Grays River to open early to fishing for hatchery spring chinook and hatchery steelhead

May 15, 2015

May 15, 2015

Grays River to open early to fishing for hatchery
spring chinook and hatchery steelhead

Action: The mainstem and West Fork Grays River will open two weeks early to fishing for hatchery spring chinook and hatchery steelhead.

Species affected: Chinook and steelhead

Effective dates: May 17 through June 5, 2015.

Location:

Mainstem Grays from the mouth to the South Fork.
West Fork Grays from the mouth to the hatchery intake/footbridge.

Daily limits: The salmon and steelhead daily limit is six fish of which no more than two may be hatchery adult chinook or hatchery steelhead or one of each. Salmon minimum size is 12 inches. Wild chinook and wild steelhead must be released. Release all fish except hatchery chinook and hatchery steelhead.

Other information: A Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement is required.

The mainstem and West Fork Grays will open to fishing for hatchery spring chinook and hatchery steelhead as scheduled on the first Saturday in June (which occurs on June 6 this year). Bait may be used during these seasons but barbless hooks are required.

Under the recently adopted permanent regulations, effective July 1, the hatchery steelhead daily limit will be 3 fish. All hatchery steelhead must be retained – no catch-and-release.

Effective June 6, the hatchery chinook daily limit will be 6 fish of which no more than 2 may be adults.

Reason for action: Spring chinook strays from the nearby Select Area Fishery Evaluation sites have been found in the system. These fish are not needed for broodstock.

Opening the mainstem and West Fork Grays two weeks early will allow additional opportunity to harvest surplus hatchery spring chinook and hatchery steelhead.

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.