Grays Harbor tributary fisheries update

October 27, 2022

Action:  Returns Grays Harbor and local independent tributaries to permanent rules as listed in the 2022/23 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.

Effective date:  Saturday, October 29, 2022

Species affected:  All Species.

Locations (includes all tributaries to listed areas):  

  1. Black River (Grays Harbor/Thurston Co.)
  2. Chehalis River (Grays Harbor Co.), mainstem from Fuller Bridge upstream, and all forks and tributaries from the mouth upstream.
  3. Cloquallum Creek (Grays Harbor/Mason Co.)
  4. Copalis River (Grays Harbor Co.)
  5. Elk River (Grays Harbor Co.)
  6. Hoquiam River including West and East forks (Grays Harbor Co.)
  7. Humptulips River including all forks (Grays Harbor Co.)
  8. Joe Creek (Grays Harbor Co.)
  9. Johns River (Grays Harbor Co.)
  10. Moclips River (Grays Harbor Co)
  11. Newaukum River, including all forks (Lewis Co.)
  12. Satsop River (Grays Harbor Co.), including all forks.
  13. Skookumchuck River (Lewis/Thurston Co.)
  14. Van Winkle Creek (Grays Harbor Co.)
  15. Wishkah River (Grays Harbor Co.), from the mouth to 200’ below the weir at the Wishkah Rearing Ponds and from 150’ upstream to 150’ downstream of the Wishkah adult attraction channel/outfall structure (within the posted fishing boundary).
  16. Wynoochee River (Grays Harbor Co.)

Reason for action:  Recent rain events have led to increased stream flows, allowing Chinook to migrate upstream to spawning grounds.

Additional information:  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:  Region 6 office, 360-249-4628

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.