Portion of lower Elwha River to close for fishing

September 30, 2010

Action: Closes the section of the Elwha River from the Aldwell Lake Dam (lower Elwha Dam) downstream to the new bridge on Elwha River Road.

Effective Dates: Oct. 1 through Nov. 15, 2010

Species affected: All species

Location: The Elwha River from the Aldwell Lake Dam (lower Elwha Dam) downstream to the new bridge on Elwha River Road.

Reason for action: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has initiated a fish counting project in the upper section of the lower Elwha River, and the area is also needed for collection of chinook broodstock. The number of Endangered Species Act listed chinook returning to the Elwha River is down this year, making broodstock collection more difficult. Closing this section of river will help minimize disturbances to the spawning fish and facilitate more efficient broodstock collection.

Other information: This section from Aldwell Lake Dam to the Elwha River Road will re-open Nov. 16 for trout and other game fish. The section of the Elwha River downstream of the new bridge on Elwha River Road will open Oct.1 for coho salmon and trout as described in the 2010/2011 Sportfishing Rules Pamphlet.

Information contacts: Mike Gross, (360) 249-1210; Randy Cooper, (360) 765-3979; Kirt Hughes, (360) 249-1204.

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.