May 4, 2020
Action: Close all fishing in the Chehalis Basin until the Saturday before Memorial Day.
Effective date: Feb. 17 through May 22, 2020.
Species affected: All species.
Location: Chehalis, Elk, Johns, Hoquiam, Newaukum, Satsop, Skookumchuck, Wishkah, and Wynoochee rivers and their tributaries, and Cloquallum and Elk creeks and their tributaries.
Reason for action: The preseason forecasted return of Chehalis Basin wild steelhead is 6,616 fish; this is far below the conservation goal of 8,600 spawning steelhead. Review of in-season harvest data indicates that the return may even be lower than the preseason forecast. In addition, the estimate of Chehalis Basin wild steelhead returning to spawn have not reached the escapement goal for each of the last three years. Based on this, state and tribal co-managers are in agreement that measures need to be taken to correct this declining trend.
Additional information: Fishery closures occur annually in the spring to provide protection for juvenile salmon and steelhead. All tribal fisheries in the Chehalis Basin have closed.
Anglers are reminded to always check for emergency rule changes prior to fishing. Rule changes can be found online at https: //fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/ or by calling the fishing hotline at 360-902-2500.
Information contact: Region 6 Office, 360-249-4628
Effective date: Feb. 17 through May 22, 2020.
Species affected: All species.
Location: Chehalis, Elk, Johns, Hoquiam, Newaukum, Satsop, Skookumchuck, Wishkah, and Wynoochee rivers and their tributaries, and Cloquallum and Elk creeks and their tributaries.
Reason for action: The preseason forecasted return of Chehalis Basin wild steelhead is 6,616 fish; this is far below the conservation goal of 8,600 spawning steelhead. Review of in-season harvest data indicates that the return may even be lower than the preseason forecast. In addition, the estimate of Chehalis Basin wild steelhead returning to spawn have not reached the escapement goal for each of the last three years. Based on this, state and tribal co-managers are in agreement that measures need to be taken to correct this declining trend.
Additional information: Fishery closures occur annually in the spring to provide protection for juvenile salmon and steelhead. All tribal fisheries in the Chehalis Basin have closed.
Anglers are reminded to always check for emergency rule changes prior to fishing. Rule changes can be found online at https: //fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/ or by calling the fishing hotline at 360-902-2500.
Information contact: Region 6 Office, 360-249-4628