Closes Green River (Cowlitz County) below Toutle Hatchery to fishing

October 14, 2022

Action: Closes all fishing.

Effective date: Oct. 15, 2022, until further notice.

Species affected: All species.

Location: Green River (Cowlitz Co.), from the mouth to the Toutle Hatchery rack.

Rule: Closed waters.

Reason for action: Broodstock collection at the North Toutle hatchery is lower than anticipated. Historically low water conditions in the Green River have reduced holding pools in the reach from the mouth to the hatchery creating conditions that limit fish movements and increase vulnerability to harvest. Closing fisheries in this reach until river conditions improve and salmon can reach the hatchery in adequate numbers will help meet broodstock collection goals.

Additional information: Fishery managers will continue to monitor river conditions as well as Chinook and coho returns to the Toutle Hatchery to determine when fisheries may be reopened.

Anglers can be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced by signing up for WDFW Regulation Updates at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.

Information contact: Josua Holowatz, District Fish Biologist, (360) 906-6771.

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.