Cascade River fishery closes Dec. 19

December 16, 2009

Action: Closes the lower Cascade River to all fishing.

Effective dates: Dec. 19, 2009, through Jan. 31, 2010.

Species affected: All game fish.

Location: Cascade River from the mouth upstream to Rockport-Cascade Road Bridge.

Reasons for action: The Marblemount Hatchery facility has approximately 10 percent of the egg-take requirements that are needed to achieve the release target of 229,000 hatchery steelhead smolts. The closure of the fishery is necessary in order to collect sufficient fish to meet broodstock needs.

Other information: That portion of the Cascade River is scheduled to re-open to recreational fishing Feb. 1, 2010. However, if spawning goals are met before then, the department could re-open the river earlier.

Information Contact: Brett Barkdull, District 14 Fish Biologist, 360-466-4345 ext. 270, barkdbcb@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.