
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 26-85—Filed May 27, 2026, 5:09 p.m., effective May 31, 2026]
Effective Date of Rule: May 31, 2026.
Purpose: Opens the Icicle River for hatchery Chinook.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: 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: This rule is needed to open hatchery Chinook retention in the Icicle River. Daily limit of one Chinook is in response to the most recent estimated return of spring Chinook to the Icicle River of approximately 1,700 fish, which is below average. The Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery broodstock requirement is 1,000 adult spring Chinook. Fish in excess of broodstock needs are available for harvest and shared equally between recreational and tribal anglers. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 27, 2026.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-05000TFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Eastside.
Effective 1 hour before official sunrise May 31, 2026 until further notice, provisions of WAC 220-312-050 regarding salmon seasons for the Icicle River shall be as described in this section. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-050 not addressed in this section, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule remain in effect:
Icicle River:
(a) From the closure signs located 800 feet upstream of the mouth of the river to 500 feet downstream from the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam: Salmon:
(i) Daily limit 1. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
(ii) Anglers must retain first hatchery Chinook over 12 inches in length.
(iii) Night closure in effect.
(b) From the shoreline markers where Cyo Road intersects the Icicle River at the Sleeping Lady Resort to the Icicle Peshastin Irrigation Footbridge (approximately 750 feet upstream from the Snow Lakes trailhead parking area): Salmon:
(i) Daily limit 1. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
(ii) Anglers must retain first hatchery Chinook over 12 inches in length.
(iii) Night closure in effect.