Adult salmon daily limit reduced in the Wind River

February 29, 2024

Adult salmon daily limit reduced in the Wind River

Action: Reduces the adult salmon portion of daily limit to one (1).

Effective date: March 16, 2024, until further notice.

Species affected: Salmon and steelhead.

Location: Wind River from the mouth to 800 yards downstream of Carson National Fish Hatchery. The mouth of the Wind River is defined by the buoy line markers south of the Highway 14 bridge.

Salmon and hatchery steelhead rules: Daily limit 6. Up to one (1) adult salmon and one (1) hatchery steelhead, or up to two (2) hatchery steelhead may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho. Release wild steelhead.

Reason for action: The preseason forecast of spring Chinook returning to the Wind River (4,156 adults) indicates that a reduced adult salmon daily limit is needed to provide spring Chinook angling opportunity and help ensure broodstock collection goals at Carson National Fish Hatchery. 

Additional information: WDFW will continue to monitor spring Chinook returns with co-managers and National Fish Hatchery staff to determine if further fishery modification is needed. All other permanent rules and closed waters areas remain in effect. Please refer to the Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for additional information. Anglers are reminded to always check for emergency rule change updates prior to fishing.

Information contact: Matt Gardner, District Fish Biologist, 360-906-6746.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at 360-902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call toll free 866-880-5431.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.