New ADA Access fishing site for disabled anglers opens on the Wishkah River

September 20, 2012

September 20, 2012


New ADA Access fishing site to open on
Wishkah River for disabled anglers

Action: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to close approximately 300 feet of the Wishkah River within the posted fishing boundary at the newly developed ADA Access site at the Mayr Bros Hatchery; closed waters from 150 feet downstream of the hatchery outfall structure to 150 feet upstream of the hatchery outfall structure. Disabled anglers having a designated harvester companion card, who are not ambulatory over natural terrain without a prosthesis or assistive device, or a person who is totally blind or visually impaired, will be allowed to fish in the new ADA Access area. All other rules for the river remain in effect.

Effective dates: Immediately through Dec. 31, 2012.

Species affected: All species.

Location: From 150 feet upstream to 150 feet downstream of the Wishkah adult attraction channel/outfall structure within the posted fishing boundary.

Daily limits: Trout, minimum size 14" and daily limit 2 fish. Other game fish, statewide minimum size and daily limits.
Salmon, Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, minimum size 12" and daily limit 6 fish, of which up to 2 may be adults. Release chinook, wild coho, and chum.

Reason for action: The Grays Harbor Poggie Club, which operates the hatchery for WDFW, has developed an ADA accessible fishing area adjacent to the adult attraction channel (fish ladder) outfall structure thereby providing opportunity for an ADA access only sport fishery without substantively impacting the current open access sport fishery.

Other information: Anglers should refer to the Sport fishing Rules 2012/2013 pamphlet edition, FISHING IN WASHINGTON for other ongoing fishing opportunities.

Information Contact: Information Contact: Mike Scharpf (360) 249-1205, Mike.Scharpf@dfw.wa.gov or Kirt Hughes (360) 249-1204, Kirt.Hughes@dfw.wa.gov

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.