WSR 26-12-071
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 26-96—Filed June 2, 2026, 10:20 a.m., effective June 10, 2026]
Effective Date of Rule: June 10, 2026.
Purpose: This emergency rule closes recreational fishing in Skykomish River.
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 rule is necessary to close recreational fishing seasons in the Skykomish River. Chinook impacts agreed to during the North of Falcon season setting process are insufficient to allow for June and July recreational fishing seasons. The preseason forecasted return for the Skykomish River system wild Chinook is very low. These protection measures are necessary to assist in wild Chinook conservation and recovery during critical migration and spawning periods. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: June 2, 2026.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000CFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective June 10 through July 13, 2026, provisions of WAC 220-312-040 regarding recreational fishing seasons for Skykomish river shall be 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:
Skykomish River, From the mouth to the confluence of North and South forks: All species closed.