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. 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.