March 7, 2003
Action: Closes the lower section of the East Fork Lewis River to all fishing. The lower river will re-open for hatchery steelhead only, under selective gear rules, April 16.
Effective date:
March 16-all fishing closes on the lower section of the East Fork Lewis River.
April 16-the lower section of the East Fork Lewis River open for hatchery steelhead fishing only, under selective gear rules, through May 31.
Location: Lower East Fork Lewis River (from the mouth upstream to the top boat ramp at Lewisville Park)
Reason for action: This rule change is an early implementation of regulatory action approved by the Fish and Wildlife Commission for the protection of wild winter steelhead in the East Fork Lewis River. This action is needed to protect wild fish until permanent rules become effective. The modification provides protection for wild steelhead smolts and spawners.
Other information: Wild steelhead release rules and selective gear rules are in effect. Anglers are permitted to harvest hatchery-origin (adipose or ventral-fin clipped and a healed scar in the location of the missing fin) steelhead only. Minimum size 20 inches; daily limit two fish. Selective Gear Rules are defined on page 15 of the WDFW 2002/03 Fishing Rules pamphlet.
Staff will continue to closely monitor wild fish escapements to determine the need for any future season changes. The river from the top boat ramp at Lewisville Park upstream is closed to all fishing March 16 through May 31.
Information contact: John Weinheimer, District 9 Fish Biologist, (360) 696-6211.
Effective date:
March 16-all fishing closes on the lower section of the East Fork Lewis River.
April 16-the lower section of the East Fork Lewis River open for hatchery steelhead fishing only, under selective gear rules, through May 31.
Location: Lower East Fork Lewis River (from the mouth upstream to the top boat ramp at Lewisville Park)
Reason for action: This rule change is an early implementation of regulatory action approved by the Fish and Wildlife Commission for the protection of wild winter steelhead in the East Fork Lewis River. This action is needed to protect wild fish until permanent rules become effective. The modification provides protection for wild steelhead smolts and spawners.
Other information: Wild steelhead release rules and selective gear rules are in effect. Anglers are permitted to harvest hatchery-origin (adipose or ventral-fin clipped and a healed scar in the location of the missing fin) steelhead only. Minimum size 20 inches; daily limit two fish. Selective Gear Rules are defined on page 15 of the WDFW 2002/03 Fishing Rules pamphlet.
Staff will continue to closely monitor wild fish escapements to determine the need for any future season changes. The river from the top boat ramp at Lewisville Park upstream is closed to all fishing March 16 through May 31.
Information contact: John Weinheimer, District 9 Fish Biologist, (360) 696-6211.