Portions of Rimrock Reservoir and South Fork Tieton River to close

August 10, 2023

Action: Closes shoreline fishing for game fish in a portion of the Rimrock Reservoir in the vicinity of South Fork Tieton River and all game fish fishing in South Fork Tieton.

Species affected: All species.

Dates: Aug. 15 through Dec. 1, 2023.

Locations:

  1. Rimrock Reservoir (Lake): Closed to shoreline (bank) fishing for gamefish from the intersection of Forest Rd 1200/Tieton Reservoir Rd and Forest Road 1203 to the intersection of Forest Rd 1200/Tieton Reservoir Rd and Forest Road 1000.
  2. South Fork Tieton River: Closed to fishing for game fish from the mouth to bridge on USFS Rd 1070, including that portion that flows through the lakebed of Rimrock Reservoir lying north of the bridge on Forest Rd 1200/Tieton Reservoir Rd.

Reason for action: This action is needed to limit impacts on ESA Threatened bull trout which stage in the reservoir near the mouth of the South Fork Tieton River. Recent estimates of bull trout spawning have indicated population declines and this measure is intended to limit targeted and incidental bull trout catch.

Additional information: Anglers are reminded that the lower portion of South Fork Tieton River is closed to fishing year-round. Other major tributaries to Rimrock Reservoir are either closed year-round or close on Aug. 15. Please check regulations in the 2023/24 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet or contact the Region 3 office for more information.

Information contact: Region 3, 509-575-2740, or Trevor Hutton, Region 3 Fish Program Manager, 564-200-2094.

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.