Opens fishing in Grays Harbor and tributaries Dec. 14; changes salmon daily limit

December 11, 2015

December 11, 2015

Opens fishing in Grays Harbor and tributaries Dec. 14;
changes salmon daily limit

Action:

1. Rescinds fishing closures for gamefish and salmon in Grays Harbor (Catch Area 2-2) and all tributaries. Fishing is open only in the locations, and during the dates, listed in the 2015-16 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.

2. Changes salmon daily limit to 1 hatchery coho in the areas open to salmon fishing.

Effective Date: 12:01 a.m. Dec. 14, 2015.

Species affected: Salmon and gamefish.

Location: Grays Harbor Catch Area 2-2 and all tributaries.

Reason for action: Hatchery steelhead are returning to Grays Harbor tributaries. Wild coho salmon remain well below the escapement goals necessitating release of all wild salmon. However, historical catch data indicate that only a small percent of the recreational Coho catch occurs after November and therefore the impact to wild coho will be very small with these fisheries.

Other information: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will continue to monitor the of the coho return. All areas and seasons listed in the 2015-16 the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet are in affect except for changes listed above.

Information contact: Mike Scharpf, (360) 249-1205

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. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

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.