September 24, 2024
Action: Opens angling for and retention of hatchery steelhead.
Effective date: Wednesday, Sept. 25 through Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.
Species affected: Hatchery steelhead.
Location: Drano Lake (Skamania County).
Rule: Salmon and hatchery steelhead daily limit is six (6) fish, of which only one (1) may be an adult salmon or hatchery steelhead. The salmon minimum size is 12 inches.
Reason for action: Summer steelhead fisheries for 2024 remained closed in Drano Lake due to low preseason forecasts and the need to limit Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed steelhead impacts in non-treaty fisheries. The estimated returns of A-index and B-index summer steelhead were recently increased from preseason forecasts. Due to the increased return sizes, sufficient fishery impacts are available to reopen hatchery steelhead retention, while also meeting conservation objectives for ESA-listed steelhead stocks.
Additional information: All other permanent rules remain in effect. Beginning Nov. 1, 2024, permanent rules published in the 2024-25 Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet will resume. Anglers are reminded to check the emergency rules webpage for updates or sign up for the Fishing Rule Change alerts email list on the WDFW webpage.
Information contact: Matt Gardner, District Fish Biologist, 360-906-6746.