Summary of proposed rule
The Department is considering a proposed change that would open a previously closed section of Chelan River by allowing catch-and-release fishing only, using only barbless hooks with no bait.
Scope and rationale for proposed rule
In 2015, fishing was closed in the upper Chelan River to facilitate a multi-year evaluation of resident game fish restoration efforts. Closing recreational fishing was deemed necessary and appropriate to eliminate the effect of angler harvest and/or catch-and-release mortality on resident game fish. Results from the evaluation show that populations of resident gamefish in the upper Chelan River are sufficiently abundant to support recreational fishing.
The upper reach of the Chelan River from the Chelan PUD powerhouse up to the Lake Chelan Dam (3.6-miles) is inaccessible by anadromous salmon and steelhead due to a 0.4-mile steep gorge area with several waterfalls (5-20 feet). This reach is currently closed to fishing under permanent WAC. Open the currently closed portion of the Chelan River to recreational fishing. No anticipated effects are expected. This proposal would change the existing closed fishing rule and open it up to recreational fishing.
Documents
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 22-15-111 on
CR-102 supplemental documents
Additional resources and links
Public hearing
September 22-24, 2022 at 8:00 am
In-person at the Ocean Shores Convention Center: 120 W Chance a La Mer NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
and online via webinar
See https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission or contact the Commission office at (360) 902-2267 or commission@dfw.wa.gov for instructions on how to join the meeting.
A decision was reached during the Fish and Wildlife Commission's October 7, 2022 meeting. Due to access and safety concerns that were raised during the public comment period, the Commission decided to not adopt the Department's proposed rule that had resulted from the granted petition. As a result, the Department will be withdrawing the proposed rule from further consideration.
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October 7, 2022
Commission Decision on the Proposed Rule
Due to property access and safety concerns that were raised during the public comment period, the Fish and Wildlife Commission decided to not adopt the proposed rule.
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September 22-24, 2022
Fish and Wildlife Commission Public Hearing
Verbal public testimony accepted at this time.
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July 20, 2022
CR-102 Rule Proposal Filed
The public was encouraged to submit written comments on the proposed rule at this time.
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February 25, 2022
Rule Petition Briefing and Decision
The Fish and Wildlife Commission voted to grant the petition and directed the agency to initiate rule making.
For more information
Staff Contact: kelly.henderson@dfw.wa.gov
Public comments
The comment period closed as of September 24, 2022.
To view comments on this proposal, please visit the Chelan River Fishing Rule Making public engagement page.