Grays River to open for hatchery spring chinook and steelhead

May 21, 2009

May 21, 2009


Grays River to open for hatchery
spring chinook and 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 23, 2009

Location: Mainstem Grays River from the mouth to the South Fork
West Fork Grays River from the mouth to the hatchery intake/footbridge

Daily limits: Daily limit is six hatchery spring chinook of which no more than two may be adults. In addition, two hatchery steelhead may be retained. Salmon minimum size is 12 inches steelhead minimum size 20 inches. Wild Chinook and wild steelhead must be released. Release all trout except hatchery steelhead.

Other information: These areas are scheduled to open the first Saturday in June under the recently adopted permanent rules.

Reason for action: In the recent years, spring chinook strays from the nearby Select Area Fishery Evaluation sites have been found in the system. These fish are not needed for brood stock. Select Area commercial fisheries closed at the end of the April and have since re-opened with reduced areas and hours. This could result in more fish escaping past fisheries.

Stray hatchery summer run steelhead may also be found in the Grays River. Opening the sport fishery two weeks early will allow additional opportunity to harvest surplus 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.