Fishing for hatchery spring chinook will remain open on Kalama River

April 21, 2015

April 21, 2015


Kalama River to remain open to fishing
for hatchery spring chinook

Action: Kalama River anglers may continue to fish for hatchery spring chinook until further notice.

Effective date: Effective immediately

Species affected: Chinook salmon

Location: Kalama River from boundary markers at the mouth to 1,000 feet below fishway at the upper salmon hatchery.

Reason for action: The preseason forecast is for 1,900 adult spring chinook to return to the Kalama in 2015. The Kalama River sport fishery was originally set to close May 1. In-season fishery monitoring to date gives no indication the actual return will be other than the preseason forecast.

To ensure the hatchery escapement goal of 400 fish will be met, hatchery returns and fishery catches will continue to be closely monitored. To be conservative, the hatchery adult spring chinook daily limit will remain reduced to one fish.

Other information: The salmon daily limit is 6 hatchery chinook of which no more than 1 may be an adult. Release all salmon other than hatchery chinook. Minimum size is 12 inches. Barbless hooks are required to fish for salmon and steelhead. A Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement is required.

Beginning August 1, fishing will open for hatchery fall chinook and hatchery coho.

Information contact: (360) 696-6211. For latest information press *1010.

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.