Barbless hooks required in Willapa Bay tributaries

July 31, 2012

July 31, 2012

Barbless hooks required
in Willapa Bay tributaries

Action: Add barbless hook restrictions to sections of Willapa Bay tributaries where anti-snagging rules are currently in place.

Location:

North River from Salmon Creek up to Fall River;

South Fork Willapa River from mouth to bridge on Pehl Road;

Naselle River from Hwy. 101 bridge to Hwy. 4 bridge;

Bear River from mouth (Hwy. 101 bridge) to Lime Quarry Road.

Effective dates: Aug. 1 through Nov. 30, 2012, for South Fork Willapa and Naselle rivers, and Aug. 16 through Nov. 30, 2012, for Bear and North rivers.

Species affected: Salmon.

Daily limits: Daily limits for salmon are listed in WDFW's 2012-2013 Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet.

Reason for action: All river sections listed above require the release of wild chinook and chum. Barbless hooks provide greater ease for releasing fish.

Other information: Anglers should refer to WDFW's 2012-2013 Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet for other ongoing fishing opportunities.

Information Contact: Information Contact: Mike Scharpf, (360) 249-1205, mike.scharpf@dfw.wa.gov; or Kirt Hughes (360) 249-1204, kirt.hughes@dfw.wa.gov.

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. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

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.