Rules Category: Eastern Washington and Columbia Region Freshwater
Species covered in proposed rule • Steelhead
Rule to Change: Kalama River (Cowlitz Co.)
from 1000' above fishway at upper salmon hatchery upstream to Summers Creek. All Game fish Year-round. Catch-and-release.
from Summers Creek upstream to Kalama Falls
New Rule Proposal: Add to each area listed above: Except up to two hatchery steelhead may be retained.
Why the change is needed: Hatchery steelhead are volitionally passing over (lower) Kalama Falls and are reaching upstream spawning areas. To reduce the numbers of hatchery fish that may spawn naturally and negatively impact wild steelhead, increased harvest opportunity is needed.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: This proposed rule change has been discussed with the Steelhead Management Work Group (public) which has been meeting with Region 5 staff to develop watershed specific Steelhead Management Plans.
Describe their support and/or concerns:
The Steelhead Management Work Group supports this proposal.
Submitted by: DAMMERS, WOLF — ,
Date submitted: 06/13/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Recommended for Public Comment Reference ID: DFW363799
Rule Change Recommendation Short Title Increase hatchery steelhead harvest opportunity in the Kalama River
Rules Category Eastern Washington and Columbia Region Freshwater
Type of Rule Change Proposal Recreational
County or Location Information Cowlitz County
Short Description Allow retention of hatchery steelhead from Summers Creek upstream to Kalama Falls.
Explanation Hatchery (ad-clipped)steelhead are volitionally passed over (lower) Kalama Falls and are reaching upstream spawning areas. This rule will reduce the numbers of hatchery fish that may spawn naturally and negatively impact wild steelhead.
