Daily limit for hatchery steelhead will increase on the Cowlitz and North Fork Lewis Rivers

June 29, 2006

Date: June 29, 2006

Daily limit for hatchery steelhead will increase
on the Cowlitz and North Fork Lewis Rivers


Action: Increase bag limit to 3 hatchery steelhead on the Cowlitz River and North Fork Lewis River

Effective dates: Cowlitz River July 1 through Oct. 31; North Fork Lewis River downstream of Colvin Creek July 1 through Oct. 31 and upstream of Colvin Creek July 1 through Sept. 30.

Species affected: summer steelhead

Location: Cowlitz River from the Hwy 4 Bridge at Kelso upstream to 400 feet or posted markers below the Barrier Dam; North Fork Lewis River from the I-5 Bridge upstream to the overhead powerlines below Merwin Dam.

Reasons for action: Summer steelhead runs on the Cowlitz and Lewis River are very strong and hatchery escapement goals will be met.

Other information: On the Cowlitz River, the trout daily limit is 5 fish, no more than 3 over 20 inches. Minimum size 12 inches. Release wild cutthroat, wild steelhead and steelhead with missing right ventral fins.

On the North Fork Lewis River, wild steelhead and all other trout must be released.

Surplus hatchery steelhead are being recycled downstream each week on the Cowlitz and North Fork Lewis rivers.

Information contact: Wolf Dammers/John Weinheimer 360/696-6211

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.