February 20, 2020
Action: Eulachon smelt will be open from 8:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. (5-hour period).
Rules: Daily limit is 10lbs only. Harvesters may use handheld dipnets only. It is unlawful to harvest smelt from a vessel.
Effective date: February 26, 2020.
Species affected: Eulachon smelt.
Location: Cowlitz River, from Hwy. 432 Bridge to the Al Helenberg Memorial Boat Ramp (located approximately 1,300 feet upstream of the Hwy. 411/A Street Bridge in Castle Rock.
Reason for action: Recent test fisheries indicate the eulachon run size is large enough to support an additional recreational opening. The recreational fishery also serves as an important test fishery to collect additional biological data.
Additional information: No license required. All smelt caught must be retained up to the daily limit.
Hand dip net gear may not exceed 36 inches across the bag frame with a maximum mesh size of 5/8 inch stretch mesh size and must have a rigid handle.
Information contact: Region 5 office; 360-696-6211
Rules: Daily limit is 10lbs only. Harvesters may use handheld dipnets only. It is unlawful to harvest smelt from a vessel.
Effective date: February 26, 2020.
Species affected: Eulachon smelt.
Location: Cowlitz River, from Hwy. 432 Bridge to the Al Helenberg Memorial Boat Ramp (located approximately 1,300 feet upstream of the Hwy. 411/A Street Bridge in Castle Rock.
Reason for action: Recent test fisheries indicate the eulachon run size is large enough to support an additional recreational opening. The recreational fishery also serves as an important test fishery to collect additional biological data.
Additional information: No license required. All smelt caught must be retained up to the daily limit.
Hand dip net gear may not exceed 36 inches across the bag frame with a maximum mesh size of 5/8 inch stretch mesh size and must have a rigid handle.
Information contact: Region 5 office; 360-696-6211